Artistbooths x SMASH! A collab for budding artists.
Smash x Artistbooths collabThis collaboration is all about supporting new and emerging artists, which is exactly what the Chibi event is for. SMASH! has a surprise for fans and artists, this new event is a trip down memory lane at the long-time beloved Rosehill Gardens venue, but more importantly it’s a second taste of SMASH! in 2025.We believe setting up your first, or third, artist alley table should be fun and easy, not a puzzle. That's why we create lightweight, portable, and modular booth kits to help you make your stand sell out and stand out. This partnership is our way of helping you smash your convention goals in comfort! What we are bringing to the table - literallyWe believe setting up your first, or third, artist alley table should be fun and easy, not a puzzle. That's why we create lightweight, portable, and modular booth kits to help you make your stand (literally!). We offer custom coloured table setups with foldable hooks for extremely fast self serve setups that look the part to your art & help you earn more. 🦺Free custom Hi vis & artist planner: When you bump in your order, you'll get a limited edition SMASH x Artist Booths branded hi-vis vest and a special booth planner to get you organised! 🪭 Summer Freebies: November is getting warmer so cool off with our SMASH x Artist Booths fan. 🏷️ A Sweet Discount: Enjoy a 15% discount on our booth setup kits to help you build the display of your dreams. (search for artistbooths in your smash emails for the link or message us with your smash acceptance screenshot to claim) 🚙 Free Pickup at Smash : Skip the shipping fees! You can pick up all your booth goodies for free at SMASH. Purchase before 19 Nov 2025 for discount and free pickup at SmashPsst… it combines with welcome discounts and 5% auto cashback…thats 25% off your first order.Find Your Perfect Booth Setup Not sure which booth structure is right for you? We've got you covered. Here are our recommendations to suit your creative needs. For Print Artists: X large Boofs is your bestie. It provides a clean and expansive backdrop perfect for showcasing all your beautiful prints. For Mixed Media Artists: If you sell a bit of everything, the Large BOOF kits offers the versatility you need to display prints, charms, and more. For Half-Table Artists: Working with a smaller space? The Small-Medium Boof kits gives you all the benefits of a professional display, just in a more compact size. For Charm & Standee Specialists: The Small Booth kits is designed to make your smaller merchandise pop, with clever ways to hang and feature every little detail.Together with SMASH, we can’t wait to see how you make your space uniquely yours. We’re here to back up new and seasoned artists alike and are always happy to help however we can. Can't wait to see your amazing displays!Find out more on the SMASH! Chibi eventIf you are interested in attending the SMASH! chibi event you can find out more here.There will be festivities to get your Christmas shopping started ahead of schedule with gifted local artists and talented performers. With a more affordable ticket and even less waiting times to see and take part in our fabulous cosplay opportunities, you’ll have more time to explore, connect, and enjoy the moment! Find Your Perfect Booth Setup Not sure which booth structure is right for you? We've got you covered. Here are our recommendations to suit your creative needs. For Print Artists: X large Boofs is your bestie. It provides a clean and expansive backdrop perfect for showcasing all your beautiful prints. For Mixed Media Artists: If you sell a bit of everything, the Large Boof kits offers the versatility you need to display prints, charms, and more. For Half-Table Artists: Working with a smaller space? The Small-Medium Boof kits gives you all the benefits of a professional display, just in a more compact size. For Charm & Standee Specialists: The Small Booth kits is designed to make your smaller merchandise pop, with clever ways to hang and feature every little detail. 🌈Say Hello to a Rainbow of New Colours! You asked, and we listened! We're thrilled to announce the arrival of 17 brand-new colours for our booth panels just in time for the spring cons,. Now you can truly customise your setup to match your art and brand aesthetic. Want to see these vibrant colours in action? Check out the examples on our Instagram or scroll down to see pics below! Fully Black Ivory White Tan Brown Mustard Yellow Peachy Orange Salmon Pink Cherry Blossom Pink Indigo Purple Blue Sky Cobalt Blue Avocado Green Mint Green Emerald Green Pine Green NEW! Lemon Yellow NEW! Lilac Purple NEW! Snow White We’re absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with SMASH to help power the next wave of Aussie artists at Chibi! This is your moment to let your creativity take centre stage. Use your Artist Booths setup to shine a spotlight on your brand, show off your personality, and truly stand out in the artist alley crowd. Together with SMASH, we can’t wait to see how you make your space uniquely yours. We’re here to back up new and seasoned artists alike and are always happy to help however we can. Can't wait to see your amazing displays!
