Lessons from my first art market experience

My First Christmas Market in Venice Beach: Lessons for Artists

The other Saturday, a good friend invited me to participate in a Christmas market in Venice Beach, LA. It was my first time showcasing my art at a market, and I was eager to give it a try. I prepared in advance, bringing a selection of work that I thought would appeal to visitors. While the experience wasn’t perfect, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would absolutely do it again!

If you’re an artist starting out (like me!), here are a few valuable lessons I learned from my first art market experience:

1. Choose a Well-Planned and Well-Attended Market

Not all art markets are created equal. Some may have low attendance or place you in areas with minimal foot traffic, which can significantly impact your chances of selling your art. Before committing, research the market’s reputation and location to ensure it aligns with your goals as an artist.

2. Bring a Diverse Selection of Work

I made the mistake of curating my pieces too much, and I often heard visitors ask if I had additional work or specific items. For example, I focused heavily on prints but was surprised by how many people were interested in original watercolor paintings. The takeaway? Bring as much work as you can, including originals, prints, and other formats. You never know what might catch someone’s eye!

3. Bring a Piece to Work On

One of the most engaging things you can do is bring an in-progress piece to the market. Passersby love watching an artist at work—it creates interest and makes your booth stand out. Additionally, painting onsite provides a casual way to connect with potential buyers without feeling like you’re “selling” too hard.

4. Build Connections and Collect Buyer Information

Not everyone who stops by your booth will be ready to buy on the spot. Some may not have planned to make a purchase or are looking for something you don’t currently have available. Make sure to:

Hand out business cards with your website and social media handles.
Collect email addresses for a newsletter.
Ask buyers for their info (with permission!) to keep in touch and share updates on your new work.

Building these connections can lead to future sales and help grow your audience.

Closing Thoughts

Participating in my first art marketwas a wonderful learning experience. It gave me insight into what works, what doesn’t, and how to better prepare for future events.

If you’re an artist, I’d love to hear from you! Have you participated in an art market? What lessons did you learn? Feel free to comment below and share your tips!

Muah,

Valeria aka Lera