How to Find Art Markets to Sell At

How to Find Art Markets to Sell your Work at (that don't suck!)

Finding the right art markets can make or break your success as a working artist.

When I first started out, I wasted hours of time (and honestly, money) vending at m

arkets that weren’t the right fit for selling my original paintings. After lots of trial and error, I’ve finally developed a system that helps me find markets that are aligned with my art, my audience, and my goals—and now I’m sharing it with you.

Whether you’re a fellow abstract painter, a new artist testing the waters, or someone balancing creativity with a 9–5 and family life, this step-by-step guide is here to save you time and stress.

Where to Start Your Market Search

You don’t need to pay for a fancy database or service to find markets. Start simple:

• Google Search: Type in your city + "art festival" or "art market" + the year. Browsing through popular local events are a great

• Social Media Sleuthing: Follow local artists, galleries and event on social media sites like Instagram and Tiktok and see where they like to attend!   Many will have their events in a highlight bubble or an old post.

  • Need help finding them? Try searching for your city + your art medium, or your city + art scene, look up local galleries and browse through their followers to find more. 

• Directories & Newsletters:

  • Sites like FestivalNet, ZAPPlication, Art Fair Calendar and event Facebook events are goldmines for finding juried events and local festivals. Just filter by state, month, or event type.

  • Many states and cities also have artist directories or art publications that will send out newsletters where they announce events, calls for entry and have lists of local artist that you can connect with.

What I look for when reviewing events

There are a few thing I like to take note of as I am looking at events and determining which ones to apply for.

When reviewing events, ask yourself:

• What kinds of products are being sold? Is there a theme to the event?

• Are the vendors mostly crafters, small batch makers, or fine artists?

• Is the event curated or juried?

• What’s the general price point of items?

• Is the booth fee appropriate for your price range, experience level and size of the event?

• Are there any hidden fees such as the event taking commission?

  
  

Green Flags:

• "Handmade only" vendor policies

• Food, entertainment, or walkable layouts that encourage browsing

• Positive feedback from other vendors (Do past vendors return again and again?)

• Event maps, artist lineups and marketing details posted well in advance

• Staff or volunteers provided to watch give art vendors breaks throughout the event

• Detailed schedule for event including set up and take down

  
  

Red Flags:

• Lots of direct sales, drop ship or MLM vendors

• Very high booth fees without proof previous event history

• No photos, social media or marketing presence

• No info about the application process or event structure

• No assisgned times or schedule for set up, take down or other event details

Pro tip: If you can, talk to artists who’ve attended in the past! Most are happy to share about their experience.

Match the Event to Your Work

Not all markets are right for all types of art. If you aren't sure of your ideal customer, YOU are a great place to start. The things that draw you to your own art are the same things that will draw in the right buyers. So think about events that reflect your vibe, values, medium and style.

• Craft fairs might be better for small, giftable items at a lower price point.

• Fine art centered festivals or larger statewide events can be great for attracting collectors looking for high end pieces. I do both kinds of markets but I always tailor my setup and inventory accordingly.

Prep for the Art Market Application

I have found most events of quality will ask for photos of your work or products. You'll want to have clean well lit images of your work. Many events will also require a booth photo. If you have never attended one before set up your display at home and photograph it. Some juries are done blindly so I suggest taking a photo with and without any signage just in case.

Most will also ask for an artist statement. I suggest you customize your artist statement a little bit for each event, or at least each year your apply. Mention the theme, your medium, or why your work is a good fit.

Bonus: Learn from the Community

When you do attend an event don't forget to chat with your booth neighbors! Networking locally. both online and in person, helps you stay in the loop on upcoming markets, what worked, and what to skip. Never underestimate the power of community.

I hope this helped give you a clearer path to finding art markets that are a good fit for you and your work. Finding the right markets takes effort, but when you land in the right space with the right audience, the payoff is worth it. Each event is a learning experience. Good luck out there! - Cassie

Want more tips? 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: 

How I Find Art Markets That Actually Work for Selling My Paintings