advice | selling at art fairs and festivals

Participating in art shows can be exhilarating, terrifying and exhausting all at the same time. They take a lot of time and money and effort but I really think it’s worth it to take advantage of the opportunity to get out there and show your art. Not only do you get the chance to sell your work, art shows provide great exposure, an opportunity to network with others and are an awesome way to meet and interact with customers. It’s about time to start applying for summer and fall festivals so here’s my advice if you’re considering doing an art fair –

• Research the fairs! Go out and visit as many different fairs as possible. Doing your homework ahead of time will help you choose the best shows for your art. Start with small local ones and work your way up into the better shows.
• Be diligent about application deadlines. Most art shows make applications available (via web or mail) six to eight months in advance. Others may make applications available two to three months in advance. It just depends so take note. I apply to several shows each year, some I get in to and some I don’t.
• Filling out applications can be time consuming especially if you’ve never done it before. Be prepared with all of the necessary photos and info, and don’t wait until the last day.
• Give yourself a lot of time to prepare. I start getting ready for summer shows in January and dedicate all of April and May to planning, prepping and painting.
• Build your dream booth. Your display is part of your product. Try designing one that is inviting to shoppers, represents your brand well and shows off your art in the best way possible. Typical items you’ll need – a commercial tent or canopy and weights, mesh sides/walls, hooks for hanging art, bins for small prints, a rack for large prints, a table and chairs. Rent of borrow these items from another artist if you can’t buy your own. Take photos of your display, many shows require this as part of the application process.
• Figure out how long it takes to set up. Typically they ask you to set up the morning of the fair so try to get there early and plan accordingly. Don’t wait until the day of the event to see what your booth really looks like. Bring a dolly to make it easy to load in and out. Setting up and taking down is hard work so ask some friends or family to help if you can.
• Try to have your items organized so they can fit in the car. I am not the most organized person so I leave it up to Marc and somehow he makes it work.
• Inventory. Have enough to hang on the walls and some extra in the back. Artwork should look cohesive and similar in style. Have art available in different price points, colors and sizes. You never know what someone may be looking for.
• I spend a small fortune at my print shop. I also stock up on frames and packaging materials. Getting involved in art fairs can be expensive!
• Accept credit cards. Sign up for Square, it’s easy to use with your smart phone. Have plenty of small and big bills for customers who want to pay with cash.
• Bring plenty of business cards. Think you have enough? Double it.
• Have clear signage displayed – prices, social media hashtags, a banner or sign with your logo, etc. Offer photo opportunities and encourage customers to tag your business online.
• Snacks and drinks are essential to get you through the day. Get some good sleep. The days are very long, and it really takes a lot of physical and mental energy to take part in a fair.
• Have fun! Stay positive and be friendly. Meet your booth neighbors and get to know your customers.

So those are my tips! If you have any advice about exhibiting at art shows, I’d love to hear it, and if you have any questions or are thinking about doing an art fair, let me know. Good luck!

photo credit kate zitzer