From NYC Streets to Art Shows: My Journey as a Vendor

From NYC Streets to Art Shows: My Journey as a Vendor

As a maker, selling your creations at art shows is both exciting and challenging. Over the years, I’ve learned that figuring out what to bring, how to display it, and making everything fit in your car is an art in itself! From humble beginnings as a street vendor on the corner of Prince and Mulberry streets in NYC’s Nolita neighborhood, to setting up professional booths at art shows, it’s been a journey of trial and error, but one filled with creativity and learning.

Flashback to NYC: The Street Vendor Life

Back in the day, street vending was all about setup and transport. Without the benefit of internet tools and apps we have now, I had to get really creative with my display and logistics. Armed with a portable credit card machine and a “knuckle buster,” I managed my little jewelry booth with a lot of heart and a little grit (and yes, that might date me!). Fast forward 20 years, and I’m back on the art show circuit—this time with a car, a tent, and a checklist!

Art Shows of 2024

This year, I’ve participated in some amazing events:

Up next, I’ll be at the Pocono Organics Fall Festival in Blakeslee, PA. Each show has been an adventure, teaching me new tricks to make my booth look great, while staying functional and transportable.

And then we teach a Spinner Ring Class at Juxtahub! This is a whole other packing list!

Building the Perfect Setup

After some trial and error, I think I’ve finally nailed down a setup that fits in my car and still looks professional. Tent, tables, displays, and product—and room for a passenger! I’ve learned a lot about what works, and what doesn’t. Here’s my trusty checklist to help you avoid any last-minute mishaps (because trust me, forgetting your tent walls is a major backtrack)!

My Art Show Checklist

 

Outdoor Show Essentials:

  • Tent (with top and walls, trust me, you don’t want to forget these)
  • Tent Weights
  • Sunscreen & Hat (I’m a ginger, so this is a must)
  • Fans (Rechargeable clip-on fans are a lifesaver in the heat!)
  • Frozen Wet Towels (Pack these in a cooler to stay cool during hot shows)

General Supplies:

  • Product (Of course!)
  • Dolly (For rolling in everything)
  • Straps (To secure items on the dolly)
  • Tables - (I found these great roll top tables that pack down to nothing and added legs to make them tall)
  • Backup Power Source & Charging Cords
  • Signs and Lights (I recently purchased a table runner on Etsy with my logo, while the seller says they are in CA - it shipped from India. I was trying to support USA but failed but the runner is very nice and came very fast)
  • Mirror
  • Chair
  • Selfie Stick (For those live posts!)
  • Gaff Tape (You never know)
  • Tablecloths (I got durable, washable cloths in a nice basic color that i pin to fit my tables - I swear I will eventually sew them - the tradeshow stretchy ones don't fit my tables with the leg extensions)
  • Cash (I bring 20 singles, 4 fives, and a ten)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Displays
  • Microfiber Towels (Because I always spill my drinks)
  • Sanitizer Wipes (Perfect for a quick cleanup)
  • Snacks and Drinks
  • Pens and Receipt Book
  • Credit Card Reader (I have a shopify website that has a POS option and I found a card reader on ebay cheaper than on the shopify hardware site)
  • Packaging Supplies
  • Zip Ties and Rope (I am not a serial killer I sware)
  • Garbage Bags (I use grocery store plastic bags)
  • Clamps and Blank Price Tags

Jewelry Specific:

  • Tools: Flat Pliers, Round Nose Pliers, Cutters, Ring Mandrel, and Hammers
  • Ruler and Polishing Cloth

Marketing Materials:

  • Business Cards
  • Scannable QR Codes to your socials
  • Stickers

Pro Tips:

  1. Pre-Pricing is Key: It makes everything run smoother and takes away the stress of last-minute pricing decisions.

  2. Organized Storage: I started with plastic Sterilite drawers (less than $10 ea!! to pack my product and displays, making everything organized and easy to transport. The drawers are actual bins so they can be easily removed while setting up and breaking down. I also bring a board to place across the drawers for a work surface and extra storage under the table.

Lessons from the Road

Each show teaches me something new. Whether it’s figuring out the best way to beat the heat, or streamlining how to pack my car, I’m constantly adapting. Setting up an art show booth is a combination of practical planning and creative flair—and after a few bumps in the road, I think I’ve found a system that works.

Ready to Hit the Road?

For all my fellow artists out there, I hope this checklist helps you streamline your art show setup and makes your next event a little easier. And if you’re curious to see how it all comes together, I’ll be sharing time-lapse videos of my booth setups and photos from recent shows on the blog.

Let’s make the rest of 2024 amazing, full of art, creativity, and beautifully set-up booths!

Got Tips of Your Own?
I’d love to hear what works for you at shows! Share your tips or ask questions in the comments below.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.