#036 ⤑ Exploring Art Book Fairs: What We’ve Learned from Jakarta to Berlin
10 Takeaways from Attending Art Book Fairs + Other news
Hey everyone,
At the end of last year, we explored the Jakarta Art Book Fair, and this year we visited Ghent, Unlock in Munich, and Miss Read in Berlin. While we enjoy the energy, size, and scale of larger fairs like London and Frankfurt attending these indie art book fairs feels like we're paying our dues and helps us see where we are on our journey as independent publishers.
So here’s ten things that stood out to us:
Big Cities, Bigger Crowds, Better Returns
It's almost a given but the larger the city, the larger the audience, and typically, the greater the payoff. But size isn’t everything. While the numbers might impress, it's the engagement that truly matters.
Jakarta Art Book Fair 2023 Forget the Big Returns – Focus on Learning
If you're attending these fairs with the sole aim of making huge profits, you’ve got it all wrong. It's about seeing what people are making and buying. You’ll learn what's catching people's attention, what resonates with buyers, and where particular trends are heading.But always remember, it's an art book fair, it doesn't represent the entirety of the art and design book buying public.
Ghent Art Book Fair, 2024 Keep Your Mind Open
We've stumbled upon some remarkable books that deserve far more recognition. At the same time, there's plenty of work that feels overly self-indulgent. We just try and stay into it because you never know when you'll discover a hidden gem for yourself or even an idea that can be repurposed in your own way.Stay Close to the Action
Book your accommodation near the fair itself. The less time spent commuting, the more time you'll have to explore the fair, meet people, get out there and make the most of your visit.
Unlock Book Fair, 2024 See Both Sides of the Coin
While art book fairs have their own charm, it's worth attending mainstream fairs like Frankfurt and London as well. The comparison is enlightening and revealing, with these larger events offering a broader perspective on the publishing industry.
Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 Art Book Fairs in Asia Are On the Rise
The growing number of art book fairs in Asia reflects broader economic shifts, and it's fantastic to see a younger crowd getting involved. Cities like Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Tokyo have become hotspots for these events, each hosting fairs that celebrate both local and international talent. These gatherings showcase a vibrant mix of styles and ideas so its worth putting one or two on your list to visit.
Soi Books stand at Jakarta Art Book Fair, 2023. Explore the Local Bookstores
Make some time to visit some local bookstores during your trip. You'll get a sense of what's moving in the local market and how shops arrange titles. It's an opportunity to pick up on regional nuances that aren't always apparent at the fair or online.Collaboration
One of the greatest parts of these fairs is meeting other publishers. The relationships you build here can be invaluable down the line. Since visiting Unlock earlier this year, we're kicking off a project with another art book publisher - big shoutout to Chemistry Publishing in the Netherlands. We've also bought stock from a bunch of these fairs to sell on our Stickerbomb site, which shows how art book fairs really help the ecosystem.Understand Why You're There
It's important to understand why you're attending these fairs. Selling our books allows us to connect with the audience, we've also found that purchasing stock for our online shop diversifies our store and supports the broader community.
Miss Read, Berlin, 2024. Make the Most of the Post-Fair Scene
The official events are just the beginning. Some of the best connections and insights happen after hours, over a drink or dinner with fellow artists, creatives and publishers.Wrapping up our art book fair experiences, one thing's clear: these events are about so much more than just sales. They offer a chance to connect and see what people are making.
News and Updates
Fresh Arrivals on Stickerbombworld:
Coastalvision: Our D&AD design award-winning title capturing stunning coastal imagery—definitely worth a look.
Selamat Datang: Welcome: Typographic Streetscapes in Malaysia: Explore the rich typographic landscapes found throughout Malaysia's streets.
How to Make a Zine? Self-Publishing for Artists: Interested in making your own zine? This guide is just the thing.
Got Your Back by Aziziah Diah Aprilya: A lovely photography book filled with heartfelt moments.
New Blog Posts on Soi Books:
From Bali's Craft Beer and Football Sticker Scene: Dive into Bali's vibrant craft culture and explore the unique world of football stickers.
Visiting Brand London at the Excel Centre: Join us as we check out the latest trends and happenings from Brand London.
That’s it for now! Thanks as ever for reading.