Welcome, artists! We’re excited to share a comprehensive guide designed to help you present your work with confidence and professionalism at For the Love of Art Fair. While many of our participating artists are seasoned professionals, we also welcome emerging artists who benefit from mentorship and clear expectations. These art fair booth tips outline how to create a gallery-quality presentation that elevates your work, enhances the patron experience, and supports strong sales.

Our fair is intentionally curated to feel refined, thoughtful, and artist-centered. Each booth functions as a mini gallery, and every detail—from layout to lighting—contributes to the overall experience. Use this guide as a supportive framework (not rigid rules) to help you prepare, promote, and shine.

A Professional Art Fair Experience Starts With Your Booth

For the Love of Art Fair offers patrons an elevated, gallery-style environment that celebrates craftsmanship and meaningful connections between artists and collectors. Your booth is a critical part of that experience. When thoughtfully planned, it invites visitors in, tells your story, and showcases your work at its best.

Whether this is your first year with us or you’re returning, our goal is to help you feel prepared and confident. Strong presentation benefits everyone—artists, collectors, and the community we’re building together.

Timeline: Preparing 4–8 Weeks Before the Fair

Artwork & Inventory

• Create a cohesive body of work.
• Finish pieces well in advance.
• Decide on clear price points (include a range).
• Label or catalog your work.
• Photograph your pieces for records and promotion.

Pricing & Payments

• Clearly price all artwork.
• Prepare a price list or inventory sheet.
• Set up payment methods (cash, credit/debit, Square, Venmo, PayPal).
• Bring a cash box to make change. People still pay with cash.

Marketing Materials

• Business cards.
• Email signup sheet or QR code.
• Promotional graphics for social posts and email announcements.

Booth Planning: Design With Intention

Display & Layout

• Sketch your booth layout (graph paper or digital tools help).
• Decide which pieces hang versus sit on tables.
• Bring professional display materials (panels, grid walls, easels, shelves).
• Use neutral colors so your art stands out.
• Less is more—avoid clutter and let your work breathe.

Branding

• Include a clean sign with your name/logo.
• Maintain a consistent visual style across signage, frames, and displays.

Lighting

• Use clamp lights or LEDs to evenly illuminate work.
• Bring extension cords and power strips as needed.

Packing Checklist: Don’t Forget the Essentials

Artwork & Display

• Artwork (labeled and wrapped).
• Hanging hardware and tools (hammer, hooks, zip ties, tape).

Booth Supplies

• Tablecloths, chair or stool, weights (if required), level.

Sales Supplies

• Receipt book, inventory list, business cards.
• Packaging for sold items (bags, bubble wrap).

Personal Items

• Water, snacks, comfortable shoes, phone charger or battery pack.

Day of the Fair: Engage With Confidence

Setup

• Arrive early and check in with event staff.
• Set up should be complete before doors open.
• Test payment systems and lighting.

During the Show

• Greet visitors with a smile.
• Be ready to talk about your process.
• Avoid sitting or being on your phone.
• Engage without pressure—conversation builds connection.

Time & Value

• Know how long pieces take to create.
• Be confident in your pricing.
• Remember: your time and skill have value.

Booth Standards & Professional Presentation

For the Love of Art Fair is a professional art fair. We expect each booth to function as a mini gallery.

Booth Design & Layout

• Plan intentionally; know your wall sizes.
• Stack vertically on a midline; align side-by-side on a horizontal midline.
• Aim for symmetry and breathing room.
• Solid walls are required, or rent pipe-and-drape.
• You can use your tent with mesh walls. Please remove the canopy. 

Artwork Presentation

• Group cohesive work together.
• Use harmonious framing.
• Place a large, high-impact piece at the center of your back wall to draw visitors in and support sales of smaller works.

Medium-Specific Tips

• Jewelry & Small Works: Add photo blow-ups on back walls or display cases so patrons can see detail from a distance.
• 3D Artists: Use multiple display levels; pedestals are encouraged to elevate work properly.
• Wearable art: Have mirrors available to your customers.

Signage, Pricing & Sales

• Clear signage and visible pricing are essential.
• Velcro-backed labels  on fabric panels offer a clean, professional look.

Recommended Price Tiers

• $35–$100: Accessible works for new collectors (not for all mediums).
• $100–$800: The most common patron spend range.
• $800–$3,000: Investment pieces; your most expensive work should be a showstopper centered on the back wall.

Cards & Small Items

• This is not a craft show.
• Bundle cards (e.g., 4–5 for $30).
• Skip rotating racks we are not a Hallmark store.

Furniture, Presence & Professionalism

• Use a high director-style chair so you’re eye-level with patrons.
• Raise tables to counter height for a gallery feel. Bed risers are perfect for raising your tables to counter height.
• Dress professionally—you are part of the booth.

Marketing & Promotion: We Grow Together

Active promotion by artists strengthens attendance, energy, and sales for everyone. Please:

• Email your collector list and past customers.
• Personally invite friends and supporters.
• RSVP and invite through the Facebook event page.
• Share posts, stories, reels, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Tag For the Love of Art Fair and collaborate when possible.
• Repost event content to amplify reach.

Where to Source Professional Booth Setups

Investing in quality displays pays off. Consider:

• ProPanels — professional wall systems.
• Flourish Displays — elegant booth solutions.
• Creative Energies — display and tent options.

For improving jury images and booth photos, this Facebook group is a helpful resource:

• Jury Image Evaluation (Facebook Group).

After the Fair: Follow Up & Reflect

• Pack carefully and leave your space clean.
• Thank event staff and organizers.
• Share highlights on social media and tag the event.
• Email new contacts.
• Reflect on what worked and plan improvements for next time.

Final Thoughts

Be professional and kind to fellow artists. Support the community—you’re part of it. Every fair is a learning experience, and preparation leads to confidence. Confidence leads to connection.

At For the Love of Art, we are a community of artists helping one another.

Ready to participate?
Apply Now – For the Love of Art Fair Call for Artists