This is Sian Ellis

The portfolio of Illustrator Sian Ellis

Tag: virtual market

Market Announcement: Darksome Arts and Craft Virtual Market “EVERYDAY IS HALLOWEEN”

Posted on by sian

This is a big one, baby! It’s no secret that Covid takes the trophy this year for messing everything up. EVERYTHING. Finding any kind of silver lining has been tough. I lost my job, I couldn’t meet my newborn nephew, and I was still a lot luckier than a lot of other people. Taking part in the Darksome Art & Craft market is definitely a silver lining for me!

A Weekend market in Halloween town

Last month I was interviewed by the Halloween arts and Travel Podcast. The podcast is US based and we talked about the differences in markets in the US and UK. Primarily Halloween and oddities markets. We talked about how these things don’t exist in the UK. Which is a huge shame I’m sure you’ll agree! I always look upon them on social media and dream I could attend!

When I saw that the fabulous Darksome Art and Craft we’re running an ‘Everyday is Halloween Market’ online I didn’t think twice about applying. I didn’t want to hold my breath though. With so many talented artists on their books I knew it would be competitive. Plus applying from the other side of the world felt like a big of a punt for sure! When I got accepted I was super excited!

One Helluva Birthday Bash

The market is taking place on the weekend of 16-18th October. With my birthday slap bang in the middle of it. I’d say that’s a good excuse for me to treat myself to some spooky birthday gifts. The line up has been announced on the official facebook event and it looks brilliant. The wonderful Defective Pudding has created an excellent poster for the event. I love her work and have a few prized possessions by her up in my studio. I think it’s nice for the market to be able to host artists from other corners of the world too. So I am humbled and happy that we are offering something new to each other.

It’s always nice to take part in a market that is 100% spooky. It doesn’t happen often, especially here in the UK. It’s nice to be trading alongside artists in a similar field. It’s brilliant to be curated as part of that. The market will take place on a dedicated website created by Darksome Art and Craft themselves so follow them on social media or look out on mine for more details of how to get involved.

There might even be a discount on offer in honour of the occasion. I’ll definitely be producing more video content too. This went well at the Etsy Made Local market last month and it’ll be nice to share my work and my studio with some new fans as well as existing supporters. Can’t wait to see you there! 

Etsy Made Local (EML) Virtual Market Sheffield 2020

Posted on by sian

This weekend I am taking part in my first ever EML market. Not only is it my first EML but it is also Sheffield’s first ever EML online. 

Now you might be thinking you have been to online markets before, but trust me when I say that this one is special. There are virtual booths for you to visit during the event for one thing. Hosted on the site Hopin you just link easily to your facebook account and you can enter and browse. This platform provides a new and exciting way to shop. The chance to browse all the makers and the dive in to watch their product videos and live sessions means it’s the closest thing to being at an actual market since all events ceased four months ago.

It’s alive! (Live market that is) 

The live element means you get the chance to connect with sellers in a more meaningful way. There is even a chat function where you can ask sellers questions directly and get an immediate response. Each seller has a different time slot that they will man their booths and stream live video content from their homes and studios. Over the two day market in the times that the sellers pop away from their stall you will still be able to browse their online shops and watch their pre recorded product videos. The chance to get to know the makers and faces behind the brand makes it a unique shopping experience. There will also be discounts available from sellers for the weekend online, visible in their individual booths.

Testing, Testing

The market is part of a trial by the folk at Etsy to create high quality online markets for 2020. With worldwide lockdowns and bannings of mass events the need to shift how we run markets is urgent. Sheffield was lucky enough to have been picked to be part of the trial with just a handful of other cities. For many makers (like myself) it will be our first live streaming experience too. It’s all a valuable part of adapting your business to the new normal. Hopefully we can all use our new skills more regularly in our promotions too. I certainly intend to experiment more with my Youtube channel now it is set up.

I will be live streaming on Hopin at 1pm on Saturday. I’ll be in my studio with a stall set up and running through some of the items I have available.  From 2pm I’ll pop back up on Instagram live this time and give you a tour of my spooky new working space. 

Browse now, win big and shop later!

The link to the event and a very exciting competition can be found at https://facebook.com/events/s/etsy-made-local-online-sheffie/3023678494383857/

The competition offers the chance for one lucky so and so to win £40 to spend at the shop of their choice. At my online store that’s enough to grab you a nice little bundle of goodies! Just visit the facebook post to find out how to enter before Friday August 7th.

You’ll also find the lookbook which spotlights every maker taking part. It’s a great way to discover new artists and do a little bit of window shopping before the big day. Heck you might even learn something new about me in the bio section!

Supporting small businesses now is even huger than ever in the current climate. Plus who doesn’t like shopping from home with a brew and your pyjamas? Join the facebook event and remember to pop by online this weekend to grab some wonderful goodies form a range of local artists and makers.