How To Prepare For An Outdoor Art Fair

It takes much planning to bring and sell your work at an art exhibition. If you plan to do outdoor art shows, this is an excellent opportunity to organize things so you can have a successful show.

Here are some basics to remember as you prepare for an upcoming event.

How to Pick The Best Art Show

As an artist, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing which art shows to sell your paintings at. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. There are a few key factors to keep in mind when making your decision.

• Consider the type of artwork that will be on display at the show. For example, if you specialize in landscape paintings, you’ll want to choose a show that focuses on that genre.
• Think about the size of the show. A large show with hundreds of vendors may be more chaotic and intimate, while a smaller show may provide more opportunities to connect with potential buyers.
• Research the venue to see if it fits your work well. Some art shows are known for their cutting-edge contemporary art, while others have a more traditional feel. Doing your homework ensures you find the art show right for you and your paintings.
• If you are new to selling art at art shows, you might want to consider searching for an affordable art fair in your area to get started.

Visit The Site Ahead Of Time

After deciding on an art show, take the time to visit the location beforehand. This will help you to get a feel for the space and decide how to set up your craft fair display. It is also essential to determine whether the lighting is suitable and whether any potential hazards could damage the work.

By taking a few minutes to walk around the venue, the artist can ensure that their work will be seen in its best light and that they are prepared for any potential problems.

Space Size and Location

Knowing how much room you will need for an upcoming art show is essential. The last thing you want is to arrive at the venue and realize that your artwork is too large or too small for the space.

To avoid this stressful situation, take the following steps:

1. First, determine the size of the venue. This will give you a good idea of the maximum space you have to work with.

2. Next, measure your artwork. Make sure to account for any frames or other added hardware that will increase the overall size of the piece.

3. Once you have these two numbers, you can start planning which pieces to bring and how they will be arranged in the space.

Set Up Your Display At Home Before The Art Fair

Many artists find that setting up their display at home before a show helps to ensure a successful event. Not only does this give the artist a chance to arrange their work in the most appealing way possible, but it also allows them to double-check that everything is in order before the show starts.

Additionally, setting up at home gives the artist a chance to practice their sales pitch and ensure they are familiar with their work. This way, when potential buyers ask about specific pieces, the artist can answer confidently and knowledgeably.

Ultimately, setting up one’s display before a show can pay off in terms of both sales and general satisfaction with the event.

Related Post – How To Display Paintings At An Art

Create An Inventory List

Before exhibiting their work, artists must take inventory of their available products. This includes paintings, prints, merchandise, etc. By doing this, artists can get an idea of how much product they need to take to the show.

This is important because it allows them to avoid running out of product and prevents them from taking too much product and carrying it home. In addition, by taking inventory of their products, artists can develop a pricing strategy for their art events.

For example, if an artist has ten paintings and knows they want to sell each painting for $100, they know they can make a thousand dollars at the show.

Artists can increase their chances of having a successful exhibition by taking inventory of their products and developing a pricing strategy before the show.

How To Choose What Art To Bring At An Art Show

Deciding what art to bring to an art show can be daunting, mainly if you are a new artist. However, by following a few simple guidelines, you can narrow down your choices and select the pieces that are most likely to sell.

• Consider the show’s theme and how your work fits within that framework.
• Think about the type of audience that will be attending the event – are they more likely to purchase abstract or realistic pieces?
• Take into account your artistic style and choose pieces that you feel represent your best work.

By considering all of these factors, you can ensure that you select the right art for the show and make a successful sale.

How To Safely Transport Artwork To An Art Exhibition

Transporting artwork to an art exhibition can be a challenging and delicate process. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your artwork arrives safely and in good condition.

First, ensure your artwork is packed correctly and cushioned for travel. You don’t want anything shifting around during transport and damaging the piece.

Second, try to avoid drastic changes in temperature and humidity, which can damage or warp the artwork. If possible, transport the piece in a climate-controlled environment.

Finally, ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage in case of any damage or loss during transit.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your artwork arrives safely at its destination.

