Does anyone else get this way when vending?

Attending outdoor markets or vending events after a long break can be both exhilarating and a little overwhelming for many artists. From personal experience, I’ve found that the excitement of reconnecting with fellow creators triggers a flood of creative ideas and emotions, which can sometimes make it difficult to focus on practical tasks like setting up a booth or managing sales. The image mentioning the "First outdoor market of 2026" perfectly captures that fresh energy and anticipation that comes with a new season of vending. Whether you’re returning after winter hibernation or a summer hiatus, there’s always that rush of motivation mixed with a bit of nervous energy. For artists, especially those who identify with or struggle with focus issues like ADHD, these events can be a unique challenge. The social buzz combined with the pressure to perform well can lead to what the author describes as a "brain full of squirrels"—all those jumping thoughts making it hard to focus. What helps me is to embrace the excitement but also set small, manageable goals throughout the event day. For example, dedicating the first hour purely to socializing and catching up can satisfy that craving to reconnect, letting you gradually shift into a task-focused mindset. Also, having a checklist for market setup and sales tasks keeps me grounded. Another useful approach is engaging with the community hashtags such as #smallartist, #adhdproductivity, and #artistlife. These tags can lead you to supportive groups where other artists share similar experiences and tips for managing energy and focus during vending. Lastly, remember that vending is not just about sales but about celebrating creativity and community. It’s completely normal to feel this surge of excitement—it shows how much you care about your art and connections. Over time, you’ll learn how to channel that energy in a way that feels both productive and joyful.