Tips on Selling at an Art Market

Written by Joely Rogers

Last month, I participated in my very first art market—and what a lovely introduction it was. The event took place at the North Carolina Arboretum during their Nature Play Day, a celebration designed to highlight the benefits of outdoor play for kids and families. Think fairy houses, gnome homes, stick forts, storytelling, pond life exploration, and more—all wrapped in a gentle, community-focused atmosphere.

With just six maker booths, the setting was intimate and inviting. It turned out to be the perfect place for someone like me—an artist, yes, but also an introvert—to try selling in-person for the first time.

What Made This Market a Great First Experience

From the start, this market made things easy for participants. The Arboretum provided each artist with a tent, table, and chairs—three logistical pieces you’d typically have to figure out on your own. And in case of bad weather, they had a backup plan: all vendors could be moved indoors to the Arboretum’s educational center.

They even supplied carts to help us haul our items from the parking area to our booths. This small but mighty detail made setup so much smoother—and it’s something to ask about when you're applying to future markets.

Oh, and admission was free for vendors. That’s a $20-per-vehicle bonus I was happy to accept.

Here’s how my booth turned out:

I brought cards, bookmarks, stickers, small and medium prints, and a few framed originals. I kept my display simple and approachable, with clear signage for pricing and payment options (including Venmo). My goal was to make it easy for anyone—whether they were a casual browser or an enthusiastic collector—to buy something and connect with my work.

Talking to Strangers… as an Introvert

Was I nervous? Absolutely. But I reminded myself that I wasn’t there to “sell”—I was there to talk about the thing I love: nature-inspired art. Once I started conversations around that, my nerves softened. People were kind, curious, and genuinely interested in the process behind the pieces.

Sales went better than I expected, and I left feeling not only encouraged—but excited to try another market this year.

My Beginner Tips for Selling at an Art Market

1. Choose Your Market Wisely

Not all markets are created equal. Look for beginner-friendly ones like:

Smaller, community-based events
Markets that provide tents/tables
Events that align with your art’s theme (nature, craft, family, etc.)

A supportive environment makes all the difference.

2. Keep Your Display Simple but Clear

People should know at a glance:

What you're selling
How much it costs
How they can pay

Use table signs with big, legible fonts. Include mobile payment options if possible. The majority of my sales were via Venmo.

3. Have a Range of Price Points

I offered items from $5 bookmarks to $250 framed prints. This lets folks support your work at whatever level they’re comfortable with. Cards, stickers, and bookmarks especially were popular as impulse buys.

4. Practice Your Setup at Home

Before the big day, do a full mock setup in your driveway or living room. You'll:

Notice if anything’s missing (tablecloths, signs, card readers)
Get a sense of how long setup will take
Avoid day-of panic

5. Bring the Essentials

Aside from your art, here are a few extras I recommend:

A cash box with small bills and change
A portable phone charger
Clips or weights in case it’s windy
Snacks and water (markets can be long!)
A notebook to jot down what sold, what people said, or ideas for next time

6. Take Breaks and Breathe

If you're shy like me, know that you can step back when needed. Invite a friend to trade-off with, or just take a quiet moment behind your booth. People will understand.

And remember: talking about your art is just sharing joy. That’s it.

7. Learn from Each Experience

After the event, I made a list of:

What sold well
What I wish I had brought more of
What didn’t work

I also noted which interactions felt meaningful—because connection is the true currency of any art market.

The Bottom Line

Art markets aren’t just about sales. They’re about sharing your passion, finding your audience, and becoming part of a creative ecosystem. They can be intimidating at first (especially if you're a bit quiet like me), but they’re also incredibly rewarding.

Here’s a shot of our cozy little market on that sunny day:

If you’ve been thinking about signing up for your first art market—this is your sign. Go for it. Be prepared, stay open, and let your art do the talking.