Art Fair Must Have Supplies Every Artist Needs

Getting ready for art fairs can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not sure what to pack. I have learned over the years that having the right art fair supplies makes the entire experience easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable. Below I share some of my must have supplies that I always bring with me. 

Also just a heads up, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means some of the links I share in this article are affiliate links, which help support my work at no extra cost to you :)

Supply List at Glance

 

How to Make Load In and Load Out Easier

One of the biggest challenges of art markets is getting all of your gear from your vehicle to your booth. I have relied on my Rock N Roller cart for more than a decade and it has never let me down. It folds up into a compact little bundle that fits easily into my van, and then unfolds into a sturdy cart that can carry large and heavy items. Having the right cart saves so much time and keeps me from exhausting myself (and my assistant) before the show even starts.

I recommend choosing a cart that is built to last. Many artists underestimate how much weight they are actually moving between tables, bins, panels, and displays. A dependable cart makes the entire process smoother and allows you to set up with less stress. I would not do art fairs without mine, and I know other artists who feel the same way.

Tips for Powering Your Booth Without Electricity

Not every art fair provides electricity, which can be stressful if you need lighting or if your phone dies in the middle of a show. For serious booth setups where you need to light an entire booth, I rely on my Jackery portable power station. It is an investment, but it powers all of my lights, my Square reader, and my phone for a full day. Then I take it to my hotel or home with me to charge at night. Ready for the next day with a full power. I never have to worry about whether or not an outlet is available. I also don't have to pay extra for electricity fees, which a lot of shows charge for.

If you are just starting out or do not need to run lighting for an entire booth, a smaller power bank works perfectly. And it's a lot more affordable! I like compact models that are lightweight, easy to keep in a bag or purse, and powerful enough to recharge my phone several times. Having one of these backups means I never miss a sale because my device runs out of power. This is the one I use.

Why Canopy Weights Are Essential

One of the most common mistakes I see at art markets is artists not securing their tents. Even on a calm day, the wind can surprise you and carry a canopy away. I never set up without sturdy canopy weights because they protect my booth and also keep my neighbors safe. It is a small step that makes a huge difference in peace of mind.

There are many styles of canopy weights available, but the important thing is to choose something heavy enough to do the job, at least 20 pounds per leg (but it's better to have 40 pounds per leg). When you are focused on customers and sales, you should not have to worry about your booth shifting in the breeze. Canopy weights are a simple solution that every artist should have at the ready.

There are variety of different weight bags that work well, click here to see what's available.

How to Stay Comfortable and Engaged All Day

Long days at art fairs mean you need a comfortable place to sit. I like using a folding director’s chair because it keeps me at eye level with customers while still letting me rest my feet. Sitting in a low chair makes it harder to connect with people, but a taller chair keeps the energy up while giving you a break when you need it.

This director's chair is my favorite because it has a little table that folds out. You can set your drinks on it and customers drinks so they don't spill them when they're looking in your print bins. It's a very convenient. And comfortable!

But comfort also goes beyond seating. I always pack things like sunscreen, a small fan, and plenty of water. These little items might seem minor, but they make it easier to stay focused and friendly throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

The right art fair supplies make a huge difference in how smoothly shows go. From a reliable cart to dependable power options and canopy weights, each of these items helps me focus on selling art instead of stressing about logistics whether my art booth will fly away in the wind. When you feel prepared, you will be more confident and ready to connect with buyers.

If you are getting ready for your next art market, start gathering these essentials now so you are not scrambling the night before.

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