Now that the warmer weather has arrived, the art shows have slowly begun! One of the most rewarding and fun part of this job is the shows I get to attend. Not only do art shows, markets, and other fun local events help spread the word about your business... it's also a great way to network, find community, and connect with shoppers/buyers who share interests.
Once you’ve been accepted into shows, things start to feel real. Preparation becomes everything. No matter how big or small the event is, these are the five things I do leading up to every art show to make sure I’m set up for success.
1. Make a List (and Check It Twice)
Creating a master packing list for every show is a lifesaver and absolutely essential (for me)! I never want to forget anything and my list always changes depending on the type of show. If it's an indoor event vs. outdoor event, the weather forecast, the time of the event. These factors can all impact what I plan on bringing with me.
This list includes everything from artwork to small essentials. I'm writing down tiny things like snacks, ibuprofen, tape, the list can go on and on... and it does!
I think through what needs to be set up for my booth and what I need to get through the day comfortably. Shows can be an all day event, so you want to make sure you're prepared. The end goal is to eliminate any unnecessary stress by forgetting something!
Don't want to make a list and want to download a free checklist? Sign up for my newsletter with the form at the bottom of this blog to get your free checklist!
2. Package, Price, and Inventory Artwork
This can be time consuming, but it makes life a lot easier the day of the show. In order to prepare you need to finalize and get any new work done. Whether it's paintings, prints, keychains, bookmarks. Everything needs to be done and ready to go!
Once I have everything organized and finished, I go and package my pieces so they're protected and ready to sell. We don't want to risk any damage happening before you display it.
I like to clearly price everything that I'm planning on selling. Stickers and signage is the best way to advertise the price so customers aren't left wondering.
Lastly, I add all of my items into inventory. Everything that I take with me goes into an inventory so I can track what sells and what doesn't.
*Pro tip!! If you have a pos system log you can put everything in that so you don't need to recount all of your inventory when you get home!
3. Map Out Travel + Setup Logistics
This is something you want to double and triple check before the day of your show. Every single show is different so you don't want to assume anything. Make sure you confirm:
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Setup window and timing
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Travel time and arrival plan
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Load-in/load-out process
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Parking situation
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Make sure you're always checking for the WiFi availability and the cell service that the space has. This will come in handy for payments.
Your goal is to have no surprises on the day of the show!
4. Marketing and Promotion
You always want to share with your audience where they can buy your art! Whether it's online, or in person at a show. The event will do some promotion but you don't want to rely on their promotion alone. You need to let your audience (and potential customers) that you'll be there! If they're following you online, there's a good chance they like your work and would love to support.
Make sure you're sharing the event details (date, time, location, booth info) You can even share a map if the event has one to mark out where you'll be!
Promotion doesn't have to be a boring graphic. Make it fun by sharing sneak peeks of artwork that you're bringing. You can make Instagram stories, reels, and Tik Toks about the process and prep that you're going through for the show. It's a great way to share what you're doing and the event that you're going to.
Remind your audience multiple times! One post isn't enough! Make sure you're posting and encouraging people to come say hi so you can build a connection and see the faces behind the names. People showing up are just as important as a sale.
5. Prepare Your Booth + Customer Experience
Now for the most important part, plan your booth layout! Customers are drawn to aesthetics. You want your booth to feel inviting, unique, and on brand. You want your display to give the customer a sense of what they can expect from your booth.
Think about how you would want to see your both if you were a customer. Is it inviting? Easy to browse? Easy to purchase? If you can answer yes to those three questions, you're good to go!
This is a great time to make sure your packaging for sold pieces are planned for and that you have all of the payment options that you'll need.
Lastly, make sure your business cards and signage are out. This is a perfect way to make future sales. Even if it doesn't feel like it.
Upcoming Shows
If you want to see my checklist and setup in action, you can come see me at these upcoming shows!
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100 Taylor - April 18th, 2026 | 3pm-9pm
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Tennessee Craft Fair - May 1-3rd | Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm | Sunday, 10am-5pm
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Onyx + Alabaster - July 3rd
Final Thoughts
An art show or event can always be a little intimidating and a lot of work, but the reward is so great. I encourage any and every artist to do a couple shows to get the feel and network with those around you.
If you want to get a free downloadable checklist, fill out the form below and I will send it right over!!
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With ink-stained gratitude,
Emily Ciecka