Convention Printing for Artists

Best Print Sizes for Artist Alley

First, we must strategize your print setup. Choose the right size prints to maximize sales and visibility. We recommend offering three different sizes. View our card pricing or poster pricing guides for details.

Other Convention-Ready Products

Beyond prints, these products help you sell and stand out at conventions.

Convention Merch & Booth Essentials for Artists

Beyond art prints, these products help artists sell more, stand out visually, and build long-term connections when selling at conventions, expos, and artist alley events.

Die-Cut Stickers

Die-cut stickers are one of the most effective products for artists selling at conventions. They work as low-cost impulse buys, bundle add-ons, or free giveaways to start conversations. Many artists use stickers to reinforce branding, promote characters or logos, and give attendees something memorable they’ll keep using after the event.

Custom Table Covers

A custom table cover instantly elevates your booth and makes your space feel professional and cohesive. In crowded convention halls, a clean, branded table cover helps your booth stand out while hiding storage bins and personal items so the focus stays on your artwork and merchandise.

Label Rolls

Label rolls are a simple but powerful tool for convention sales. Artists use them for clear pricing, SKU labels, packaging, and quick signage. Consistent labeling reduces checkout confusion, answers pricing questions instantly, and keeps your booth easy to shop during busy rushes.

Banners & Backdrops

Banners and backdrops help people find your booth before they even reach it. A vertical banner or backdrop displaying your artwork, logo, or brand name creates visibility from across the aisle and draws attendees in. They are especially useful for showcasing large artwork or reinforcing your brand identity in an artist alley.

Banners can also be used a retail posters. They are easy to roll up and take home, and your shoppers may appreciate that. Instead of the standard 13-oz banners typically used for outdoor signage, go with 10-mil indoor banners instead. Easy to sell, easy to display, easy to store.

Buttons

Buttons are affordable, collectible, and easy to display, making them a fan-favorite at conventions. They work well as impulse purchases, bundle items, or themed merch tied to characters and designs. Many artists also use buttons as conversation starters to engage potential customers browsing the table.

Business Cards

Business cards are essential for networking at conventions. Not every interaction leads to an immediate sale, but a well-designed card ensures people can find you later online. Artists often include websites, social handles, or QR codes to turn convention visitors into long-term followers and customers. 

Large Posters

Large posters act as visual anchors for your booth. Even when not sold directly, they showcase your strongest artwork and attract attention from a distance. Many artists use large posters to establish their style, highlight flagship designs, or promote limited editions that make smaller prints and merch more appealing.

Convention Booth Printing Essentials

Artists, illustrators, and small brands preparing for conventions often need more than just art prints. A successful booth usually includes banners, table covers, signage, and promotional materials that help your display stand out on a busy convention floor.

• Art Prints: 11×17, 12×18, and 13×19 prints are popular sizes for Artist Alley.
• Foam Board Displays: Mount artwork or signage for vertical booth displays.
• Table Covers: Create a professional branded table setup.
• Banner Backdrops: Draw attention from across the convention floor.
• Stickers & Postcards: Affordable merch and promotional giveaways.
• Business Cards: Help fans find you after the convention.
• Retractable Banners: Set up your displays in seconds! Just unroll the banner and start attracting customers.

Tips for Selling at Conventions

• Bundle small prints (5x7, 8x10) for volume sales.
• Highlight premium 11x14 prints for collectors.
• Use table covers, banners, and backdrops to stand out visually.
• Offer stickers, buttons, and other merch as low-cost add-ons.
• Organize your booth for easy browsing and quick transactions.

How to Set Up Your Table for Maximum Sales

Make your artist alley booth stand out and boost sales with these proven setup tips:

• Front & Center Prints: Display your most eye-catching 11×14 or 8×10 prints at eye level using easels or grids.
• Bundle Small Prints: Offer 5×7 prints in bundles to increase impulse buys. Use labeled trays or racks for easy browsing.
• Merch at the Edge: Place stickers, buttons, and other small items near the table edge for grab-and-go sales. Shop stickers and buttons.
• Table Covers & Branding: Use a clean, branded table cover and a small sign with your name, social links, or website. Shop table covers.
• Organize by Category: Separate prints by size or theme so buyers can browse efficiently.
• Price Clearly: Label all products consistently with tags, signs, or label rolls.
• Interactive Elements: Let buyers touch prints and preview large pieces with a digital slideshow or framed display.
• Clear Checkout Space: Keep an area for bags, cash, and card transactions to make purchasing easy.
• Sign-Ups & Giveaways: Encourage emails or social media follows with a raffle, free sticker, or bonus print.

Using Plastic Sleeves for Art Prints at Conventions

Plastic sleeves (also called print protectors) are essential for artists selling prints at conventions. They keep artwork clean, protected from fingerprints and dust, and make browsing easier for customers while increasing the perceived value of each print. Most artists buy sleeves online in bulk from packaging or art supply retailers, or locally from art and office supply stores for smaller quantities. When choosing sleeves, select sizes slightly larger than your prints, use archival or acid-free materials for resale, and opt for thicker sleeves for premium pieces. At conventions, sleeves help organize displays, speed up checkout, and ensure prints leave your booth in perfect condition.

Get Ready for Your Next Convention

Whether you’re preparing for your first artist alley table or refining a seasoned convention setup, the right printing choices can make a real difference. From affordable small prints to premium display pieces and booth essentials, investing in quality materials helps your artwork stand out, builds trust with buyers, and supports long-term success beyond the event. Choose products that match your style, your audience, and how you want your work to be experienced.