Conquer Conventions: Your Guide to a Stellar Artist Booth

Conquer Conventions: Your Guide to a Stellar Artist Booth

Welcome, creative minds! Are you ready to showcase your talent at art conventions and connect with potential collectors?This guide dives deep into crafting a captivating booth that will turn casual browsers into enthusiastic buyers. We'll explore everything from essential display materials to must-have marketing tools, ensuring your artistic voice resonates loud and clear.

Step 1: Building Your Booth Fortress

Essentials:

  • Folding Table : (6x2 or 8x2- pretty standard size.) Occasionally this may be supplied by the convention, so make sure to confirm if you need one or not with the convention you have signed up for. BUT A sturdy and adjustable table is the foundation of your display. Consider lightweight and can be easily carried that fits the convention's size restrictions! 

  • Folding Chairs : Occasionally this may be supplied by the convention, so make sure to confirm if you need one or not with the convention you have signed up for. Make sure your space in comfortable, you will be there for a while!
  • Tent (for outdoor shows) :  (another option) these options for pop-up canopy tents are a great choice for outdoor craft fairs. Here's why they both would benefit a artists wanting to show their merch :
    • Easy Setup: This canopy sets up in seconds with a central locking mechanism and doesn't require tools, perfect for artists who need to set up and break down their booth quickly at fairs.
    • Spacious: It provides 100 square feet of shade and enough height for standing comfortably, allowing artists to comfortably display their work.
    • Durable: The canopy is made of water-resistant fabric with UV protection, protecting artists and their artwork from the elements.
    • Portable: It folds up compactly and comes with a rolling bag for easy transport and storage.
    • Stable: The steel frame and included weights ensure the canopy stays stable even on windy days.
  • Table Skirt : These come in different sizes (check the size of your table prior to purchase) and I recommend getting a black one. I personally feel like having a black table skirt helps the artwork or whatever you have on display to really pop, and show  of there colors or contrast brightly.  That's my preference though. Plus  having any clutter you may need to keep with you at your stand covered up just makes your setup look much more classy. 

Step 2: Your Display

Consider how you want to show your Display to people.  In addition to having your merch on display, consider also having your Business name where people can easily see you. There are other artists there, so consider what might help you stand out. Once a person approaches your stand, consider how you want your work to be seen. The stuff bellow will help with that.

  • Acrylic Sign Holder : These come in different sizes. Use this to hold any promotional materials you might have. I use this to hold a flyer that has QR codes to my social media accounts so people can follow me and my art after the show. 

  • Acrylic Display Risers : These come on all different sizes and make it easy to display smaller works of art on your table tops. A few of these can really help make your table top look good and make it easy for customers to see what you can create. 

  • Sticker Display Stand: One of the most popular items at craft fairs, and art expos are Stickers. People make $100s if not $1000s of dollars of these items alone. My advice? Sell Stickers and have an easy way to dispose them! 

  • Grid Wall Panels Tower : I love these because they are versatile! (don't do the the folding panels- Way to easy to accidentally knock over. This can damage your merch.) You can attach baskets for holding merch, hooks for artwork displays, t-shirt rods, etc. They can typically hold about 60 pounds, and they are a MUST have!  

    • S hooks: These are amazing for hanging things off your Grind Panels, such as art, clothing, other merch. 
    • Display Hooks: Type of hooks you see at most stores that sell just t-shirts. These come in different sizes, make sure you get what is appropriate for you.

Signage that Sells: A clear and concise sign displaying your artist name, logo, and website is crucial. Here are some tips for designing an effective booth sign:

  • Keep it Simple. The less words the better. make it colorful and eye catching
  • Use High quality images of artwork. I recommend of your best- Something that is going to pull people in and be recognizable.
  • Always include contact info. Something that people can take a picture with on there phones. I recommend QR codes that take people to a link tree with all your socials and website. 
    • For making QR codes for free- click here
    • For making a Link Tree to attach to your QR code for free- click here 
      • Pro Tip- Use the free option, there is a paid one but the free works just fine.

Protecting Your Art:

  • Art Sleeves : For unframed prints or smaller artwork, art sleeves offer a cost-effective way to protect them from dust and fingerprints. 

 

Step 3: Lighting Up Your Art

While some convention centers offer adequate lighting, consider bringing in additional portable lights to showcase your artwork in the best possible light. This is especially important for booths positioned in less well-lit areas. Here are some options:

  • Battery-powered LED Spotlights : These are adjustable, energy-efficient, and don't require an outlet. Great way to put the attention on what you really want you customers to see.
  • RGBW Clamp Spot Lights: I like these because they add a little color to your displays. You will need power because I think these particular ones have a cord, but the colors and modes the lights display are adjustable. In a space where getting attention and getting scene is important, these lights can be your friend! 

