#IHIMSpringPostingChallenge2026 💛 Spring is officially here and with it comes fresh energy, new markets, and new opportunities to grow your creative business. Did you know spring lasts 93 days? That means if you complete all 31 prompts in this challenge, you are only posting on one third of the days this season. That is it. This is about consistency, not burnout. The goal of the #IHIMSpringPostingChallenge2026 is simple: help makers and artists stay visible, connect with the

By Sara Thompto Owner/Founder I Heart Indie Markets There is something special about a market day. The busy setup. The calm that happens right before the event starts, and then the first sale. The conversations with strangers who instantly connect with your work. The feeling of watching someone walk away holding something you made with your own hands. But here is what many makers and craft vendors eventually realize. A single market sale is exciting. A repeat customer is what

Our maker spotlight series not only allows you to learn more about the maker, it also allows you to learn from  the maker!  Follow along and learn insight and receive advice right from the makers who make this creative maker’s market world so beautiful.  Without further ado… Meet Jackie Barron. Through Flowering Fields Designs, Jackie turns original pen and ink florals into thoughtful paper goods designed to be shared and treasured. Her work blends joy, beauty, and heartfelt

By Sara Thompto Owner/Founder I Heart Indie Markets Being a solo entrepreneur in the arts can be deeply fulfilling and also incredibly isolating. You are the designer, marketer, photographer, accountant, event staff, and customer service department all in one. You can go days working alone in your studio, packing orders at your kitchen table, or prepping for markets without really talking to anyone who understands what you do. If you are not intentional, it is easy to drift i

Our maker spotlight series not only allows you to learn more about the maker, it also allows you to learn from  the maker!  Follow along and learn insight and receive advice right from the makers who make this creative maker’s market world so beautiful.  Without further ado… Meet Barry Roitblat, a woodturning artisan who transforms raw, often overlooked pieces of wood into striking functional art. Through his intricate bowls, platters, and peppermills, Barry reveals the hidde

Our maker spotlight series not only allows you to learn more about the maker, it also allows you to learn from  the maker!  Follow along and learn insight and receive advice right from the makers who make this creative maker’s market world so beautiful.  Without further ado… Meet Ronea Cabrera, the creative force behind Beaded Seed by Ronea. Known for her classic yet expressive polymer clay jewelry, Ronea has grown her pandemic side hustle into a brand that celebrates indivi

By Sara Thompto Owner/Founder I Heart Indie Markets Showing up to a maker's market or art fair with beautiful products is only half the equation. The vendors who consistently see strong sales usually start marketing well before event day. If you are wondering how to promote your booth at a craft fair or how to increase sales at a makers market, it starts with one simple mindset shift: Self-promotion is just as important as seeing promotion from the market organizer. Any stro

Our maker spotlight series not only allows you to learn more about the maker, it also allows you to learn from  the maker!  Follow along and learn insight and receive advice right from the makers who make this creative world so beautiful.  Without further ado… Name:  Michael Burmesch Business Name: Mb Squared Photography Instagram : @mbsquaredphotography Facebook:   @mbsquaredphoto Website:   https://michaelburmesch.com/mbsquaredphotography What do you Make?  I am a local Bay

By Sara Thompto Owner/Founder I Heart Indie Markets Being a maker or artist is rewarding, but it can also feel competitive. Booths at craft fairs, limited markets, and online sales can make it tempting to focus only on your own success. But in the maker and arts world, a mindset shift makes all the difference: community over competition. Choosing community over competition can feel vulnerable at first. When you openly help others, share tips, or promote fellow makers, it’s na

By Sara Thompto Owner/Founder I Heart Indie Markets If you are preparing for a makers market, one of the most important things you can do is plan your vendor booth design intentionally. At I Heart Indie Markets, we see hundreds of booths every season. The ones that consistently draw people in are not always the biggest or the most expensive. They are thoughtful. Your booth is more than a table. It is your storefront, your first impression, and a physical extension of your bra

By Sara Thompto Owner/Founder I Heart Indie Markets If you’re a maker, artist, or vendor, you know that a great product is only half the story. How your items look online, on social media, or in vendor applications can make a huge difference in whether someone stops scrolling, clicks “buy,” or remembers your brand.  Photos matter because they are often the first impression people have of your work. This is especially true for applications you my be filling out, whether that’s

By Sara Thompto Owner/Founder I Heart Indie Markets Are you finding it harder to show up online right now? Does promoting your work feel strange or performative in the middle of everything happening in this political climate? Maybe you are posting less, engaging less, or second guessing every caption because it all feels a little hollow. If you are an artist or maker who wants to keep creating, keep bringing joy, and quietly resist the tone of the current leadership while sti