Best Art Print Sizes for Artist Alley & Comic Cons

Quick Answer: Best Print Sizes for Artist Alley

The most popular art print sizes sold at comic conventions and Artist Alley booths are:

• 11×17 prints – the most common convention size
• 12×18 prints – slightly larger poster format
• 13×19 prints – premium collector prints

These sizes balance portability, affordability, and visual impact, making them ideal for convention attendees who may be carrying purchases around all day.

If you're preparing for a show, our guide to convention printing for artists explains posters, postcards, and booth materials.

Why Print Size Matters at Conventions

Convention booths operate very differently from online shops or gallery spaces. Artist Alley tables are usually limited to six or eight feet of display space, and artists need to balance visibility, pricing, and portability.

Attendees also have different buying habits at conventions. Many people purchase prints on impulse while exploring the event floor. This means that artwork that is easy to carry, affordable, and visually striking tends to perform best.

Because of these factors, certain print sizes have become standards among artists selling at conventions.

The Most Popular Art Print Sizes for Artist Alley

While artists experiment with many different formats, a few sizes consistently appear at successful convention booths. These sizes strike the right balance between affordability, visual impact, and practicality.

11×17 Prints — The Artist Alley Classic

The 11×17 print is arguably the most recognizable size in Artist Alley. It’s large enough to showcase detailed artwork but still small enough to store easily in print sleeves and portfolios.

• Easy for customers to frame with standard frames
• Fits comfortably in backpacks or convention bags
• Affordable for impulse purchases
• Large enough to display vibrant artwork and fan art

Because of these advantages, many artists use 11×17 prints as their primary convention product. Buyers also recognize the size, which makes it easier for them to compare prints across booths.

12×18 Prints — A Slightly Larger Impact

12×18 prints are another popular option, especially for artists who want a little more visual presence on their tables. This size provides additional space for artwork while still remaining manageable for convention attendees.

• Provides slightly more visual impact than 11×17
• Still easy to carry around a convention
• Great for detailed illustrations or scenic artwork
• Popular for poster-style designs

Artists who want their prints to stand out without dramatically increasing the price often choose this size.

13×19 Prints — Premium Convention Prints

For artists who want to offer a premium option, 13×19 prints are a great choice. These larger prints provide more visual impact and often attract collectors who are willing to spend a little more for high-quality artwork.

• Creates a stronger visual presence on your display wall
• Ideal for detailed or highly rendered artwork
• Higher perceived value for collectors
• Often used for limited edition prints

Many artists offer 13×19 prints as their “premium tier” product while still selling smaller prints for casual buyers.

How Artists Price Prints at Artist Alley

Pricing your prints correctly is just as important as choosing the right size. At conventions, buyers range from casual fans looking for a small souvenir to collectors searching for premium artwork. Many artists use size-based pricing tiers to make decisions easy for customers.

Clear pricing also helps attendees quickly understand the value of your artwork while browsing busy convention floors.

Many artists also offer bundle deals, such as “two prints for $25” to encourage buyers to purchase multiple pieces. This approach increases average order value while helping fans build their art collections.

Why Smaller Prints Often Sell Faster

While large artwork can attract attention, smaller prints often sell in higher volume at conventions. Buyers are frequently browsing dozens or even hundreds of booths, and smaller prints provide an easy way to support artists without committing to a large purchase.

• Lower price points encourage impulse purchases
• Buyers can purchase multiple pieces from different artists
• Small prints are easier to transport during long convention days
• Collectors enjoy building diverse art portfolios

Many successful convention artists focus on prints that are easy to carry and easy to buy. Smaller prints allow fans to support artists while staying within their convention budget.

Offering multiple sizes can help you appeal to both casual buyers and dedicated collectors.

How Many Prints Should Artists Bring to a Convention?

Preparing inventory for a convention can feel overwhelming, especially for artists attending their first event. A good strategy is to focus on a small number of designs and bring enough copies to last through the weekend.

This approach allows you to test which designs resonate with convention audiences while still maintaining inventory. It’s easy to print small runs of artwork while still benefiting from bulk pricing thanks to our multiple files policy.

Choosing the Right Paper for Convention Prints

Print size is important, but the paper you choose can also affect how your artwork looks and feels. Different papers emphasize different qualities of your artwork.

• Matte paper: Soft appearance with reduced glare
• Gloss paper: Richer color experience with a shine
• Satin or luster paper: Balanced finish with vibrant color
• Fine art paper: Archival quality for collectors, like canvas or watercolor
• Specialty paper: Try metallic or pearl media for limited-edition prints. These can be added while ordering most sizes of art prints.

Many convention artists prefer satin or matte paper because it displays color well while avoiding harsh reflections under convention lighting.

Displaying Prints Effectively at Your Booth

Even the best prints can be overlooked if they aren’t displayed properly. Convention booths are busy environments, so your artwork needs to grab attention quickly.

• Display your largest prints at eye level
• Use vertical displays to maximize table space
• Keep your most popular designs visible
• Offer print sleeves or backing boards for protection

Clear presentation helps attendees notice your artwork from across the aisle, increasing the chances they will stop at your booth.

Balancing Price and Print Size

Pricing strategy often follows print size. Many artists use size tiers to create clear pricing options for customers.

This tiered approach helps you appeal to a wide range of convention attendees.

How Artists Display Prints at Comic Con Booths

Displaying prints effectively can make a huge difference in sales. Convention artists often use grid walls, print racks, or vertical displays to show artwork above their tables.

• Grid walls to display large prints
• Print bins for browsing smaller artwork
• Protective sleeves with backing boards
• Clear pricing tiers by print size

A strong display helps attendees notice your artwork from across the aisle and encourages them to stop at your booth.

How Artists Protect and Package Prints at Conventions

Protecting your prints is essential when selling artwork at conventions. Fans may spend hours walking the convention floor before returning home, so your prints need to stay flat, clean, and undamaged while they carry them around.

Most convention artists package their artwork in protective sleeves with backing boards. This keeps prints rigid and prevents corners from bending while fans move through crowded aisles.

Professional presentation makes a big difference at conventions. Clean packaging and organized display bins help your artwork look polished and encourage fans to browse longer.

Many artists prepare their prints ahead of time so they can focus on interacting with fans during the convention instead of managing packaging at the table.

Your table setup plays a huge role in how many prints you sell at conventions. Artist Alley aisles are often crowded, and attendees may only glance at each booth for a few seconds while walking by. A clear, eye-catching display can make the difference between someone passing by or stopping to browse your artwork.

Many successful convention artists design their tables to highlight their best prints while still making it easy for fans to browse through additional designs.

Convention attendees often decide whether to stop at a booth in just a few seconds. A clean, vertical display helps your artwork stand out instantly.

A well-organized booth makes it easier for fans to discover your work and encourages them to spend more time browsing your prints.

Once you've chosen the best print sizes for conventions, the next step is designing your booth. Our Artist Alley Booth Setup Guide explains how to create a table that attracts fans.

Final Thought

Choosing the right print sizes can significantly influence how successful your convention booth becomes. Sizes like 11×17, 12×18, and 13×19 have become popular among artists because they balance visual impact with affordability and portability.

By offering a mix of sizes, preparing the right inventory, and displaying your artwork effectively, you can create a booth that attracts attention and encourages fans to bring your artwork home.

Whether you’re attending your first convention or refining your existing booth setup, understanding which print sizes perform best can help you make smarter decisions about your inventory and presentation.

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