How to Hang & Display Your Paintings, Art & Crafts at Fairs
UK artist and entrepreneur provides advice for making the most of your displays at art and craft fairs, to make a lasting impression and generate sales
In the vibrant world of art and crafts, the allure of showcasing your creations at fairs can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re participating in a high-end art exhibition or a local craft fair, the limited booth space demands strategic planning.
As a UK artist who has exhibited their ‘By Kerwin’ paintings and artwork at professional art fairs in both London and New York, I have experienced this challenge and have insights to help you.
Optimise your art fair display by securing your artworks with sturdy hanging. Use shelving for vertical space and use collapsible furniture. Create a cohesive, engaging layout, and prioritise customer convenience with good packaging. Balance variety and cohesion in your set up for a memorable booth.
This blog post will guide you through the art of hanging, displaying, and selling your paintings and crafts effectively. From practical tips on setting up your stall to choosing the right artwork to feature, discover how to make the most of your space and captivate your audience at art and craft fairs.
Let’s get started.
1. Introduction To Exhibiting and Selling Work at Art and Craft Fairs
Artists face challenges when displaying and selling their work at art and craft fairs. The limited booth space makes it tricky to showcase art effectively. Exhibitors are also ultimately competing with all the other vendors also on display – dozens if not hundreds!
This blog guide is here to help you crack the code of a successful fair presence, with a focus on setting up your booth just right. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about making a connection with potential buyers.
I’ll dig into the essentials of planning, designing your space, and finding the right balance between showing off variety and keeping things organised. Drawing on my experiences exhibiting at the prestigious ‘The Other Art Fair’, join me as I guide you in turning your booth into an inviting space that grabs attention, connects with customers, and takes your art to new heights.
Optimise your art fair display by securing your artworks with sturdy hanging. Use versatile shelving to make use of vertical space and embrace collapsible furniture. Create a cohesive and engaging layout, prioritise customer convenience with proper packaging, and payment processes. Balance variety and cohesion in your set up for a memorable booth.
A Note Before We Get Started…
This article explores the challenge of displaying and selling artwork at public fairs and markets, in which booth space is at a premium. At such events, the vendor is often competing with dozens of other vendors for the attention of the passing foot traffic.
However, there is a broad spectrum of events that fall into this category. On one end you have professional art fairs, held in prestigious venues in major art cities with a focus on exclusivity of the artists they allow to exhibit. The Other Art Fair (affiliated with Saatchi Art) is one example, and is a high-end (and expensive) art fair I’ve exhibited at in London and New York.
At the other end of the spectrum you have local arts & craft fairs, often held locally in towns or villages, and are aimed at allowing hobbyists to exhibit and sell their handmade artworks and creations. These may be held in local village halls or playing fields, and therefore have a different dynamic to up-market art fairs.
Therefore, when exploring the advice within this article, do consider how the type of event will impact your approach to displaying and selling your artwork.
Learn more about The Other Art Fair, and how artists can successfully apply to exhibit at their events, in my blog post here.
2. How to Hang Paintings at an Art Fair or Craft Fair Booth?
While we’ll explore how displaying your work in your booth involves much more than just hanging on the walls, your hung work will often be the first to grab your audience’s attention. Address the following considerations:
A. Secure Hanging – Ensuring Your Artwork Stays Put
When it comes to displaying your artwork at an art fair, keeping it securely hung is a top priority. Consider the weight and size of your paintings, opting for sturdy hooks or wires that can bear the load.
Assess the venue – is it an outdoor fair with potential wind? Ensure your hanging setup can withstand unexpected elements. By prioritising secure hanging, you not only protect your art but also create a worry-free experience for both you and potential buyers.
Read my related blog post about how to hang your paintings and art at an exhibition here – it contains many relevant tips for art fairs.
B. Hanging Systems: Weighing Your Options
With various hanging systems available, it’s essential to understand their pros and cons. Traditional wires offer simplicity, while rail systems provide efficiency and a modern touch. When you exhibit at art or craft fairs, you are often required to turn up and work with the hanging mechanism the fair organiser provides – so always make sure to check this beforehand.
If your art fair is in an indoor venue, you may prefer traditional hooks and nails (as I use at my exhibits at Saatchi Art’s ‘The Other Art Fair’. This is a reliable method, but can be a time-consuming option when only exhibit at your fair for a few days (or even hours).
Consider the weight capacity, ease of adjustment, and overall aesthetic appeal. Each system has its merits, and finding the right fit ensures your paintings are not only secure but also displayed in a way that complements their artistic essence.
I have more practical tips about how to decide on the optimal hanging mechanism in this blog post. I also offer more helpful advice in this post about hanging art at home.
Me hanging my paintings at an exhibition. Make sure you hang and display your artwork securely.
C. Visual Appeal
Tips for an Attractive Display Beyond security, the visual impact of your display plays a crucial role. Arrange your paintings thoughtfully, keeping in mind the flow and overall aesthetic.
