Art Vending Tips to Make $1,000+ a Day at Street Fairs

[@J-remyM]

I sell at fairs, festivals and flea markets and these are some really great tips. The only things I would add are bring really bright lights for events that run into the night time hours. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at a festival with 50 other vendors and after the sun goes down it’s me and 1-2 other vendors swamped with customers because we’re brightly lit up. I use 2-4 5000 lumen shop lights for a 10x10 tent. Also avoid sitting down especially when a customer is at your booth. I keep a fold up stool IncaseI need to rest for a few minutes but I stand 99% of the time. For some reason people are more likely to buy from you when your standing. I also like to use a cash register so I can give receipts and keep plenty of change on hand you don’t want to lose the first sale of the day because you don’t have change for a $100 bill. One more thing is keep your merchandise clean. Some events can be in areas with lots of dust and dirt in the air I always carry a small 3 gallon air compressor with me and use it to blow the dust and dirt off my merchandise and tables at those events. It makes cleaning super fast and easy

[@brendajeannewyche]

Thank you.❤️😊

[@razor6552]

Good tips

[@theabstractvoyager]

This was one of the best videos I ever watched in regards to giving tips about selling art outdoors or at pop up shops! Seriously, most people spend 5+ minutes sharing tips that don’t apply or don’t help. You didn’t do that and I appreciate you!🎉

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you, I’m glad I could help 😁

[@jessicathompson1456]

I’m a little late to the video here but I want to say this is fantastic advice. One thing I will say is that everything depends on where you live and sell, your clientele. You wouldn’t take portraits to sell at a dog show, for example. Older folks would provide a certain market and you might sell few cartoon-like prints there but sell lots of florals or landscapes. So it’s worth considering. But your ideas are very well considered and worked through. I’m glad I stumbled into this video.

[@tamaradestefano8955]

So, for someone that appears so young, you are very wise. I'm much older than you but very new to selling my art. Your video has been very helpful! Thank you for sharing, inspiring and, honestly, mentoring. Best wishes!!! Tamara

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

This comment made my day! Thank you very much ❤️

[@creativesoul-777]

Thank you so much for all the advice you gave to artists that want to start their own art booths.

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

You’re so welcome! 😀

[@kimberlyj4538]

Hey, wondering how you limit theft.

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Aww you’re so welcome and thanks so much! ❤🎉

[@Yielem]

Thanks girl, those were great tips! Something that ive seen work for other people is wearing bright clothes or funky accessories

[@tafariyoung1857]

Nice content. This reminds me of when i used to sell candies and fruits and anything really in school. I made more money in school than as an adult! I lived in the country with less people so gave up. But now that im in the city i can start back with more customers!

[@brendajeannewyche]

Thank you so much for this. I’m a new artist. I don’t sell at fairs yet. But it’s something I’m considering. & It’s so true about not treating prospects as just sales transactions. Because when I go to fairs, I might see something I really like. But some sellers actually give me a vibe that they only “turn on” for people they think are most likely to buy. & It feels unwelcoming & rude. It makes ME turn off & move on to a friendly, welcoming seller. Thanks again.❤️😁

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I agree completely, it feels so ingenuine! You’re so welcome, thanks for watching 💖🥰

[@AnthonyPolanco]

I watched this video about a month ago, and last weekend I made $1100 at an 8 hour event 🤯 if it wasn’t for this video I would have shot way lower in my mind. I immediately thought of you. I followed almost everything to a T and it actually worked. Thank you so much for the advice and inspiration 🙏🏽 now I have a viable art print business 🥲

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

This MAKES MY DAY, congratulations! 🥹💖 Keep killing it my friend!

[@deborahneumann9162]

This is the first time your videos have stumbled into my feed... and BOY... am I glad it did!!! Of all the videos out there that make suggestions as to how to sell your art; this one was EXCELLENT. Very simple, yet realistic ideas that could easily be put to use. I have been contemplating selling at markets, but it just seemed too daunting. This video has put me at ease. Thank you KINDLY! (:

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed the video! 😀

[@haleydaye7246]

I love the tip about opening two or more sides of the booth for more visibility!

[@sherylosullivan9619]

Thanks for the tips Kayla. I agree that one of the best things about selling at markets is the conversations I have with people. I’m a card crafter, so my price per item is small. ($5 for a standard card). I don’t have prices on my individual items; I print and frame an A3 list of prices. I can easily edit and reprint as I add items. I offer a discount for bulk purchases. I also have several favourites in my Square reader library. It’s easy to see at the end of the day what I have sold most of. I also add in cash sales to my square reader so I know the total sales. (Not recommended if you are trying to ‘hide’ cash sales!)

[@justshyn7347]

One size of print is excellent. I like the postcard size and I’m gonna try the larger print 11 x 17 thank you

[@nicolekuyten4977]

this is all very helpful, I was recently at a show and will definitely be taking your advice!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Yay!! I’m so glad you liked the video. ☺️

[@creationsbyvalerie]

Cool, I actually like your first art better, with your own vision of artwork, and not mostly caricature art. Thanks for sharing 😊✌🏽

[@asayasartworks]

The 100 people project was so cool!! I might attempt something similar if that’s okay I’ll totally credit where I got the idea of course

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thanks so much!! Yes of course 😄

[@deromilly]

Another Duck waves at you! Very good tips. I've been away from Eugene for over 20 years now, and still miss the Saturday market weekly. It might be time to think about looking at the popup markets around here as we don't have something like the Saturday market.

[@judithwilliams5773]

I'm getting ready for my first art fair in two weeks. I'm really nervous but so thankful for these videos. I've downloaded a bunch. Thànks.

[@InYourYawn]

Good luck!

[@MelRodx3]

Ahhhh that’s so exciting. How did it go?!

[@judithwilliams5773]

@@MelRodx3 it went just fine. I didn’t sell much but that’s how it was with most of the artists.

[@MelRodx3]

@@judithwilliams5773 Something sold is better than nothing sold. 🥰 I’m glad you were able to get some experience though. I’m still very new, not quite ready for an art fair yet but I can imagine how nervous I’ll be when the time comes.

[@GaiaCarney]

Thanks for sharing these helpful tips, Kayla Carlile Art! Your artwork is amazing!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

You’re so welcome, thanks so much ☺️💖

[@katesutherland6088]

Your video happened to just come across my feed, and I'm so grateful that it did. I will be doing my first leap into selling this upcoming spring, and your advice is so useful! New fan and follower, thanks so much.

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Yay! I’m so glad it did too. Thanks so much, I’m glad I could be helpful. I hope your leap pays off tremendously 💖🫶🏻

[@BitsofJoshua]

I'm doing my first market this weekend, so thank you very much for the tips! Table risers are now on the list :)

[@sarahhavert]

I am looking into starting markets with my artwork and your tips were so helpful!

[@leecrespi5162]

Excellent marketing advice! Thanks. I love the 100 people painting - so clever.

[@Chapita0718]

Thanks for the tips!!!! Lots of success you aree awesome!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thanks so much! :)

[@myk5875]

Thank you Kayla, wise words of tips from your experience & from some one so young…here’s wishing you every success.

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it! 😄

[@mark_girardeau]

Those were such great tips, thank you!

[@fruitsofvenus]

How did you decide to use the jam experiment theory on size of prints but go the opposite route on the content? ie you say to have as many prints as possible on display but only one size… I ask because I go back and forth with my own stuff sometimes I wonder if I just had 3 pieces to chose from if it’s easier to make a sale 🧐

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

You know what, you just pointed out something I never thought of. So true… I think the hardest first step is catching the eye of a customer with an artwork they like. So in that aspect, displaying as many of your artworks as possible can catch the eye of more customers. THEN once they like something, making the purchasing options easier can help finalize the purchase. For example, I think if they find something they like but then have to decide whether to buy it on a poster, sticker, keychain, or T shirt, then they might walk away to “think about it”. Does that make any sense or am I rambling?

[@christophermcclean4885]

Love your content, Kayla! You are incredibly inspiring! 😎🙏🏾

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thanks so much, that means a lot! 😄

[@incredhistory]

Hello! I like your set up! Thanks for this video. Would you mind telling me how you displayed the photos along your canopy tent? Did you tape them?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Yes, I used a long strip of duck tape! The prints are in a protective plastic sheet, so I can replace them easily without damaging the print.

[@mellows-mellow]

This was so helpful thank you!! I’m having my first table soon. Unfortunately I don’t have a ton of money to make prints but I’ll at least have some.

[@MissShembre]

It's better to start with a few if they're new prints. Then you can test which ones are going to sell well before investing in 50 prints that don't sell for years.

[@Lightcode]

These are really great tips but I would disagree with you about the business cards. While I'm not a professional art / craft fair vendor, I can share that in all the shows over all the years I have only been contacted once from a business card. And they were contacting me about something not related to what I lol! Loose business cards get dropped, thrown away and never looked at by most people. I think the best way is like you also do, is by cards in every packaged print and original.

