A Complete Guide To Setting Up A Successful Art Booth

Do you want to begin selling artwork at festivals but don’t want to spend thousands on an attractive booth? What if I told you you could set up an affective and attractive booth for under $300 while making a four digit profit? In this article I will share five quick lessons I learned through selling art and a complete list of affordable display items.

Lesson #1 Have a variety of price ranges

If you’ve ever talked to someone that gives business advice- they’d probably tell you that there are two ways of making money.

1- sell a large quantity of affordable priced items (example- 1000 cookies for $2 each).

Or they would say- sell a smaller quantity of expensive priced items (example 100 cakes for $20 each).

In both situations you are making $2000. But the key to having an even more successful business is selling something to all crowds. Selling both the $2 cookies and $20 cakes. In other words, I have multiple size art prints. Prices ranging from as low as $15 to $70 each. In addition to that I offer framed prints (more on this later) and original pieces. By having prices that are less expensive I can attract one crowd of people, and having original pieces attracts another crowd. This I’ve found creates a booth that draws more traffic because it satisfies a larger group of people.

Lesson #2 The power of Preparation

For me, I struggle with how much to prepare for. This year I was a part of many first year festivals and had no idea what to expect traffic wise. Regardless you should prep your booth with these things:

1. Package all your prints in advance and bring at least five copies of each painting (sometimes the prints that I least expect to sell get sold out first- so make sure you have many copies of each painting). Also keep in mind the advantage of selling local scenes- people usually want a keepsake of where they visit (keep those in higher stock because they go first).
2. If you are selling framed prints, have multiple copies of the paintings framed. A couple times I have got a swarm of people that see one of my framed prints and all want that exact one. I usually carry extra frames with me so it wasn’t too big of a problem- but I learned its harder to frame paintings on your lap…
3. Having business cards is a really effective way to stay in touch with potential clients. I have also found that getting the buyers information can be beneficial because you can mail them a thank you card and maintain a relationship.
4. Labeling your products individually has boosted my sales. I have a sign in front with the prices for each size print that stops walker ons, but I’ve found many times people don’t know which size is what price and are too afraid to ask. Labeling your products with a little price sticker creates a non-awkward and friendly space that encourages sales.
5. Lastly, having a Square ( a card reader) and cash and Venmo options supports all clients to buy your product.

Lesson #3 Selling a “ready to take home” product

One huge lesson I’ve learned through selling artwork is creating a product that is ready to be taken home. For example, I offer framed prints. When people walk by, they are attracted by a finished looking product. Framing your art with a striking frame draws the whole piece together making it pop. This creates a “ready to take home” product. People see that for an extra $40 they can go home and hang this on the wall. It doesn’t sound like much- but presentation is very important. You could have gorgeous artwork- but it might not attract many people if it was laid on a table unframed.

Quick tip! When considering selling framed prints- I double the price I bought it for. For example a $15 dollar frame I bought I would then sell for $30 plus the cost of the print. I used to feel bad about doubling to cost of the frame- but consider that you found one that is the right size and style, plus you’re framing it for them so they can go home without the burden of finding a frame.

Lesson #4 Storytelling and emotion

A lot of my artwork is inspired by the National Parks I’ve visited. When people stop by my stand, I’ve learned how important it is to start a conversation or tell the story behind the artwork. People that originally might not of bought a piece, end up buying because I helped reawaken stories that are dear to them. Going out of your way telling what inspired you with a painting and the theme of your art is one really great way to create connections with future buyers.

To be completely honest, I sometimes get tired of starting with “Have you ever been to the National Parks?….” But its always so encouraging when people begin opening up and recalling their memories and adventures. I’ve had one person that was a geologist in Yosemite National Park who was able to pick out the very tree he dug underneath according to my painting. Or a hiker that shows the mountain peak he summited in my painting. Again- going out of your way and telling the story of your art goes a long way and can encourage others to buy. I’ve also found that it gives me more joy in the selling process because I love seeing the way my artwork lights up their face.

Lesson #5 Staying in touch

It took a couple festivals for me to realize the power of staying in touch. At one event, I sold an original painting of Yosemite and talked with the buyer for a long time about our unforgettable roadtrip. I got his information and was able to thank him personally for buying the painting. Later on I posted online that I had an available painting and because we stayed in touch and he knew my story- he bought it. I’ve had other experiences where I have got inquires about commissioned pieces all because I reached out after having a conversation in person. As my mom says: “never be afraid to reach out, the worst they can say is no”. Having an in person conversation is just as important as reaching out afterwards.

A complete list of the display items I use for my booth:

Everything added up below, is $265! And you’d be surprised on how attractive my booth looked. And the traffic I got was really good.

1. 10 x 10 feet tent white is usually the mandatory color)
2. 6 feet long table
3. A card/print display stand.I love this one so much! It folds nicely and can stack five plus rows of your prints
4. Large display for big prints. Quick tip! I tape each one of my large packaged prints to a flat piece of cardboard and then line them up in this stand so people can flip through them quickly. I keep those ones there during the whole festival and when people want that size I grab a copy form the box under my table.
5. Price stickers
6. Lastly, check out dollar tree for mini display easels. They worked fabulously and were very affordable! Otherwise you can buy them here.

I hope you now know what to prepare for your first art festival and have everything you need to create your booth. Let me know in the comments tips and tricks you have.

Thank you!