My first designer markets: advice & feedback

☀️ The adventure of designer markets

These past few weeks, I've had the chance to participate in my very first designer markets and pop-ups , and I have to say: it was stressful, exciting, and super rewarding all at the same time! 🎨
I was able to present my illustrated posters and my solar creations, as well as my stickers.

What I remember? Your smiles when you see my creations, designed to make you happy!

🛍️ What I learned during these events

Between preparations, meetings and sales, these experiences allowed me to:

• See my creations on display, and my stand in my artistic direction 💛
• Exchange with you: explain my world to you as well as the idea and concept of my illustrations
• Meet other inspiring creators
• Understanding what attracts attention to a stand (color and good humor help a lot!)

5 tips to prepare for a designer market

If you too want to get started, here is a checklist of everything that helped me get organized:

1. Prepare your stock intelligently

✅ Take several formats of your creations (A5, A4, A3...)
✅ Anticipate bestsellers (smaller sizes often sell out quickly!) It's normal not to know what will work best at first; you can do surveys on your social networks. I would advise you not to plan for a huge amount of stock either!
✅ Prepare envelopes or bags (personalized in your DA, it's even better!) to make shopping easier. Little bonus if you slip thank you cards into them.

2. Take care with the presentation of your stand

✅ Use vertical displays to save space
✅ Bring a neutral tablecloth/fabric to unify the visual
✅ Don't forget a little sign with your name, your Instagram and your QR code!

3. Think about payment

✅ Take a card reader (SumUp for example)
✅ Also bring change if you accept cash
✅ Having a "CB accepted" sign is a real plus!

4. Interact naturally with visitors

✅ A little smile, a warm hello… and let them discover without pressure!
✅ Prepare one or two sentences to quickly explain your world

5. Keep in touch after the event

✅ Offer a business card or postcard with your networks
✅ Ask if they want to subscribe to your newsletter so they don't miss out on new releases

💬 And now?

These first markets made me want to continue even more, I will tell you about my different experiences as I go along.
If you came to see me at one of these events, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart 💛

And if you want to follow my upcoming dates or say hello, I'm on Instagram !

See you soon for the rest!
— Rinoaart