Your Guide to a Standout Craft Fair Application

Submitting the Best Application for Jackalope

We want to take a moment to go in-depth about what we’re looking for at Jackalope Arts—and how you can increase your chances of being accepted by our jury.

Your application is your resume to our team. It’s your chance to make a first impression and show the jury who you are, what you create, and why you’d be a great fit for our community. Keep in mind that our jury often changes from show to show, so don’t assume they’ve seen your work before—treat every application as a fresh introduction.

While we welcome a wide variety of art and handmade goods, there are certain qualities our jury keeps in mind when reviewing submissions. Here’s a detailed look at what can make your application stand out:

✨ What We’re Looking For

1. Unique, Trendsetting, and Original Work

We love seeing artisans push boundaries and bring something new to the table. Whether your work is innovative in design, materials, or concept, we want to see what sets you apart. Think beyond the standard “craft fair” fare—surprise us! Use your application description to tell the story behind your work: what inspires you, what makes your process special, and why customers connect with your creations.

flower necklace

cocktail mixers

2. Strong Photos—Show Your Work at Its Best

High-quality images make a huge difference. They’re your main visual representation to the jury.

Include:

• Close-up shots of your signature pieces.

  

  

  

  close up of knit bag on display

• Lifestyle or in-use photos that help us (and shoppers) imagine your products in the real world.

  

  slow fashion pink sweater

  

  artist with her artwork

  

  nut butter on a spoon

• Booth photos, if you’ve done shows before. This helps us understand your presentation style and professionalism.

  • If you haven’t participated in a fair yet, consider creating a mock booth setup at home. This not only strengthens your application but helps you prepare for future events.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

3. Polish and Professionalism in Presentation

Even if your art is rustic or whimsical, your presentation should be intentional.

Pay attention to:

• Cohesive branding and packaging

• Clear and consistent logo use

• Professional-looking product tags, signage, or display ideas

These details help show that you’re ready to represent your brand in a busy marketplace.

4. Active and Updated Web Presence

We often visit your website and social media to get a better sense of your work. Before submitting, make sure:

• All links work correctly (broken links are a big red flag).

• Your website and socials are current and active.

• Your shop pages reflect your best work and branding.

We love seeing artisans who share their process, new designs, and event participation online—it shows passion and engagement with your craft.

5. Strong Branding That Tells a Story

Even if your medium is common (like jewelry, candles, or ceramics), your brand should feel distinct. Think about your “sparkle”—the little something that makes your work yours.

Ask yourself:

• What does my brand say about me as an artist?

• Do my packaging, materials, and presentation reflect that story?

• Would someone recognize my style or product line from a glance?

Tell that story through your photos, product names, and descriptions.

🧾 Before You Hit Submit

We can’t stress this enough—double-check everything before submitting your application.

✅ Make sure your email address is correct.

✅ Test all your website and social media links.

✅ Avoid linking to general sites (like “etsy.com”)—always share your direct shop URL.

✅ Review your images and description one last time for clarity and polish.

🚫 What We’re Not Looking For

• Vintage, resale, or mass-produced items. Jackalope is a handmade-only fair. We want to see the creator behind the work, not a reseller.

• Commercial product consultants or distributors.

• Applications with missing or unclear photos. Our jury can’t evaluate what they can’t see—take time to curate your best work for review.

• AI created work.

Our goal is to highlight makers—people who design, craft, and build their products with intention and artistry.

We Can’t Wait to See Your Work!

We’re so excited to review your application and continue supporting our incredible community of independent artists and makers.

📬 Have questions about your application?

Email us anytime at vendors@jackalopeartfair.com.

📅 Not quite ready to apply yet?

Stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletter for updates, deadlines, and helpful tips.

We can’t wait to see what you create—and maybe welcome you to our next Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair!