Getting into Artist Markets- A quick Guide

Interested in getting into an artist market this summer? It can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. Here are some simple tips and tricks to make sure you have what you need for your first time.

Know your space!

Before you can begin planning on what to bring you've got to know the space in which you'll be setting up. Is it outdoors? On the grass? In a crowded hall? All of these make a difference in the equipment you'll need to set up your work for viewers.

Outdoor Set up must haves!

• A pop up canopy tent- with walls: This might sounds like a no brainer, but unless you have one laying around summer is peak season for different markets and fairs, which means the prices for these will skyrocket! Consider how much space you need, typically a 10 ft x 10 ft space is more then enough, and the walls help create a divider between your work and the bustling nature of the market around you. Don't forget tent weights for windy environments!

• Gallery hanging system or Grid walls: Beware the grid walls! While these are easy enough to set up they are typically very pricey and heavy. Consider instead a gallery hanging system that you can secure to the frame of your tent and hang down the walls. This allows for lighter travel and an airy space.

• Fold-able Table: Again, sounds like a no brainer but the foldable table is an absloute must. This gives you space to display smaller or standing works, wrap purchased pieces, and display business cards or pamphlets.

• A fan: a portable fan is a life saver in warmer weather under those hot tents. Additionally people are drawn to the promise of cool air, which increases your foot traffic.

Indoor life savers-

• Stepped displays: Inside space is even more limited and many venues will not permit a canopy. In order to display your work properly, consider stepped displays with multiple risers.

• Banners or posters: Find a way to create a space that's yours. Without the walls of a canopy an eye catching banner or poster with your information on it helps develop an intimate setting for viewers.

• More prints/ paper friendly: Being indoors does provide some safety from the elements, this means it's a great space to show off any prints, portfolios, or paper works without having to worry about rain, sun, or wind.

• Lighting: Make sure you have what you need in case of any lighting scenarios you might have (too dark, bouncing light, ect)

You are your own best advertisement.

Remember you are the artist and are there to showcase your work. Don't worry if something is flashy, standing out is key and at the bare minimum you want patrons to remember you. Here are some small things that make a big difference:

• Business Cards: If you don't already have a business card now is the perfect time. Several sites offer the ability to customize cards for your needs. An interesting and unique card helps develop your brand, and adding a QR code linked to social media or a website is a great idea too.

• Digital or Printed Portfolios: Work that is too big or inconvenient to carry (or already sold) can be added to a digital or printed portfolios for guests to skim through. Depending on the crowd you might not want to bring larger pieces to a show, so this is a loop hole to make sure you really showcase your skills.

• Yard Sign or Banner: Think of this as a larger business card as an attention grabber. Include your QR code for a quick and easy way to gain some online followers!

• Live Demonstrations: Depending on the crowd and lace this is another great way to get some engagement from passerby guests. Consider what kind of demonstration would lead to a quick, but impressive piece of work you can then later post about on your socials.

Last minute Odds and Ends

There are a few things that can really make your space stand out, and provide that next level in professionalism. Consider what you would want from the experience if you purchasing some art, and consider these little but large ideas:

• Wrapping/Bags: Offer your guests the ability to have their purchase wrapped in brown paper or bagged. This gives them the ability to protect their work and makes carrying it easier. You can also sneak a business card into the paper to help with online engagement.

• A personalized stamp: Customized stamps can be designed and purchased online for a pretty reasonable price. Adding your stamp to the back of your canvases, papers, prints, or the top of you bags and wrapping is a nice professional touch.

• A receipt book: If your patrons are paying by cash or Venmo

• LOTS of business cards, signage, banners, ect!

• Don't forget the basics: Tape, scissors, pens, and anything else you might need for small touch ups in the event something gets slightly damaged.

Change your perspective!

Your first initial market is not going to be about selling all your work out. If you don't make any money you still hit a major milestone by getting everything together and setting it up. learning about where you are, the kind of work that's selling, price point, and making sure you're breaking even for yourself with everything you need. Enjoy the opportunity. It's no small feat to put yourself out there and listen live to criticisms as people come in and actively observe your work. Get comfortable talking to strangers, talking about your process, and walking away with the same inventory you brought.

Just remember, while art markets are tough days, your local online gallery, Pearview, offers easy and simple ways to get your work out (no tent required)!