How to Sell at Art Shows

Art shows are wonderful venues for many different types of artists to showcase and sell their work. An art show is different from a craft fair, in that an art show is usually juried, meaning an artist's work is judged before she is allowed to sell there. Art shows feature many genres of art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles and jewelry. Being successful when you sell at art shows takes planning, but with practice, each show you do will be more profitable than the last.

Instructions

Application Process

1. Visit shows now that you are interested in selling at in the future. It is always best to visit a show first to check out the traffic and to see if your work fits in with the ambience of the show. Talk to vendors and artists at the show to see if they will return next year. If most will be coming back, it is probably a good show.

2. Fill out the show application. You can request an application for next year from the show promoter or planner or look online to see if the show has a website and vendor information. It is vital to get the application in by the deadline, which can be six months or more in advance.

3. Include all requested materials with the application. This may include prints, photographs or slides of your work for a juried show, as well as an application fee. Always send in your best work.

Before the Show

1. Choose displays that are easy to set up and move. There are many places to get displays online. You want to avoid displaying your art flat on a table. Standing displays attract attention and make it easier for potential customers to see your work.

2. Apply for any permits you may need for the show. Check with the show promoters or the local clerk's office to see if you will need a vendor permit or any other paperwork in order to sell.

3. Practice your setup at home. Set up all your displays in a space that is similar to what your booth size will be. Practice setting up on your own if you will not have help on show day.

4. Get change, business cards and any other supplies you will need prior to the day of the show. Purchase price tag stickers or make a displayable price list so that you do not have to come up with prices on the spot at the show.

At the Show

1. Arrive as early as allowed so that you have time to set up your booth before customers begin arriving. This will also give you time to walk around the show and visit with other vendors.

2. Greet everyone who walks up to your booth, but avoid the hard sell. Be prepared to answer questions and visit with customers, as many enjoy buying at shows because they get to meet the artist face-to-face.

3. Keep your booth stocked as items sell. Empty booths do not attract customers, so you will want to bring more than you think you will sell.

4. Stay busy when your booth is empty. Straighten up your booth or work on a project you brought with you. People love to watch artists work, and this will help attract people to your booth.

5. Avoid packing up until the show is over. Artists who pack up early are usually not asked to come back next time. Also, there are many customers who will not purchase until the end of the day, because they don't want to carry heavy artwork around with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a friend to help watch your booth while you eat, stretch your legs or visit the restroom. Bring plenty of water and snacks to every show.

• Use a money belt or lockbox so that you are protected from dishonest people. Never leave your booth unattended.

References

• Information on packing and displaying your work
• Art show information from "Entrepreneur" magazine

Resources

• A free list of art shows and exhibitions
• A subscription site that has detailed listings and requirements for art shows around the country.