Today let’s talk about how important is to have a cohesive artworks in your booth.
My booth was a mix of my wave series, water flower series, and some Christian art series.
In hindsight, I should have focused on one or two series that complemented each other better on my wall.
Diverse styles or themes aren’t the issue; it’s about the limited booth space. A more cohesive and spaced-out display appears far more appealing than closely hung paintings.
As my neighboring artist friend Lynda often reminds me, “Your booth is your gallery.” Think about the high-end galleries you’ve visited. They may showcase different artworks, but each piece is hung with ample space in between, making the booth aesthetically pleasing.
Additionally, let’s talk about the importance of a booth shot:
When applying for a show, you’re required to upload a booth shot. Initially, I questioned the necessity of a booth shot since I had already submitted images of my paintings. However, I learned that a booth shot could be the deciding factor in your acceptance or rejection.
The topic of booth shots is vast, with entire Facebook groups dedicated to it. While I won’t dive into all the details here, here are some general guidelines:
- Ensure the lighting allows for a clear view inside your booth. Avoid taking photos under harsh sunlight; opt for early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.
- Display one or two of your signature pieces on the back wall, ensuring all paintings align at the top. Leave out price tags, print racks, or any additional items from the booth.
Even with an impeccable booth shot, acceptance into a show isn’t guaranteed. A friend of mine, a seasoned artist, shared that she only gets accepted into one out of every two or three shows she applies to. Yet, when she does participate, she averages sales of $10,000 per show—a testament to making a living as a professional artist.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series. Art shows aren’t for the faint of heart, but they’re among the fastest ways to grow as a professional artist. Like any profession, the key to success is to hit the road and do it!
If you’re currently participating in art shows or planning to in the future, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s support each other on this journey.
Wishing you all the best,
Ying
P.S., Many of you expressed interest in my color series. I’m converting it into a PDF booklet. Let me know if you’re interested in reading it!
