Printmaker on Display: What I Learned from My First Trade Fair
My First Trade Fair Experience – Artisan Made UK
As a Yorkshire artist and printmaker, I recently had the exciting opportunity to exhibit my work at my first-ever trade fair—Artisan Made UK. Unlike traditional craft fairs open to the general public, this was a business-to-business event aimed at connecting artists and makers with galleries, independent shops, and museums. It was held in the unique setting of Skipton Auction Market, where each stallholder had their own cattle pen! The event was organised by the wonderful team behind Art in the Pen and Craft in the Pen, both well-loved events open to the public.
Preparing and Displaying My Work
Setting up my stall was surprisingly smooth. With my background in art exhibitions and previous experience as a merchandiser for a large retail store, I knew the importance of a well-thought-out display. My goal was to present one of each of my greeting cards and gift wrap sheets in a way that was both aesthetically pleasing and cohesive, showcasing how my designs work together as a collection.
I used large 9mm MDF boards with shaped dowels, painted in a soft green to match my branding and tablecloth for a consistent look. To create a natural backdrop, I bought 10 meters of hessian, which I attached to the top rail on three sides of the pen. Over this, I secured my display boards on one side and showcased three of my original framed artworks on the opposite side, along with my print rack. My table at the back of the pen displayed additional framed works, my art calendar, and my business branding details.
A standout feature of my display was a looping video of my drypoint etching process, beautifully filmed by my partner, Ant, in 2020. It was a great conversation starter, allowing visitors to watch my printmaking technique while viewing my original artworks and fine art stationery.
The Event Experience
The event ran from Saturday (10am - 4pm) through to Sunday (9am - 4pm), providing a relaxed yet professional environment to showcase my work. I had valuable conversations with galleries and businesses, as well as fellow artists and creatives. The opportunity to learn from other makers was incredibly inspiring and has given me the confidence to push my work further.
One of my biggest takeaways from the event was realising how much I enjoy sharing my craft. It has given me the motivation to seriously consider delivering workshops—something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but lacked the confidence to pursue. This year, I plan to take the leap and explore this exciting new avenue. Watch this space!
Reflections and Moving Forward
Leading up to the event, I faced the challenge of preparing my work for wholesale, including pricing, catalogues, order forms, and price lists. I’m incredibly proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone and successfully engaging with businesses. As an introvert, this was a significant achievement!
I even secured my first sale at the event on Sunday—a lovely independent gallery in Belfast! Additionally, I have several galleries and shops to follow up with, one of which I’ve already spoken with. I’ll be sending a collection of my original artworks and greeting cards to a gallery in Moffat, which is an exciting step forward for my business.
What I’ve learned from this experience is that stepping outside of your comfort zone, no matter how daunting, can be incredibly rewarding. The support and enthusiasm from businesses and fellow artists reassured me that my work is valued and appreciated. I will definitely be applying for Artisan Made UK again in 2026 and look forward to building on everything I’ve learned this year.
If you’re a fellow Yorkshire artist, printmaker, or maker considering a trade fair, I highly recommend taking the leap. It’s an invaluable experience that could open doors to exciting new opportunities. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!