Use varied sizes and spacing to create visual interest. Lighting can also enhance the appeal – consider spotlights or LED strips (as I use at my By Kerwin art exhibitions, to great effect) to illuminate your artwork. By striking a balance between security and visual appeal, you create a booth that not only showcases your art effectively but also beckons visitors to explore further.
3. How Much Art to Display at an Art or Craft Fair?
A. Balancing Act: Variety vs. Overcrowding
Deciding how much artwork to display requires a delicate balance between showcasing variety and preventing overcrowding within your display stand or booth.
Displaying too much can overwhelm visitors, while too little may leave them wanting more. We’ll explore the art of finding that sweet spot – enough variety to captivate interest without creating a cluttered or confusing visual experience.
B. Curating Cohesion: Strategies for a Unified Display
Crafting a cohesive and engaging display involves thoughtful curation. Explore strategies for arranging your artwork in a way that tells a story or follows a theme.
Cohesion ensures that your booth feels organised and invites visitors to explore your artistic journey, making it more likely that they find pieces that resonate with them.
C. Spotlighting Signatures: Drawing Attention to Key Pieces
Amidst the array of your creations, strategically highlighting key pieces is a powerful way to guide visitors’ attention. Whether it’s a masterpiece, a new release, or a signature style, learn how to draw the spotlight to these focal points.
By strategically featuring key pieces, you not only showcase your best work but also make a lasting impression on potential buyers.
4. Best Ways to Display Your Art at a Craft Fair
As mentioned above, to sell your work at an art or craft fair you need more than just hanging art. You need engaging touchpoints and products people can actually buy.
A. Smart Setup: Utilising Display Racks, Shelves, and Tables
Crafting an effective display at a craft fair involves making the most of your space, beyond simply hanging work on the walls of your booth. Explore how to strategically use display racks, shelves, and tables to showcase your art.
Explore various setups, considering the size and nature of your pieces, to ensure each creation gets its moment in the spotlight. Look online for table-top display stands you’re your various items, from greetings cards holders to print racks. Efficient use of these tools not only maximises visibility but also creates an organised and inviting browsing experience for visitors.
B. Bright Ideas: Enhancing Visibility with Lighting
Lighting can be a game-changer in how your art is perceived. Discover how to incorporate lighting effectively to enhance visibility and accentuate the details of your creations.
Whether it’s spotlighting specific pieces or creating an overall inviting ambiance, the right lighting can significantly impact the overall appeal of your booth, attracting more eyes and potential buyers.
C. Engagement Elements: Interactive Touches for Visitors
Beyond a static display, consider adding interactive elements to engage visitors. This could include live demonstrations, hands-on activities, or digital displays. Creating an immersive experience encourages people to spend more time at your booth, fostering a connection with your art.
By incorporating interactive elements, you not only showcase your creations but also make the entire experience memorable for visitors and stand out against your art fair neighbours.
5. Setting Up Your Art Fair Stall
A. Strategic Layout: Planning for Flow and Accessibility
Crafting a successful art fair stall starts with strategic planning. Learn how to design a layout that optimises the flow of visitors and ensures easy accessibility to your artworks. Consider factors like spacing between displays, traffic flow, and accessibility for all visitors to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience.
B. Backdrop Impact: The Importance of a Visually Appealing Setting
The backdrop of your stall serves as the canvas for your art. Explore the significance of creating a visually appealing backdrop that complements your artwork without overpowering it.
From colour schemes to signage, you’ll want to design a backdrop and display that enhances your art and tells your artistic narrative. A thoughtful booth plan can make your stall stand out amidst the fair’s bustling environment.
C. Organised Display: Tips for Easy Browsing
Organising and arranging your products thoughtfully is key to facilitating easy browsing for visitors. Discover practical tips for product placement, ensuring that your creations are displayed attractively and are easily accessible.
An organised display not only encourages exploration but also makes it more likely for visitors to find pieces that resonate with them that they will buy.
View how I have designed my booth displays when exhibiting at The Other Art Fair, here. I have only 5 metres to work with at these events so making use of every square inch is important!
6. Maximising Space in Your Art or Craft Fair Booth
When you exhibit at an art or craft fair, the biggest challenge you’ll face is space! Make use of every square inch – while taking care not to clutter your stand. Also, make intelligent use of the height available.
A. Vertical Advantage: Using Shelves and Hanging Displays
When space is limited, thinking vertically is a game-changer. Explore the benefits of utilising shelves and hanging displays to make the most of the available vertical space. This not only showcases more of your creations but also draws visitors’ eyes upward, creating a dynamic and visually interesting booth.
At my ‘By Kerwin’ art fair appearances, I display my paintings in multiple rows to really pack my stand. This works great with my pop art style, but make sure you choose an arrangement that complements your art or creations you are displaying.
