How do I go about nonmusical busking?

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 11:50 AM

Paris is teeming with the black/white artists that foolstroupe described too. They just sidle up as you sit outside a bar/cafe and present you with the silhouette, that they have just spent ten mins cutting out while you weren't aware.
A couple of euros change hands and everyone's richer. Makes a good memento.

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 11:36 AM

"When I first saw this I thought, "Non-music busking? Isn't that basically panhandling?" Spaw

My first thought was: Isn't that known as a 'soapbox orator"?

In Juneau, portraitists (?) frequently set up inside a mall hall. I have no idea what they pay for the space.

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 11:21 AM

Check with the alderman's office for the area you want. Whatever is or is not legal will be interpreted within the usual Chicago patronage system.... it's always a good idea in Chicago to get the alderman's blessing in advance to prevent turf wars or nosy cops from breaking up the fun.

~Former Chicagoan

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 09:05 AM

Check about laws concerning doing any kind of business in city parks. I'll bet you need a license in most places.

You're right that it's a bit more difficult to have someone sit for you, or stand for you the time it takes to make a sketch, but I agree it can be done and you'll make a fair amount if you're any good.

Check out to see if there are any pavement artists working around the city. In cities across Europe, I've seen both of these types working in the same areas and they seem to compliment each other.

I'm originally from the Chicago area and know there are lots of places you can check out...but as I said, if you're going to be somewhere like Lincoln Park, or around Buckingham fountain (both great sites) you might have more trouble than if you hit the beaches that are less patroled.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 08:26 AM

Two guys I have seen ...

A old guy who could rapidly cut silhouettes with small sharp scissors - he used a black and a white sheet of paper, so you got 2 for your money. He used to do the 'Show Circuit' in Oz - a few years ago I saw a younger guy doing it, but his output was not as accurate.

A guy who could make any name into a badge with a clip in gold plated wire in a few minutes.

Both were 'selling a service', but lots of people just had to stop and watch.

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: jimmyt
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 08:01 AM

One of the craziest and most effective busker I ever saw as a guy at Fisherman's warf in San Frnacisco. He just had a pile of brush that he would hide behind, then run out and scare the hell out of passers by. He drew a crowd and talked them in to contributions if he scared the next person. He was making more money than anyone on the street! just goes to show you if you have the showmanship I guess you can make anything work! pd he scared the living hell out of me also. I would be afraid someone would shoot him or have a heart attack!

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 06:23 AM

Hi, I used to do this in my dim and distant youth, most important thing is to pick a site where people have time and space to stand around and watch or wait their turn to be drawn. I used to target holiday makers on the beach, but I suppose a public park would do as well.
On the downside if you draw a static crowd you are also likely to draw the attention of the constabulary. Not such a problem in the good old days.
Unlike busking it can't be taken for begging, but since you are in fact selling a product you may find you are expected to pay a concessions fee for some sites.

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 02:55 AM

When I first saw this I thought, "Non-music busking? Isn't that basically panhandling?"

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: dianavan
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 02:45 AM

Make sure the 'shill' knows how to pass the cup.

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 01:55 AM

Put up a small sign telling passersby what you do and for how much. Put a couple of plastic chairs in front of you and set up a small easel. Get yourself a 'shill' for the first bit, a friend who will pose for you as you sketch.   Do several sketches of your friend from different angles. If you're good and it's priced right, people will respond.

Suggest a special rate for sweethearts or children or parent and child. Remind people of the intimacy of a drawing. Suggest a drawing as an ideal gift.

Be friendly. Smile. Be open to answering questions. Commit to being in the same spot at least a week, so people can make a mental note to return.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 07 Apr 05 - 11:20 PM

Get your FULL set of innoculations and always carry several sets of the red-wrapped-Chinese "your lucky day" tokens.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: BS: How do I go about nonmusic busking?
From: Tse
Date: 07 Apr 05 - 11:15 PM

The summer's coming up for me in Chicago and I want to try my hand at busking during the week when I don't have classes. Things is, I don't sing or play an instrument (not portable ones anyway). What I do is draw, portraits, caricatures and the like. Probably not the most common form of busking and some might even disallow it the name, but I want to try it. I remember seeing an old guy in a wheelchair in the subway taking donations for drawing people, and a friend of mine recently posed the option to me. It'd be a great way to get out and see a bit more of the city, maybe meet some people while making some money, but most importantly, it'll put me in a place where it will force my art to grow. I understand that it still has to take on the form of a performance to attract much attention. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this? It gets a bit more complicated, no matter how fast you are, when someone has to sit and wait for X amount of time rather then hearing you as they pass you by. I've seen a lot of good advice by the likes of Marion about busking in general, but not so much about street artists. I'd appreciate any tokens of wisdom.