Recent Posts
Christmas markets look inviting for artists trying to boost sales. The lights, music, and steady stream of shoppers make them hard to ignore. But are they really worth the effort and cost? These markets can be great for some artists and a waste of time for others. It depends on …
In this post, I’ll show you five small home office ideas that prove you can create a calm and inspiring workspace almost anywhere. Each setup features one of my wildlife drawings on the wall, and they all show how black and white art compliments any color scheme. You’ll see how …
Way back in the 80s, I had the bright idea of selling my original art full time. I thought, I’ll make a living doing what I’m good at and enjoy life more. And in a way, I did. I scraped by, earned just enough to call it a living, and …
Most artists think sales are all about the artwork, the prices, or the pitch, but that’s only part of it. Your market stall layout is just as important. The space, borders, and thresholds all matter. Are people happy to step inside, or closer to your booth? If not, you have …
When a friend of mine advised me to sell fridge magnets I was sceptical. He swore they sold really well on his stall and urged me to try. I was torn, sure I wanted another sideline but let’s be honest, I thought they were a bit tacky and down market. …
Christmas cards always seem like a good idea for artists at Christmas markets. They’re cheap, easy to carry, and everyone buys them. A small stack on your table can draw people in and make your stall look busy. Plenty of artists use cards to boost their income over the holidays, …
Some artists make good money selling calendars at Christmas. It’s not for everyone, it very much depends on your type of art, but it can work if you plan it right. I know a few artists who do well with them, and the idea makes sense. This will interest you. …
Selling face to face can be rough when you’re shy. Talking to strangers doesn’t come easy, and the idea of standing behind a stall all day can make you want to stay home. But here’s the thing. You don’t need to be outgoing to sell art. You can be quiet, …
Setting up an art booth can look complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need fancy gear or an expensive display to make people stop and look. In fact, the most elaborate stalls often feel intimidating and uninviting. These simple art booth ideas show how to create a …
Every artist dreams of having a space of their own. A room where you can leave your work out, make a mess, and shut the door behind you. The problem is, most of us don’t have a spare room or a big budget. That’s fine. You don’t need either. These …
If you want to make more money at your Christmas market stall, add some affordable art merch to your setup. People love small, giftable items they can pick up without thinking too hard. It’s fine to test a few ideas with small orders, but remember that Christmas trade is short. …
Getting along with your neighbours at an art or craft fair is essential if you want to have a relaxed and successful day. A market can be hard work at the best of times. You are out in all weather, dealing with the public, and trying to make sales. The …
If you’re buying a gift for someone who draws, or wants to start drawing as a hobby, skip the cheapest starter kits. A few good tools are worth far more than a box full of Chinese crap. Who am I to recommend these items? I’m KevinHayler, and I’ve been a …
Leaves are easy to draw. There’s nothing to be intimidated by. If you can sketch a few simple shapes, you can draw a leaf. I’ll show you some of my drawings and explain how I did them. You’ll see the steps I take to draw convincing leaves and share the …
You’ve probably tried copying photos or following tutorials and felt frustrated when the result looked wrong. That happens because drawing is not just copying, it is learning how to see. Without a solid foundation your lines wobble, proportions go off, and your confidence takes a hit. The foundation is not …
The best customers you can ever have are the ones who keep coming back. Selling to someone who already knows you is a lot easier than trying to win over a complete stranger. At art fairs it is tempting to spend all your energy chasing new buyers. The trouble is, …
Imagine this. Your booth looks great, your art is ready, and the fair is buzzing with people. Then your phone pings, a friend stops by for a long chat, or your neighbor turns up the volume on their speaker. In seconds, the small crowd you had begins to drift away. …
You know the scene. Someone slows down, stops in front of your work, has a good long look, maybe even points something out to a friend. You think, great, they’re interested. Then what happens? They smile politely and drift off down the aisle. Nothing. It drives you mad. You know …
The nights are drawing in and tree leaves are blowing along the streets. Summer is over and it’s time to refresh your home. The cooler weather makes you want warm colors, soft textures, and inviting spaces. A few simple swaps can make a room feel welcoming without a lot of …
Fall is the easiest season to refresh your home. The cooler weather makes you want warm colors, soft textures, and inviting spaces. A few simple swaps can make a room feel welcoming without a lot of work. In this post, you’ll see ten clear ideas to add subtle fall decor …
