In a nutshell
Art fairs are where artists, illustrators and artisans sell work directly to collectors and the public. Choosing and applying to the right art fair that best suits them, pricing their work strategically, and setting up atractive booth and payment system are key to garnering sales, and lots of them! This guide covers everything artists and illustrators need to know about joining and succeeding at these events.
Featured image – Climate Action Art & Design Fair 2019 organized by YDJ™
Table of Contents
If you’re considering participating in an art fair and have questions like whether you’re ready for an art fair, what actually sells, how do artists make money at these events, you’ve come to the right place.
Having launched art fairs myself, I’ll share what works, what doesn’t, and cover everything you need to know about joining and succeeding at an art fair for new or an emerging artists and illustrators.
Common Types of Art fairs: Which one is suitable for you?
First and foremost, let me shed you some insights about the types of art fairs that are most common, ones that are often held at locally, and everywhere around the world which you can join.
Illustration Fairs
These vibrant events celebrate visual storytelling and commercial art such as character designs, indie or self-published magazines, booklets, or stickers.
Workshops and live demos by artists are also often held at these events.
- Most suitable for: Illustrators and designers selling prints, stickers, or self-published books who want to connect with a highly engaged audience.
Comic & Pop Culture Conventions
Comic and pop culture conventions are typically all-day events where comic and indie artists sell original fan art and creator-owned projects. These fairs are where fans and cosplayers gather to celebrate movies, gaming, and comics.
- Most suitable for: Pop-culture artists, and comic book illustrators who have a high volume of prints, merchandise, or stickers to sell.
Local Art & Craft Markets
These are also community-centric fairs that are often held at parks, town squares, or community centres.
Art & craft markets provide a space for artists and artisans to showcase and sell their handmade, artisanal goods that often reflect local culture.
They are mostly filled with casual buyers looking for affordable, giftable, and decorative pieces.
- Most suitable for: Emerging artists, ceramicists, artisans and crafters looking for low-cost entry fees and a relaxed environment to sell handmade goods.
Gallery-led or International Art Fairs
These events and exhibitions like Art Basel and Frieze, are large-scale and more established events where international, established artists and galleries rent booths to showcase their art.
They set a global art trend that attracts high-net-worth collectors, museum curators, and international press.
- Most suitable for: Mid-career or established artists already represented by a gallery, or those seeking to study market trends and connect with influential art collectors, gallerists and professionals in the industry.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Art Fair Success
Making the leap from your studio to your audience by joining art fairs can be an exciting milestone for you.
Now that you’re clear on the common types of art fairs you can join, follow this step-by-step guide to make your mark:
Step 1: Research 3 to 5 aligned art fairs
You can start by analyzing past art fair lists and demographics.
Illustrators thrive at indie markets with high foot traffic, while fine art artists should consider targeting curated art festivals where you can expect collectors to buy art at higher price points.
Step 2: Prepare a cohesive collection of work
Consider selecting a specific theme to create a visual narrative. It helps a great deal to attract serious buyers and makes your creative work instantly recognizable at your booth.
Step 3: Create a tiered price range
Visitors at art fairs have varying budgets and taste. A tiered price range strategy helps you capture every budget. For example, you can offer:
- $5-10 for stickers or cards to satisfy impulse buyers
- $50–$150 mid-tier art prints for art décor fans
- $500+ flagship originals to capture serious art collectors
Step 4: Implement and test payment systems
This is an important process to ensure visitors to your booth enjoy a frictionless purchasing experience and to ensure you never miss a sale.
So be sure to research and implement a safe, secure, and easy-to-use payment system.
To further speed up transactions, you can also display clear Venmo or PayPal QR codes at your booth for a seamless checkout.
Step 5: Setup an attractive and approachable booth
An open layout encourages visitors to explore your booth without feeling pressured or confined.
To maximize your sales potential, I’d recommend displaying your best-selling items at eye level, ideally around 5 feet high where they can easily capture passerby’s attention.
I highly recommend you check out Sunnyside Studio’s channel for inspiration like this video.
Step 6: Plan for rest, food, and breaks
Last but not least, I cannot stress this enough; you are your own best salesperson.
So remember to pack healthy snacks, stay hydrated, and schedule regular breaks. I also recommend that you bring along a tall stool, so that you can remain at eye level with customers while sitting, keeping you approachable and engaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit artwork to a well-known art fair for emerging artists?
Start by identifying fairs with an emerging artist or open call category. Then, prepare a cohesive set of images, a concise artist statement for submission. Be sure to also read through and follow the guidelines outlined by the organizers when submitting.
What are the top platforms to buy tickets for major art fairs?
Tickets for major art fairs are usually sold through the fair’s official website, Eventbrite, or partnered ticketing platforms. Some international fairs also offer early access through gallery or sponsor mailing lists.
What are the best apps to discover local art fairs near me?
Popular apps and platforms include Eventbrite, Facebook Events, Meetup, and Google Maps event listings. Instagram is also widely used by local fairs to announce open calls and dates.
How can I sell confidently at an art fair, without feeling awkward?
Selling is not persuasion—it’s clarification. In practice, artists who talk less but answer better sell more.
What actually helps sales are:
- A short explanation of your work (10–15 seconds)
- Letting visitors browse without pressure
- Answering questions clearly, not defensively
My Thoughts
Joining art fairs are a powerful way to accelerate both your income and your confidence as a creative. Succeeding at art fairs doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s all about clarity, preparation, and showing up as your most authentic self.
Beyond sales, remember to take a moment to network with your fellow exhibitors. As part of the community, they have a wealth of knowledge to share.
Most importantly, have fun because you can create a lovely, memorable experience for yourself and every visitor who walks into your space.
Have you participated in art fairs in the past?
If yes, I hope you don’t mind leaving a comment below to share your experience or helpful advice with our community as well.
Thanks for reading this article of mine!
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