[@sherylosullivan9619]

Square reader! Love it!

[@jamesbusolo6571]

Really appreciate your advice especially as an artist beginning an art business 💯

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you, I’m glad I could help!

[@XPXPXPPXPPP]

so much very needed , thank you so much for these amazing tips, definitely remarking them when possible youre phucking AWESUM

[@kbee33]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Such great tips . Thank you for wanting to share these!

[@mithilaketkar2393]

This is such great advice. Very practical and doable. Thanks a tonne!! 🎉

[@tracys58]

I am planning my first vendor fair this summer. For now I only have a regular shade tent you would typically use for camping etc. Do you have any suggestions on how I would add display walls to it? Love all your tips here. Thank you so much.

[@sarahrose9944]

I love this video! Do you have any content on how to sell your art through other small businesses? Specifically, what are different options on how to compensate the business for hosting your work? Do they buy wholesale from you and mark it up for themselves, do you only get paid when a work sells? Thanks!

[@mizsjones]

You're amazing, thanks this helped alot and ive made sure to save it in my notes along with the rest on amazing tips!

[@chipcurry]

, And another good Chip, have a wonderful KZbin channel like you do! Great job. Good luck.

[@charisserudolph3912]

Where do you have your prints made? What kind of prints? Canvas, paper? What about the bigger prints in the back? Size and material? How do you hang them?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I made a video on my print process!! It should be in the Artist Academy playlist on my profile. The larger ones in the back are the original paintings. I hang them using metal hooks that fit into the wooden frame on the canvas. :) I think I have the hooks in my Amazon storefront.

[@vanstey]

thanks for these tips!!! i was wondering if you sell your originals too or do you only sell your prints???

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Hi!!! I think I just saw and answered your other comment, but yes I do!

[@AnthonyPolanco]

can I ask why you chose the size 8x10 over any other size? Thank you so much for making this video soooo helpful and inspiring ✨

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I guess there’s no specific reason, I just noticed that I sold that size the most! It’s also the easiest to get prints made the way I order them. :) any size would probably work!

[@AnthonyPolanco]

@@KaylaCarlileArt thank you!! I was considering 11x14, but I can see why 8x10 would sell better since customers can easily imagine it in a standing tabletop frame as well as on a wall :))

[@TammyPardee-sq6tp]

You did very well. Thank you! I am older an thought… for a moment, she’s young. You thought and reminded me of the things that I should focus on. So…. Thank you!

[@maryatnorthatlanta12]

Hey! Loved the video! Can you make a video about just starting out at markets specifically? In another video, you mentioned only having originals at your first Saturday market. I'm kind of in that same space. I want to make some prints. But I definitely don't have the start up income to make a lot. I also don't have a lot of originals to make prints of. Can you make a video of standing out without having a lot of product? I don't want my table to look sparse 😢

[@OrkoorganicsASoundSolLLC]

that was good tip at 2:11 GIRL YES!!!!! thank you

[@thatsthat8421]

Great informative video Kayla, well done. Do you exhibit your original work in galleries or do you speckle original works in along with your prints at craft fairs?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you! I do not have my work in galleries (although I’d love to someday!) and I do bring a few originals with me for sale at markets. ☺️

[@emmagilmore615]

Do you put all your copies out? For example if you have a print design and you've got 10 of that print, do you put all 10 out, or just one and then restock? :)

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

This is a great question!! Depending on how popular the print is, I will put out 3-5 maybe, and keep extras stocked up to refill as they sell. 😀

[@emmagilmore615]

@@KaylaCarlileArt amazing thank you!

[@christinapeterson7142]

This is a great video ❤ thank you. I've a Q; How too or where do you get youre prints created?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I actually get photo prints and then package them nicely! I made a video on my Artist Academy playlist explaining more 😀

[@Abby.FineArt]

This is shockingly helpful! Amazing!!!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you SO much!

[@emilytaylorvlogs-01]

Super helpful, thanks! I’m gonna try the one size option for sure!

[@Stacy_SJA]

Where do you get your prints from? Maybe I haven’t got to that part of the video Loving your art! No wonder you’re doing so well!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Aww thanks so much! If you scroll through my videos I have one about packaging prints- that explains more :)

[@3lue5tar]

Saving…saving! Thank you for all your tips!❤

[@laurelastor5791]

Great suggestions!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@agelesskarate]

Amazing advice thank you so much.