Properly Label All of Your Artwork

When artists display their work at local events, they must take the time to label and price their artwork. This may seem daunting, but it is essential for several reasons.

• Labeling ensures that each piece is appropriately identified and can be easily located if sold.
• Pricing gives potential buyers an idea of the piece’s value, which can help them decide whether or not to purchase it.
• By labeling and pricing their work, artists signal that they are professional and serious about their craft. This can go a long way toward attracting new customers and generating sales.

So, even though it may take some extra time and effort, it is well worth it for artists to label and price their artwork before displaying it at local events.

Frame And Wire Your Artwork The Right Way

If you’re exhibiting your paintings in an art show, you’ll want to ensure they’re correctly framed and wired for display.

The first step is to choose a frame that complements the painting without overwhelming it. Once you’ve selected the right frame, use a measuring tape to determine the opening size. Then, cut a backing board to fit snugly inside the frame.

To attach the painting to the backing board, center it on the board and then use small brads or pins to secure the top and bottom edges. Next, lay the wire across the back of the painting, making sure there’s enough slack to allow the painting to be hung at eye level.

Finally, use more brads or pins to attach the wire to the top corners of the backing board.

With careful planning, you can ensure that your paintings are properly framed and ready for an art show.

How to Hang Your Work At Art Fairs

Hanging paintings at an art show can be a bit of a puzzle, especially working with limited space. But with a little planning, you can create a stylish and cohesive display that will showcase your work to its best advantage.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

First, look at the available space and decide how many paintings you can realistically hang. Once you’ve determined that, it’s time to start playing with arrangements. Large paintings will likely look best as focal points, so try hanging them in the center of a wall or grouping them. More miniature paintings can be hung in clusters or rows or used to fill empty spaces.

As you’re arranging your paintings, keep in mind the overall aesthetics of the display. Make sure there’s a good balance of light and dark colors, and mix the textures to add interest. You also want to create a sense of movement throughout the space, so consider how each painting will lead the eye to the next.

Finally, when it comes time to hang the paintings, use the proper hardware. Heavy-duty picture hangers are a must for large or heavy pieces, and gallery wires are ideal for more minor works.

How To Protect Your Art From the Rain

When displaying art outdoors, it’s essential to protect the pieces from rain.

Here are a few tips for protecting your art from the rain at an outdoor art show:

• Cover the piece with a tarp or plastic sheet. Ensure the edges are secured so that wind doesn’t blow the cover off.
• If possible, set up the display under a waterproof tent or other shelters.
• If the piece is not waterproof, ensure it is positioned so it won’t be directly in the path of falling rain.

These simple steps can help ensure that your art remains dry and intact during an outdoor show.

Dedicate Space For Wrapping And Collecting Money

As any artist knows, selling one’s work can be challenging. Not only is it essential to find the right venue for your work, but you also need to be able to present it in a way that is both professional and appealing to potential buyers.

One of the most critical aspects of selling art is having a space to wrap and collect money at an art show. This not only gives you a place to store your supplies but also helps create a barrier between you and the customer.

By having a designated space for transactions, you can avoid the appearance of being pushy or unprofessional.

In addition, it allows you to keep track of sales and ensure that you are paid promptly.

A wrapping and collecting area at outdoor events is essential for any artist who wants to sell their work.

Bring Enough Change For People Who Purchase With Cash

As an artist, it is essential to have enough change for an art show if a potential buyer would like to purchase one of your pieces. Art fairs are great for networking and building relationships with other artists and potential buyers.

When a buyer expresses interest in purchasing your work, you want to be able to make the sale on the spot. Having enough small bills and change on hand ensures you can make the sale without losing the customer’s interest. In addition, having change also shows that you’re prepared and professional.

Potential customers will be more likely to take you seriously as an artist if you can conduct transactions smoothly.

Overall, having enough change is essential to being a successful artist and building a successful art career.

