How To Sell Art at Shows

by Nargis Naqvi

Are you on social media, looking at artists posting about their art selling on instagram, whereas yours is collecting dust? There are many ways to sell artwork and some people have worked very hard at it, without giving up. You can be one of those people as well!

If you have confidence that your art has technique, you have taken classes, you have been selling off and on, yet not as much as you'd like, then I have news for you: We are living in a market where people are finding it hard to pay their rent, yet we still see so many people crowding restaurants, buying branded things and living well. If you can use a credit card and make minimum payments, then yes, everyone who likes to live well is doing that. But art at full price, is luxury and hence only for the rich. Right? Wrong!

Some art will be high end and only for a certain class of people who happen to love collecting art, yet there are people who love art and would love to buy something affordable.

There are art shows around town where you can do group exhibitions or have a booth but here are a few points to get you started so you can succeed and make some sales with the talent given to you by God.

What Sells Well

• Affordable & Accessible Items: Small prints, greeting cards, and small home goods (coasters, magnets) sell consistently as impulse buys or entry points to your art.

• Prints (Especially Small): Prints are often the top seller due to lower price points than originals, with small sizes being particularly popular.

• Nature & Landscapes: Peaceful scenes (beaches, forests) evoke emotion and nostalgia, making them strong sellers.

• Bold Colors & Texture: Art that's vibrant, colorful, or incorporates heavy texture (fabrics) is trending and eye-catching.

• Digital & Abstract Art: Abstract pieces are open to interpretation, while digital art and minimalist designs appeal to modern tastes.

• Relevant Themes: Art that matches the event's theme (e.g., spooky art at a gothic market) or features popular subjects (pets at an animal show) finds eager buyers.

• Storytelling Art: Pieces with a strong personal story or theme create a powerful connection with collectors. 

• Stick to your ONE style at an art fair, and instead of mixing and matching your styles, create different items of various price points to sell. Miniature study series paintings could also do well.

What Doesn't Sell Well (or Sells Less)

• Overly Large/Expensive Originals: Big original pieces can be intimidating and hard to transport, limiting sales.

• Dated Styles: Art that looks like it hasn't evolved can get lost among more contemporary options.

• Inaccessible Framing: Art that requires custom, expensive framing is a major barrier; standard sizes (e.g., 8x10, 11x14) that fit off-the-shelf frames sell better.

• Generic "Craft Fair" Items: If your work is high-end, selling at a low-end craft fair (with AI prints or cheap ornaments) can dilute your brand and make sales harder.

• Lack of Connection: Art without a story or emotional hook may not stand out from the crowd. 

• People buy from artists they can relate to and like. Don't let your art become just merchandise but rather make eye contact and start conversations about the buyer and their needs and tastes.

Key Tips for Success

• Price Strategically: Have a range of price points, from small prints to larger originals, to catch different buyers.

• Target Your Venue: Go where your ideal customer already is (e.g., pet art at a dog show).

• Create a Welcoming Booth: Ensure your display is inviting and easy to navigate, with clear pricing.