How to Curate a Successful Art Fair Booth: 5 Expert Tips from a Gallery Director
If you’ve ever signed up for an art fair and found yourself wondering, “What do I actually bring—and how do I make sales?”, you’re not alone.
Art fairs can be incredible opportunities to connect with collectors, gain visibility, and sell your work—but only if your booth is thoughtfully curated and strategically planned.
Alicia Puig, co-founder of PxP Contemporary and director of Create! Magazine, has over 15 years of experience curating booths for national and international art fairs. Now, she's sharing her tried-and-true approach in a new 25-minute workshop on Create U:
Curating Your Art Fair Booth for Sales
And if you want to go deeper into Alicia’s art fair experiences and hear behind-the-scenes stories, listen to our recent episode of the Art & Cocktails Podcast:
🎧 How to Navigate Art Fairs and Make Sales with Alicia Puig
1. Start with a Sales-Driven Plan
Before you even decide what to hang, consider your financial goals. How much does the fair cost? What do you need to sell to break even or turn a profit? From there, reverse engineer your inventory. Bring a mix of sizes and price points that support your goals—and always pack a few extra pieces in case you sell out.
2. Create a Visual Mockup
One of the most important (and often skipped) steps is mapping out your booth layout. Alicia recommends using tools like ArtPlacer, Canva, or Photoshop to create a mockup in advance. This helps you design a visually balanced, cohesive display that draws people in and keeps them engaged.
3. Think Beyond the White Wall
Want to stand out in a sea of booths? Simple design choices go a long way. A painted wall, thoughtful signage, professional lighting, and clear price labels (with QR codes!) can completely transform your presentation. Collectors notice these details—and they make your booth feel polished and memorable.
4. Practice Personal Presence
Your artwork doesn’t speak for itself—you do. A warm welcome, a smile, and a few insights about your work can go a long way in converting browsers into buyers. Be ready to engage, answer questions, and follow up with potential collectors after the show.
5. Follow Up = Future Sales
Don’t underestimate the power of post-fair communication. Many buyers need time to make decisions. Send personalized emails, include mockups, and provide direct links to purchase. This small step can lead to big results.
🎥 Ready to Go Deeper?
If you're preparing for a local pop-up or a major international fair, Alicia’s new course is a must-watch:
🎥 Curating Your Art Fair Booth for Sales
📦 25-minute workshop
💡 Packed with real-world examples
💰 Only $39 | Instant Access
📍 Now available on Create U
Learn how to curate, connect, and convert—without the overwhelm.
🎧 Or tune into Alicia’s full conversation on the Art & Cocktails Podcast here:
How to Navigate Art Fairs and Make Sales