Accept Credit Cards

As an artist, it’s important to have a way to collect payment from buyers who wish to pay with a debit or credit card. A credit card reader allows you to accept payments from anywhere. This can be especially helpful if you sell your art online or at craft fairs. Debit and credit cards are the most common form of payment, so it’s essential to be able to accept them. If you don’t have a way to accept card payments, you may miss out on sales.

In addition, having a credit card reader is an excellent way to protect yourself from fraud. If someone tries to use a fake or stolen card, you’ll be able to detect it and void the transaction.

This can save you time and money in the long run.

Best Mobile Credit Card Processors

1. Square
   Square is one of the market’s most popular mobile credit card processors. The company offers many features, including accepting all major credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay. Square also offers a point-of-sale system that can be used to track inventory, manage customers, and process sales.
2. PayPal
   PayPal is another popular mobile credit card processor that offers a wide range of features, including the ability to accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay. PayPal also offers a point-of-sale system that can be used to track inventory, manage customers, and process sales.
3. Stripe
   Stripe is a mobile credit card processor that offers many of the same features as Square and PayPal, including accepting all major credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay. Stripe also offers a point-of-sale system that can be used to track inventory, manage customers, and process sales.
4. Authorize.Net
   Authorize.Net is a mobile credit card processor that offers many of the same features as Square, PayPal, and Stripe, including the ability to accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay. Authorize.Net also offers a point-of-sale system that can be used to track inventory, manage customers, and process sales.

Great Each Custome With A Smile

First impressions are everything, especially in the world of art. When customers come to an art fair, they want a particular experience. They want to feel welcome and be able to browse the artwork without feeling pressured. This is why it is so crucial for artists to greet each customer with a smile at art events. A simple smile can significantly affect how customers perceive the artist and work. It can also help to build rapport and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Handout Business Cards

As an artist, it’s essential to have a way to connect with potential buyers after a show. Business cards are an easy, inexpensive way to do this. Make sure your card includes your name, contact information, and a brief description of your art. You might also want to include a photo or sample of your work. Handing out business cards ensures that interested individuals will be able to find and contact you later on. It’s also a good way to start building a professional network. Artists who can make connections and develop relationships are more likely to be successful in the long run.

Where To Purchase Business Cards

1. Moo
   Moo is a popular online printing service that offers high-quality business cards. Customers can choose from various paper stocks and finishes and upload their own designs or create one using Moo’s online design tool. Moo also offers printing services, such as postcards, stickers, and labels.
2. Vistaprint
   Vistaprint is the go-to partner for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to make an impact with their unique designs. From custom business cards to postcards, stickers, labels – whatever you need professionally printed – Vistaprint can help create a lasting impression that stands out from the crowd! With various paper stocks and finishes available, plus accessible uploads or use of their design tool, let your imagination soar as your creativity takes center stage in any professional project.
3. GotPrint
   GotPrint is the perfect one-stop shop for all your printing needs. Transform a simple business card into something extraordinary – choose from hundreds of paper stocks and finishes, or design it yourself with their convenient online tool! And that’s not all – GotPrint also offers an impressive array of postcards, stickers, labels, and more, joining affordability with uncompromising quality to bring you top-notch prints every time.

Conclusion:

By following these simple tips, artists can increase their chances of making sales at local shows. By having a designated space for transactions, bringing enough change, and accepting debit and credit cards, artists can make the sale process smoother and more efficient. In addition, greeting customers with a smile will help to create a positive atmosphere and encourage buyers to explore the artwork on display. Finally, handing out business cards is a great way to stay connected with potential buyers after an event. By following these tips, artists can focus on creating beautiful pieces of art while leaving the sales process in the hands of professionals.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a debit or credit card reader?

You may miss out on sales if you don’t have a credit card reader. You can purchase a credit card reader online.

What should I include on my business card?

Include your name, contact information, and a brief description of your art on your business card. You might also want to include a photo or sample of your work.

What if I’m not good at sales?

If you’re not good at sales, consider hiring a professional or asking a friend or family member to help you with the sales process.

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