Hello there, fellow artist! If you’re here, reading this right now… I’m assuming you’re interested in selling your artwork at art festivals, craft fairs, and similar events, right?

Well, lucky you, because I’ve got a full-length video detailing how I go about doing just that—and I give tons of tips and insights for newbies who might have never even been to an art festival or fair!

Check out the video below, or read on to hear all the highlights from the vlog.

Vlog: How to Sell Your Art at Festivals & Pop-Up Events

Tips to Take Your Artwork to Markets & Events

Now, just to be clear, there’s a ton of different names for the “events” we’re talking about… festivals, fairs, markets, and bazaars—as long as there is an opportunity at the event for you, as an artist, to join the event as a vendor, you’re in the right place.

To find these types of events, you can do some online searches (or use Facebook events, my go-to!) for events in your area. Always, always, always check in with the official host of the event (you may have to dodge some spammy comments, so be cautious) before you sign-up and pay to join each event as a vendor. Keep in mind that most events require you to sign-up months in advance to reserve a vendor space, so be diligent and mark your calendar to sign-up next year if you miss the reservation window for a current event!

Now, after you’ve gotten signed up to sell your art as a vendor at any event, keep the following tips in mind, too…

Outdoor Events & Weather Shifts

As I mention in the vlog above, weather can really impact how any outdoor event goes. So, if you plan to sell your art at an outdoor event, make sure you check the weather forecast ahead of time and really plan accordingly.

For example, at the festival I attended in the vlog, I knew that wind gusts above 40 mph were expected at the event. So, I decided not to pack anything that could get damaged in the wind—which means I left my glass and framed items and paintings at home. Instead, I brought small, less fragile canvas paintings and wood crafts that I knew would not blow away or get damaged if and when they fell on the pavement.

Investing in a tent or canopy is important, too, for any outdoor market. You can shade yourself from the sun on hot days or potentially block rain on the wet ones.

Hand Out Something for “Free”

People love to get free things when they’re strolling around at festivals and markets, so come up with a creative way to give them something, especially if it promotes you as an artist!

In the past, I have handed out free origami butterflies that I made myself, and I’ve handed out bookmarks with a QR code that links to my artist website. Business cards and coupons for an online store are other items to think about.

Price Items Beforehand

When you go to setup your booth or space at any event, you’re probably going to have a limited amount of time to do so. That’s why I always recommend adding price tags to your items before you go so that you have one less thing to worry about during the setup process.

Along with that, it’s helpful to map out your space beforehand, too, so you know where things should go. Just another time-saver!

Learn More About Selling Your Art

Aside from the vlog above, I have other videos with even more tips for you on how to sell your art. And, of course, they’re free to watch!

Check ’em out.

Want more painting tips, inspiration, and even access to full online painting classes? Check out Canvas Academy—your guide to becoming the best artist you can be!

Additionally, you can see more blog posts relating to painting and all things art by clicking below.

And… happy selling, fellow artists!

–Kari