B. Flexibility in Setup: Folding and Collapsible Furniture
Embrace the flexibility of folding or collapsible furniture for your booth setup. Discover how these versatile pieces can adapt to different spaces and layouts. Whether it’s collapsible tables or foldable display stands, incorporating flexible furniture allows you to optimise your booth for various events, making setup and teardown a breeze.
C. Multi-Functional Displays: Versatility in Action
Create a booth that works as hard as you do by incorporating multi-functional display elements. Explore how combining features like storage with display surfaces or using modular fixtures can serve multiple purposes.
This not only maximises your available space but also enhances the overall functionality of your booth, making it a dynamic and adaptable showcase for your art.
7. What Type of Art Sells Best Art or Craft Fairs?
This is the million-dollar question every artist or creator wants to know! Knowing exactly what art will sell best art your fair or event really depends on the type and style of your creations. It also depends on the nature of the event and it’s environment and audience.
A. Popular Art Categories: A Quick Overview
Different art and craft fairs tend to have their own preferences, but some categories generally perform well. If you can, attend other events in the lead-up to yours to gain an insight into the most popular art categories, from paintings and sculptures to handmade crafts and photography.
Understanding what attendees typically gravitate towards can guide your selection of pieces for a more successful fair experience. Having exhibited at several editions of ‘The Other Art Fair’, I would say a unifying trait of successful exhibitors is to have a clear artistic niche and identify and to be bold about what their art represents.
B. Know Your Audience: Tailoring Art for Specific Events
The secret to selling well at art fairs lies in understanding the audience. It’s important to tailor your art to match the preferences of your fair attendees – so again, do research where possible.
Whether it’s a local craft fair or a high-end art exhibition, adapting your offerings to align with the tastes and interests of the specific audience increases the likelihood of capturing their attention and making sales.
As a general guideline, having products across a few different price points is a good strategy. Also consider that art fair visitors typically prefer to buy lower-end, affordable and easy-to-carry items.
8. What Else Do I Need to Sell My Work at Art or Craft Fairs?
In addition to your art and products themselves, it’s crucial to consider the other components essential for a smooth art-buying experience for visitors.
A. Transaction Tools: Smooth Sales with Payment Terminals and Cash Handling
When it comes to selling your art, having the right tools is crucial. Explore the essential transaction tools, from payment terminals for card transactions to effective cash-handling methods. Ensuring a smooth and secure payment process not only boosts customer confidence but also streamlines your sales at art or craft fairs.
Many art fairs may have their own payment terminals and procedures, so this is something to be aware of well in advance of your event.
B. Packaging Perfection: Offering Bags for Customer Convenience
Enhance the customer experience by providing packaging solutions. Learn about the importance of offering bags for customers to safely carry their purchases. This simple yet thoughtful touch not only adds convenience for buyers but also reinforces a positive impression of your brand, increasing the likelihood of repeat business.
For my By Kerwin art shows and exhibitions I use bright orange paper bags that align with my branding. I use stickers with my logos and contact details too, for extra professional touchpoints.
C. Stay Connected: The Role of Business Cards for Future Engagement
Beyond the immediate sale, business cards play a pivotal role in future engagement. Explore why having business cards is essential at art fairs. Remember, many sales from art fairs will not be immediate, as visitors like to go home and think about their purchase, or wait for birthdays or special occasions.
Business cards serve as a tangible reminder for potential customers, providing them with a way to contact you later. Building this connection can lead to future sales, collaborations, or even word-of-mouth recommendations, making business cards a valuable asset for your art fair toolkit.
9. Conclusion
As we wrap up this guide to get started on planning your next art or craft fair appearance, let’s conclude the key points.
A. Success Recap: Key Takeaways for Art Fair Triumph
From secure hanging and strategic layouts to choosing the right art categories and transaction tools, ensure you’ve got the fundamentals covered. Creating an inviting display that balances variety with cohesion and engaging visitors with interactive elements can make your booth unforgettable.
B. Embrace Creativity: Experiment with Setups and Displays
The art of showcasing your creations is an ever-evolving process – your planning will improve with experience. Embrace experimentation and learn from your experiences – as well as those of other exhibitors.
Try different setups, display techniques, and interactive elements. Your booth is your canvas, so don’t be afraid to design it with creativity. Your art or craft fair booth should be a snapshot of you and your artistic narrative. By adapting and refining your approach, you’ll not only enhance your art fair participation but also discover what truly resonates with your audience.
Good luck, and enjoy planning your next art or craft fair appearance!
What is the most helpful piece of advice in this blog guide? Let me know – and get in touch with any further questions. Explore my range of music icon pop art paintings and shop prints in my online shop
Explore my other posts about how I’ve built my art business in my blog section here.
View my full range of Jackson Pollock-inspired pop art paintings and prints of your favourite music and pop culture icons at www.bykerwin.com. High-definition printing, fast worldwide delivery and satisfaction guaranteed. You can follow my art progress on Instagram and Facebook.