[@califmike2003]

Prints ? like out of a printer? or did you paint all these ? I'm confused is your work digital? real paint?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Art prints! Meaning, copies of an artwork and not an original. All of the art you see at Target, Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, are prints of art. I create an original painting and then reproduce copies of it to sell for much less than the original costs. :) Hope this helps!

[@britanierallison7333]

Love the Juice World painting so much!!!

[@reneap9049]

Great advice, thank you for sharing!!!

[@1146g02]

Thanks for video. When you first started your booth what did you sell ?

[@RigSquad]

Hey! Thanks so much for this experience and knowledge. How many inches are the bed risers and how much are you selling each print for ?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I believe the bed risers are 4-5 inches and I sell my prints for $15! They cost me about $3.56 to make (I have another video on that)

[@michaelwerner4539]

do you make that much in the winter time too? or is this festival only in the summer months

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

In Eugene, we move indoors to the fairgrounds for the “Holiday Market” from Nov-Dec. I do make this much there. The bummer is that we won’t have any markets at all from Jan-March until the Spring market opens again.

[@guccionelombardi9802]

Do I need a license to sell art on the streets? Also, where do you make your prints? Thanks

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I just saw this, I’m so sorry! For me, I mostly sell at the local Saturday Market. Since I’m a member, it doesn’t require a license, but I do also have a city vending license if I ever wanted to randomly set up on a corner somewhere! (Been too shy to do that yet. Lol). I have a video on my print process too!

[@ronb7095]

Hi. What do you do with the original art pieces that you make prints from? Do you sell them, if so how do the prices compare to the prints? Do people contact you who want originals that no prints get made of? I want to starts doing markets and have wondered about this.

[@alpotap]

Is that a painting of Kitboga at 2:07 ??????????????????????

[@denniskinsey504]

I just discovered your videos. Very interesting and you have a great presence. Forgive me if you’ve answered this 100 times, but where do you get your prints made and have you tried different places, do you get glossy, how many to you get at one time, etc. Thanks.

[@rmac5575]

Awesome video! Continued success!!!

[@tikpoyen1410]

Thank you so much. Your video helps me a lot!

[@echognomecal6742]

Nicely done.

[@kirbierose2589]

How do you store them at the fair? Are they in plastic?

[@rikadehombreux4573]

Thank you so much for sharing 💖🙏💖😊

[@bobmorr2892]

So are you saying you sell prints for $10 a piece? I sold at Saturday market in Portland for 7 years I sold prints that size for $24. There were people that sold Originals of that size for like $20 and some that sold originals for maybe $125 that size. I guess anything goes in the art world. I like your idea of keeping it simple, all 8x10 and I assume the same price. Great video.

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I typically sell 8 x 10 inch prints for $15. I’ve been debating on raising it recently though.

[@MissShembre]

@@KaylaCarlileArt Definitely raise them. Most prints that size go for $20-$25, and have for years. You can always do a BOGO deal, too, where they get 2 for $30-$40 depending on what base price you pick.

[@mychal9692]

Thank you so much!!!! BEST ADVICE EVER!!!!!

[@kschneyer]

Excellent advice! I learned a lot. I'm hoping to sell books, and right now I only have two I've published. I wonder if your advice would be different for me?

[@WizardKing-Official]

You so cute. Great advice. Good luck out there.

[@dleigh4534]

I love the canvas made by 100 people 😍 💕

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you 😊

[@DCdripart2217]

Such a helpful video. Thank you for the great tips!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thanks so much! 😁

[@DCdripart2217]

@@KaylaCarlileArt Of Course! 😁🙂

[@jayrock6818]

Do you paint all these individually or paint one and copy it over and over? is it hard to get a store to let you set up a booth? You mentioned "prints" so if I were to make something that I think would sell a lot how would I copy it to make "prints?" Or maybe you didn't mean you make many prints of a original you painted

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

You are correct, I make copies of one painting over and over! I made a video about where I get them printed, I think it would help 😃 I set up at the local Eugene Saturday Market, so lots of vendors set up booths every weekend downtown.

[@jayrock6818]

@@KaylaCarlileArt i live in Las Vegas. I paint many different things. Pet portraits, cartoons, music artists etc.. social media is no help for me and I work a full time job while trying to become a full time artist and make a living from it. You made me seriously try to look for some place to set up a booth as well as making prints of my paintings. Do you make a deal with the market to give them a percentage of your sales or something like that?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

@@jayrock6818 I'm honored my video could help! Yes, the Saturday Market has a set fee of 10%, but I know each market is different. I'd start by researching online "local saturday market near me" and then apply to join as a vendor!

