5×7 Prints or 4x6 Postcards
Best for: impulse purchases and bundle deals.
This small format gives fans an affordable way to support your work and works well in bins or racks for easy browsing.
Convention Printing for Artists
Convention Printing for Artists
Selling artwork at conventions requires more than great illustrations. A successful artist alley booth usually includes a smart mix of art prints, affordable merch, and eye-catching display materials that help attract attention and increase sales throughout the event.
Whether you are preparing for your first comic convention or upgrading an established booth, the right print products can help artists, illustrators, photographers, and creators build a setup that is easier for customers to browse and buy from.
For more booth strategy, see our guide on best print sizes for artist alley.
Best Print Sizes for Artist Alley
Most artists see the best results when they offer three print sizes. This gives shoppers an affordable entry option, a mid-tier collector print, and a premium display piece.
8×10 Prints
Best for: framed art and mid-tier collector prints.
8×10 is one of the most popular sizes for artists because it feels substantial without taking up too much table space.
11×14 Prints or 11×17 Posters
Best for: premium prints and booth display pieces.
Larger prints create visual anchors for your booth and help collectors see the full detail of your artwork.
Best Products to Sell at Conventions
Art prints are usually the core product at artist alley tables, but successful booths often include a mix of small merch items that increase average order value and give visitors something fun to buy.
Die-Cut Stickers
One of the easiest convention products to sell. Stickers work as impulse purchases, bundle add-ons, or low-cost merch tied to characters and artwork.
Kiss-Cut Sticker Sheets
Great for themed sticker sets or multiple designs in one product. Sticker sheets display well in clear sleeves or racks.
Mini Prints & Postcards
Affordable art options that allow fans to collect multiple designs while staying within their budget.
Buttons
Buttons are collectible, affordable, and perfect for character art, logos, and fandom designs.
Large Posters
Large prints attract attention across the aisle and help anchor your booth visually.
Booth Setup Products That Help You Stand Out
Beyond the artwork itself, booth presentation can make a huge difference in convention sales. Clear branding, vertical displays, and professional signage help your booth stand out in crowded convention halls.
Custom Table Covers
A printed table cover instantly makes a booth look professional while hiding storage bins and supplies underneath the table.
Retractable Banner Stands
These tall displays set up in seconds and help people notice your booth from farther away.
Banners & Backdrops
Large graphics or brand backdrops help create a strong booth presence and display artwork at a distance.
Label Rolls
Label rolls make it easy to add pricing stickers, product labels, or packaging seals for merch and prints.
Business Cards
Business cards help convention visitors find your website or social media after the event.
Artist Alley Booth Essentials Checklist
- Small prints or postcards for affordable purchases
- Mid-size art prints for your main sales
- Large display prints or posters
- Stickers and buttons for impulse merch
- Table covers and banners for booth branding
- Business cards for networking and follow-up
- Labels or price signs for easy shopping
Using Plastic Sleeves for Convention Prints
Plastic sleeves help protect prints from fingerprints, dust, and moisture while making artwork easier for customers to browse. Many artists buy sleeves in bulk from packaging suppliers or art stores.
Using sleeves also increases the perceived value of prints and makes checkout faster because artwork is already protected and ready to pack.
How Much Do Artists Make at Conventions?
Artist alley income can vary widely depending on the event size, location, and the types of products you sell. Some smaller local conventions might generate a few hundred dollars in sales, while major comic conventions can bring in several thousand dollars for experienced artists.
Many artists focus on offering a mix of products at different price points so they can appeal to a wider range of attendees. Lower-cost items bring in impulse buyers, while larger prints and premium artwork generate higher profit per sale.
Low-Cost Items ($3 – $10)
Stickers, buttons, and mini prints often sell in higher volume. These products help artists attract impulse purchases and increase overall transaction counts.
Mid-Range Prints ($15 – $30)
8×10 and 11×14 art prints are usually the core revenue drivers for many artist alley tables.
Premium Artwork ($40+)
Larger prints, signed pieces, and limited editions help increase total revenue even if they sell in smaller quantities.
Before attending a convention, artists should estimate their expenses such as table fees, travel, hotel, and printing costs. Knowing your break-even point helps you set realistic sales goals and pricing strategies.
Preparing for Your Next Convention
If you are building your first convention booth or upgrading an existing setup, combining the right mix of prints, merch, and display materials can dramatically improve your booth presentation.
Scroll down to explore our Artist Alley Starter Kits designed specifically for artists selling at conventions.
Artist Alley Starter Kit
A convention-ready print bundle for artists who want a clean, confident booth setup at Comic Cons, Artist Alley events, and creator markets.