Art Booth Signage that Pulls in Buyers
Good signage can make or break your art booth at art fairs. In this article, I share what I learned about booth signs from running my own art gallery and how it transformed my sales at events. You can watch the full video below, and this article expands on the strategies I explain in it. If you want help gathering your booth supplies, grab my Free Art Fair Supply List to make it easier.
Watch the video
Why I Started Thinking About Signage Differently
When I ran an art gallery in the mall, I watched neighboring stores like K Jewelers and Victoria Secret constantly change out their front window promotions. They always had new signs advertising limited time deals, and people poured in. My gallery didn’t get the same kind of traffic, so I started testing weekly sales with big signs to draw attention—and it worked.
That was my aha moment. At art fairs, we’re set up side by side, kind of like a pop up mall. People walk by fast, and your signage is what helps them decide whether to step into your booth. If they don’t walk in, they can’t buy anything. So your goal is to spark curiosity and interest in just a few seconds.
Use a Booth Banner That Sparks Curiosity
One of the first signs I added was a booth banner. I’ve used several over the years, but my most successful one says “Animal Art Safari.” It doesn’t include my name, even though a lot of artists lead with their brand. Most shoppers don’t know who we are, and honestly, they’re not looking for our names. They’re looking for something that makes them want to stop and look.
My banner works because it matches the vibe of my rainbow animal paintings. People see the art, read the words “Animal Art Safari,” and instantly get curious about what other animals I’ve painted. It gets them inside the booth, and from there, I can guide them toward my print bin. That’s where a lot of my impulse buys happen.
Show Off Your Deal in Big Bold Text
The next type of signage I use is a price sign that advertises my deal. I print it large enough to read from 20 or 30 feet away. It clearly says how much my prints cost, and that alone pulls in a ton of traffic. Most people expect art prints to cost more than mine do, so when they see the sign, it feels like a surprising find.
This works especially well when combined with the banner and the colorful art. Families, kids, and animal lovers all respond to it. But even if you’re not selling animal art, you can make this strategy your own. Use a bold sign to highlight an irresistible offer. Whether that’s a two for one deal, a weekend discount, or your base price, it helps people understand your booth at a glance.
How to Customize These Tactics for Your Booth
You don’t need to sell cute or affordable prints to make these strategies work. The key is to come up with a sign that’s both intriguing and relevant to your art. If you’re a landscape photographer, maybe your booth title could be something like “Wonders of the Wild” or “Desert Dreams.” The title should give people a reason to walk in and explore.
And if your work is higher end, you can still craft an offer. Maybe it’s a weekend-only canvas size, a free print with purchase, or even a small gift for newsletter signups. Think about what would make someone pause, look, and say “Let’s go check that out.”
The Downsides of Booth Signage You Should Know
Before you go wild printing signs, know that not every art fair will allow them. Some upscale events want a uniform look and restrict signage above the tent or limit price signs altogether. I’ve had a few shows ask me to take mine down. When that happens, I just apologize and comply. It’s important to follow the rules so you stay in good standing for future years.
Also, some artists might not love that you’re displaying lower prices so publicly. It can create tension if they’re selling similar items for much more. But your pricing and marketing are your choice. As long as you’re being honest and respectful, it’s not your job to make others comfortable with your success.
Final Thoughts
If you want to get more people inside your art booth at art fairs, signage is one of the easiest ways to make it happen. A well chosen booth banner and clear price sign can act like a magnet, drawing in buyers who would have otherwise passed by. Don’t be afraid to test new ideas and see what works for your art and your audience.
For more ideas on improving your booth, check out my article How to Talk to Customers in Your Art Fair Booth. It’s full of tips for turning browsers into buyers with simple, authentic conversations.