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.
Why Calendars Sell So Well
Calendars work because they’re practical. People like buying things they can use, and a calendar has a purpose all year. It’s easy to understand and simple to buy. At Christmas, buyers want something that looks nice but doesn’t cost too much.
A calendar feels like good value. You get twelve images for one price, and that makes buyers stop and think. It’s also a gift that suits almost anyone. Someone might not buy a print for themselves, but they’ll happily buy a calendar for a friend.
Artists who try them often find they help sell other work too. A customer who buys a calendar might come back later for a print. It keeps your art in their home all year, so they see your name every day. That’s quiet promotion without extra effort.
The key is timing. You only have a short window to sell calendars, so you need to have them ready before Christmas markets begin. If you wait until December, it’s too late. Have them printed and priced by early November so you’re ready for the rush.
Calendars are a great way to repurpose your art. They’re small, and easy to display. If you already have a range of prints, a calendar adds variety without much extra work.
What Makes a Good Calendar
When you sell at markets, your calendar has to work hard on the table. Keep the design simple so buyers see the artwork first. Each month should show the image clearly with space to write notes. Avoid clutter and fancy fonts.
A3 size works well. It looks impressive hanging up, catches attention, and feels worth the money. Buyers see it as a proper gift, not a throwaway item. Just make sure you have a few A3 bags for anyone who wants to carry it home safely.
Use a bold cover image that stands out from a distance. The cover has to stop people in their tracks. Add your name where it’s easy to see but not overpowering. The right cover image can sell the calendar before anyone opens it.
Stick to one theme that fits your style. It might be wildlife, landscapes, or local scenes. Buyers like sets that feel complete. Keep the paper matte if possible, as glossy pages reflect light under market lamps and can look cheap.
The back cover should have all 12 images as thumbnails. Add your website or contact details at the bottom. People often keep calendars long after the year ends, and a few will look you up when they want a print or buy again the following year.
Printing Options
Printing costs make or break a calendar. The more you print, the lower the unit cost. Printers charge setup fees, so large runs spread that cost across every copy.
If you know your calendars will sell, printing in bulk will increase you profit margins substantually. It’s a calculated risk. You pay upfront and need enough space to store the stock. Unsold calendars lose value the minute January arrives.
Quality control matters. Always order a printed proof before committing to a full run. Check the paper weight, image color, and how the binding hangs.
Matte paper looks better under market lights, while glossy stock often glares. A sturdy spiral and hanging hook make it feel worth the price.
Local print shops often make more sense for artists. You can see the proofs, check the paper, and talk through any problems face-to-face.
Online printers might look cheaper for large runs, but you lose control once the order is placed. You can’t oversee the print quality or color balance, and mistakes on bulk orders are costly.
If you’re serious about keeping your standards high, stay local where you can manage the process properly.
Always pack calendars flat and protect them with clear sleeves. Don’t roll them in tubes. Flat packing makes your stall look more professional and keeps everything clean and organized.
Selling Calendars at Markets and Fairs
Calendars sell best when people can see and handle them. Keep one open on the table so buyers can flip through the pages. It shows they’re getting more than one image and helps justify the price.
Keep your stock sealed in clear sleeves. That keeps them flat, clean, and dry. Display a few near the front where people stop naturally.
Hang one up behind your table if you can. A3 size helps here, it’s easy to spot even in a busy market.
My friend who does very well selling calendars every winter uses a large banner behind his stall to show off his work. It’s simple but effective. The banner grabs attention from a distance and pulls people in for a closer look.
Offer a small deal to boost sales. Two for a set price works well, especially near Christmas when people buy for gifts. Round numbers make buying decisions quick.
Have change ready and pack each sale fast. Sell each calendar in a zip lock type wrapper, or stiff card envelopes or pop them in carrier bags to protect them. Buyers appreciate care and will remember that next time.
If you sell other items like prints or cards, put calendars beside them. They act as a stepping stone for buyers who love your work. Have a comments book and collect emails. It’s a simple way to grow your customer base without extra effort.
After Christmas Sales
Calendars don’t stop selling on Christmas Eve. Plenty of people wait until January to buy one for home or work. Some miss out before the holidays and come looking later. Keep a few on display through the first weeks of the new year.
Online sales can keep ticking over too. Label them clearly with the year so buyers find them in search results. Many people replace old calendars in January and February, so it’s worth keeping listings live until stock runs out.
Consider marking down the price once Christmas is over. A small discount helps clear what’s left and brings in a bit of extra cash. Even if you only break even, it’s better than sitting on unsold stock.
Keep records properly and that will help you to plan for the next year. Note what customers say, good and bad, and use the feedback for your next calendar.
Selling Calendars: Final Thoughts
Calendars can be a steady and very profitable seasonal product when they’re done well. They show your art in a useful way and fit naturally into any market setup. Many buyers see them as a practical gift, which gives them a better chance of selling than some higher-priced items.
You don’t have to rely on art markets either, this is a product that will sell wherever there is enough footfall.
Start small to test demand. Track what sells and when, and note which images get the most attention. Use that information to plan next year’s version and adjust your quantities.
Keep your presentation professional and your pricing clear. The work happens long before the market starts, in the planning, printing, and setup. If you take care with those steps, calendars can become a reliable part of your Christmas range.
If you want more straight talk about selling art at markets, take a look at my book Selling Art Made Simple It covers everything I’ve learned from years of setting up stalls, talking to buyers, and making a living from my art.
You’ll find clear advice on pricing, display, and dealing with customers, all based on real experience. It’s written for artists who want practical steps, not theory. You can find it on my website.
Check these out if you want related articles:
- What Are Limited Edition Prints? 12 Things You’ve Got to Know
- How to Make Prints of Your Art: A Complete Printing Guide
- How to Make Art Prints at Home
- What Kind of Art Sells Best?
- Pros and Cons of Open Edition Prints
- 19 Ways to Make Money as an Artist: A Mega-Guide
- How Artists Make Passive Income With Side-Hustles
- How Do Artists Find a Target Audience? The Best Tips!
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Hi, I’m Kevin Hayler
I’ve been selling my wildlife art and traveling the world for over 20 years, and if that sounds too good to be true, I’ve done it all without social media, art school, or galleries!
I can show you how to do it. You’ll find a wealth of info on my site, about selling art, drawing tips, lifestyle, reviews, travel, my portfolio, and more. Enjoy