[@jayrock6818]

@@KaylaCarlileArt I googled Saturday markets and Farmers markets popped up. Are they the same thing? Sorry if you think I'm asking too many questions

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

@@jayrock6818 it depends on the market- in Eugene we have a farmers market and saturday market that are combined into one big market! It couldn't hurt to reach out to them and ask if they have craft vendors too :) I'm sure they could lead you in the right direction.

[@cheriecollins3848]

What kind of price is best to sell at 8x10 ?

[@LexaLianne]

I'm applying for my first street fair in a few weeks. When setting up does it ever happen where you can park your car in front of your booth then move it when you're done? Or would I always have to carry everything over?

[@christopherjordan180]

great video, very informational!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed :)

[@leahscott1359]

The thing is…. I don’t trust the whole card reader completely…. What will you do if someone decides to dispute or fraud it??. Then you lose in money right??

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I suppose, but I’ve never ever had that happen in the 7 years I’ve been using mine…

[@Beth-dl6br]

What kind of prints/copies? Limited edition? Who makes your prints?

[@rachelellis7453]

Where do you get your prints made at?

[@docpeeps]

Great info!! Clear and to the point. ❤

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thank you 😊

[@lucymusakali8945]

Thank you for sharing this! I also have a question, have you ever set up at county carnival fairs and if so, how was your experience?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I have! Honestly it wasn’t the best, but I think that’s because I was put inside with all the quilters/baking booths.

[@lucymusakali8945]

@@KaylaCarlileArt oh so do you think if you would have been outside it would atleast be much better?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

@@lucymusakali8945 I do believe so, yes!

[@lucymusakali8945]

@@KaylaCarlileArt ok. Thanks. I will try and see how it goes.

[@Wilsinart]

Great tips!!!!! 👍 Ty!!

[@brendamickelson7702]

Good good advice! Thank you.

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Glad you liked it! You’re welcome 😀

[@sanicreative]

what's a good supplier for prints?

[@a.humphries8678]

What do you think about recycled art made into business cards? I like that it is creative, but realize it could look amateurish.

[@jessicathompson1456]

I’m not the post author but I’d say it depends on your market and your works. Some might like the added “homemade” look like you’d get at a great recycle/vintage market, but others might like more of a clean; professional look. You could always do a trial run and see.

[@missmoneypenny333]

This was amazing. Thank u. ❤

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

You're so welcome!

[@MrAnderson7372]

What's the typical range of a booth rental? Great art btw!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Thanks so much! For the Eugene Saturday Market, I pay $15 per day plus 10% of sales!

[@britanierallison7333]

How do you hang the displays?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I’ve started typing a thin rope across my canopy frame and hanging canvases on it with art hooks!

[@WOOSAAHGALLERY]

Amazing Tips!

[@vjhreeves]

I was a bit confused by bring as many options as you can, but limit options ...

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Sorry, I meant bring as many artworks as you can, but limit the number of options you offer for each art. I only offer 1 print size, rather than having multiple size options, stickers, shirts, etc. does this help?

[@vjhreeves]

@@KaylaCarlileArt yep! Got it. 👍

[@Cookie_Panda_Studio]

This is such a good video! thank you so much! this helps so much! Ps can you make a video how you do it? or what you use? with the links? it would help alot! again thank you so much!

[@drpepper998]

I have a question for you. Do you have multiples of the same print or do you just have one?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

I have multiple. Depending on how popular I know the print is, I sometimes have up to 10 of certain prints.

[@drpepper998]

@@KaylaCarlileArt Okay. I'm a photographer so would it be good to have multiples in different sizes then? I know you only do one size but from what you have seen at shows.

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

@@drpepper998 ahh, I see what you mean. As for different size options, that’s up to you- I only offer 1 size but have multiple in-stock of each print. Sorry, I may have answered that wrong the first time.

[@SweetlyDarkArt]

Would you call off a day for bad weather or do you try to tough it out?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

It depends how bad is bad…. I’m from Oregon so it’s not uncommon to have rainy days, and I can usually tough it out for those. Really cold temperatures or storms though, I don’t usually go.

[@TheElegantPelican]

How well could this work with photography?

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Hmmm, I’m not 100% sure but I don’t see why it would be different! Have you sold your photography before? If you already know people buy it, then I assume it would be the same :)

[@sumababu-palettelife7771]

Hey...these are very useful tips. Thanks for that👍

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

My pleasure 😊