GAINING INSPIRATION from ARTWORK of the TIME PERIOD

Pieter Breugel the Elder  1525-1569

Dutch Renaissance Painter

When in doubt of what are appropriate colors to wear, or environments to reproduce, it is always helpful to reference the artwork of the times. Remember that apart from chronicling the times they lived in, artists like Bruegel were also painting in the colors that were available to his contemporaries. There were no vinyl signs in the 1600’s, Helvetica has a typeface wouldn’t arrive for 400 years, and neon colors were non-existent. Earth tones were the Technicolor of their day, and no matter how much you like purple, only royalty could afford to wear it.

FOCUS MONEY on DETAILS - GROW THEME OVER TIME

When you have an entire Faire site to theme it is tempting to try and spread your budget thinly over the entire event. Although that is one approach, another way to think of your Faire is like a Christmas tree. Each year we bring out that box of old ornaments and decorate our tree, and each year we add one or two more ornaments to the collection. Over the years your box of ornaments has grown, and with it the memories as each piece is re-hung.  Your Faire is no different, if you invest in just a few well designed, thoughtful pieces of décor, graphics, or one new environment, your event will grow is size, complexity, and depth over the years. The secret is to make each year’s addition count. Use materials that will last, are easy to store between Faires, and have the most potential of being reused, and not always in the same place. Also instill some kind of Story into each piece. The more depth and history the item, environment, banner, or graphic contains, the deeper the experience of seeing it has for both you and your returning guests.