Art Fairs: Do Your Best And Do It Better Next Time

I’m gearing up for the 2024 Chester County Art Walk outside of Philadelphia and reminiscing about it being my first art fair two years ago.  Tip: You don’t need to buy the best displays the first time! I used heavy mesh tarps that looked similar to the professional flourish panels, and borrowed a table.  (The following year I was able to buy gently used pro panels to give my booth a more polished look, and have continued to make small upgrades like a print rack and small table.)

But what could I have done better the first time that would not have cost much?  There are some guidelines anyone can follow regardless of how professional their display system is. Read more below.

My first booth in 2022

Use your space wisely:  At my first fair I left the entire back wall empty! My largest piece should have been centered there.  Now I always pre plan my layout on my iPad making sure a large piece will grab the attention of people walking by from either direction. If I’m on an end, I also place a large piece on an outside wall. 

Hide your stuff:  Nobody needs to see your purse, jacket, cooler and whatever else you brought to survive the day.  I often create a hidden storage area with my pro panels, but placing these items under a table (with tablecloth) or behind your tent (if permitted) would work well too.

Have a spot for everything:  At my first fair I had a long table where I laid out prints, small paintings,  a sign about payments and my bio (listing my full CV!)  It was a lot to look at.   I now have a designated print stand, and small pieces are hung in groups on the walls.   I also bought a small table for my mailing list and business cards, and my (shorter) bio is hung above it at eye level making it easier to read.  While yes the table and print stand were a small investment, they weren’t budget busting expenses.  If I have room I place my chair outside of my tent, otherwise I at least make sure I’m facing out and not blocking art. 

Don’t overfill your walls:   While I was not guilty of this of my first fair, it’s one tip I wanted to add.  Art fair attendees are walking around looking at many booths and it can be visually fatiguing.  Too much art in one booth may be overwhelming and keep patrons away.  On top of that, if you appear to have lots of inventory, it actually gives the impression that nobody is buying your work!  Also,  unless a piece is too heavy to hang, please don’t prop your art up on the floor, collectors aren’t going to buy art from you if you don’t appear to value your own work.  Hang what you feel is your best work, at a variety of sizes and price points, and keep a few extras tucked away to fill holes.

Labels:  Make sure you label each piece.  When I see a booth with no prices, I assume they are very expensive and find it a bit pretentious.  Not showing your prices is also invites people to haggle which is not something I do.  (A slight discount for buying multiples is fine, but you should keep your pricing consistent).  A simple way to do labels is to print on Avery business cards on your home printer, similar to what you’d see in a gallery or museum . Whatever you do, keep it consistent.   My labels list the title, medium, price, and my website in case they take a photo.

My booth in 2024.

What’s next?  I already have ideas in mind for the 2025 season.  I’d like to create sleek PVC weights, purchase a taller table and chair, and I’m considering professionally printing my price labels with white text on black so they blend into my walls more.  I do have lights but I’d need a battery for some shows.  I’d also like to purchase a sturdier tent, such as the Lightdome.  All in time… do your best and do it better next time!