My first time at a creative (art) market

My first time at the Funky Market in Tilburg:

a special art market experience

On August 8, 2025, I presented my own art for the first time at the Funky Market in Tilburg. After years of painting and creating in my studio, this was my very first opportunity to show my work to the public and establish a reputation as a local artist. I primarily paint portraits, abstract cityscapes, and figures, using acrylic, oil, and oil pastel—a mix of techniques I use with great passion. This adventure felt like an exciting new step in my art career.

The Funky Market in Tilburg is a vibrant event where around 30 creative entrepreneurs and artists come together to present and sell their work. It's a great place for lovers of unique, handmade products to discover local talent. Because I know the organizer personally and the market is in my own city, this was a logical and accessible first step for me. You can read more about the Funky Market on their Instagram .

The preparations I stand

My booth was a large, four-meter-wide space where I hung six original works. On the table were several original paintings and various prints in different sizes. I also had handmade greeting cards with me. The setup went smoothly, although I initially struggled with the wind blowing my artwork around. Fortunately, I was later able to arrange everything more clearly and weight it down, making it more organized and inviting for visitors.

The weather was perfect and the atmosphere fantastic. Many family and friends came by to support and help, which made the day extra special. The crowd was diverse: from art lovers to bargain hunters, young and old. I had wonderful conversations with people looking for original art for their new homes or offices, and with collectors interested in local artists. What surprised me most was how much appreciation my work received, especially because I'm self-taught and didn't attend art school.

I sold four original works and a large stack of prints, which was a wonderful feeling. It was inspiring to see how my art resonates with different people. A key lesson learned is that everything must be clearly visible: visitors don't often take the time to search, so a clear and attractive presentation is essential. So, next time, I want to set up a wall where I can display all my work clearly side by side.

1. Know your audience and location
   Choose a market that suits your style and target audience. A local market where you know the organizer and feel comfortable will make it easier to participate the first time.

2. Provide a clear presentation
   Make your work instantly visible and appealing. People are likely to walk by, so make sure they can see at a glance what you offer and the price range.

3. Be prepared for the weather
   Bring enough materials to protect your artwork from wind and rain. Weights for prints and covers for original works are essential.

4. Bring business cards and greeting cards
   Small, affordable items often attract visitors and increase brand awareness. Make sure prices are clearly visible! It's best not to price more expensive pieces visibly, as this can naturally discourage visitors at a small crafts market (this is a different story at an art fair where only original artworks are on display).

5. Be present and tell your story
   Visitors enjoy meeting the artist and learning about the work. Be open, enthusiastic, and approachable.

6. Plan your logistics well
   Think about the setup, dismantling, and transportation of your artwork. Make sure everything is organized and transported safely! It's best to package your products in advance and wrap your original artwork in bubble wrap or cloth to prevent damage.

Keep track of your sales
Keep track of what you sell and what's popular, so you get to know your customers and can better respond to their needs. My first art market: insights and highlights

My first experience at the Funky Market in Tilburg was an educational and inspiring step as an artist. By being well-prepared, creating a well-organized booth, and being open to conversations with visitors, I was able to proudly display and sell my art. For anyone considering participating in an art market: be well-prepared, dare to put yourself out there, and enjoy interacting with the public. This will make your first art market day unforgettable.

Want to read more about my work? Visit my about me page or view my latest paintings in my shop . Want tips on the creative process? Then read my blog posts about the inspiration behind my paintings.