 

Step 4: Connecting with Collectors

Marketing Essentials:

  • Business Cards : Well-designed business cards are essential for leaving a lasting impression. Include your contact information, website URL, and a QR code linking to your online portfolio. You can find a local print shop or use an online printing service like Vistaprint to create high-quality business cards.

  • Square Reader : Invest in a mobile payment processor like Square Reader to make transactions smooth and convenient for customers. Square Readers connect seamlessly with your smartphone or tablet and offer user-friendly interfaces.

  • Promotional Materials : Brochures, postcards, or flyers with captivating visuals and information about your artwork can spark interest and encourage potential customers to learn more. People will buy your art if they like you, and if you have a good story. have your customers get to know you. You can find a local print shop or use an online printing service like Vistaprint to create these marketing materials.

  • Stickers : Stickers featuring your artwork are affordable keepsakes and excellent conversation starters. Consider services like RedBubble which allow you to upload your artwork and have them printed on high-quality stickers in various sizes. Stickers are a gold mine.

  • Printed Delights : Cater to a wider audience by offering your artwork in various print sizes. Printify and Redbubble are print-on-demand services that allow you to upload your artwork and have them printed on high-quality substrates. 

 

Step 5: Stocking Up for Sales

Inventory Ideas:

  • Prints in various sizes ( You can use the websites listed above, or you go to Michaels Arts and Crafts- Super Affordable to have them make your prints for you.) I recommend something only offers 2 sizes. One around an 8 x 10in, the other 16x 20in. That way you do not have to carry around a lot of inventory. These sizes are pretty easy and affordable to make.
  • Stickers in various sizes
  • Greeting Cards featuring your artwork
  • Mini Canvases (pre-made blank canvases in small sizes with little easels) People love spending a few dollars on cute things. 

Step 6: Transporting Your Things

Carefully consider how you'll transport your display materials and artwork to the convention. Here are some tips for a smooth journey:

  • Measure Twice, Buy Once: Double-check the convention's size restrictions for tables and booths to ensure everything fits comfortably within your designated space.
  • Folding Frenzy: Opt for foldable displays, chairs and tables, whenever possible to minimize bulk.
  • Packing Protectors: Invest in sturdy cardboard boxes or a collapsable art portfolio case to safeguard your artwork during transport.
  • Label Like a Pro: Clearly label all boxes with your artist name and booth number to avoid any last-minute unpacking confusion. Bring a sharpie marker, and masking tape. This will make it easy to label things)

Step 7: Finding Your Tribe

Calling All Conventions!

Now that you're armed with a stellar booth setup, it's time to find the perfect conventions to showcase your artwork. Here are some resources to get you started:

  • Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/ This popular platform allows you to search for conventions happening near you, filter by category (including art & design events), and even purchase tickets online. Conventions and expos can be found here.
  • Artsy Shark: https://www.artsyshark.com/ This website features a comprehensive directory specifically for artists and crafters on different places to sell their art online. Also offers classes, and advice. Great place to check out where you might want to visit if you need a little extra support.
  • Festivalnet: https://festivalnet.com/find-festivals Find all finds of festivals near you for selling artwork.
  • Art Fair Calendar: https://www.artfaircalendar.com/ Find art fairs everywhere. 

Step 8: Bonus Tips & Tricks

  • The Power of Presentation: Take the time to arrange your artwork in a visually appealing way. Best Selling stuff at eye level. Consider grouping similar pieces together and using different levels to create depth within your display.
  • Be Approachable & Enthusiastic: A warm smile and a friendly demeanor go a long way! Strike up conversations with potential customers, answer their questions, and share your passion for art.
  • Embrace Technology: Utilize social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to promote your booth at the convention. Encourage visitors to follow you for future updates and share photos of your artwork on display.
  • Think Outside the Booth: Consider participating in artist alley events or portfolio reviews offered by the convention. These can be great opportunities to get your work seen by a wider audience and connect with curators or gallery owners.
  • The Art of Business: Keep track of your sales throughout the convention. This will help you gauge customer interest in specific pieces and inform your inventory choices for future events.

By following these steps and unleashing your creative spirit, you can transform your artist alley booth into a magnet for collectors and turn your artistic passion into a thriving business. Happy Selling!