Self-Care Survival Guide for Long Long Days at Artist Alleys and weekend markets.
Breathe Easy: Your Artist Alley Self-Care Survival Guide Let’s be real, conventions can be a whirlwind of excitement, colourful crowds, and the occasional bout of nerves! If you’ve ever felt anxious about prepping for an artist alley event or wondered how you’ll make it through three days in a row of drawing, chatting, and sitting in the same chair, you’re definitely not on your own. Looking after your mind and body is just as important as having a picture-perfect display or a stack of shiny business cards. We’re here with some tried-and-true tips to help you tackle con jitters and feel your best from prep to setup to the final packdown. Stretch It Out: Keep Your Body Moving Hours of drawing, designing, and manning your table can leave even the bendiest artist feeling a bit like a pretzel. To avoid stiffness and those dreaded hand cramps, take a few minutes every hour to stretch your wrists, fingers, shoulders, and back. Give your arms a shake, stand up straight, and twist from side to side. Even a quick stroll around artist alley before con can lift your mood and get your circulation going. These tiny moments of movement help keep your creativity flowing, too! Stay Hydrated: Sip, Sip, Hooray It’s so easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy with commissions and conversations, but keeping hydrated is your secret weapon for staying energised and dodging headaches. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it up whenever you get the chance. You could even pop in a few slices of fruit for a bit of fun. Hydrated brains are happy brains, and you’ll look extra radiant in all those con selfies. Break Time Is Sacred (Yes, Really!) It’s tempting to power through without taking a break, especially when your table is bustling with customers. But everyone needs a rest! Set aside a bit of time to step away if you have a helper, use the loo, snack on something tasty, or simply enjoy some fresh air. If you’ve got a table buddy, tag-team your breaks so you both get a chance to recharge. Your art, and your customers, will benefit from you coming back refreshed. Step Outside for a Fresh Perspective Prepping for can be a sensory overload with so many sounds, sights, and ideas. Stepping outside during prep time, even for a few minutes, can be a total mood booster. Find a sunny spot, take a deep breath, and give your senses a reset. Sometimes a bit of vitamin D is all you need to turn your day around or help manage those con jitters. Taming the Stress Monster Convention nerves are totally normal. Maybe you’re worried about making enough sales or perhaps big crowds feel overwhelming. Here’s the best advice: focus on what you can control and let the rest go. Practise a few deep breaths, keep a written checklist so you don’t forget anything, and remember to eat proper meals, not just snacks or junk. Celebrate the little wins, whether it’s a smile from someone, a sketch commission, or making a new friend. If you find yourself feeling stressed, reach out to another artist or a friend nearby. The community is full of kind souls, and sharing a laugh or venting a bit can really help. Listen to Your Body (and Your Heart) Some days will be a breeze and others might be more of a challenge, and that’s completely okay! If you need to pause, take a rest, or lose yourself in your favourite playlist for a while, do it. Your own wellbeing comes first, and finding a rhythm that suits you at cons is an art form in itself. Self-care at conventions isn’t just a luxury. It gives you the energy to bring your boldest, brightest self to your table. So, stretch, hydrate, smile, and give yourself the space to enjoy all the magic around you. We’re cheering for you every step of your creative journey!
Your First Artist Alley Table: The Ultimate Starter Guide
Wether it's your first or third time stepping into Artist Alley its always an adventure, and we're here to ensure your booth is a success. This guide provides the essential checklist and top tips to level up your display. Key items include your art (prints, stickers, charms, etc.), personalised tablecloths and decorations, and clear signage with pricing. A seamless setup starts with our customisable booth panels, available in exclusive colours like vivid pink and classic black, which are designed to help your art stand out, save table space, and make setting up easier (with optional early pick-up for Sydney artists). Remember to be prepared for sales with a tested cash float and card reader, and pack crucial supplies like portable storage, safety gear (hi-vis vest and enclosed shoes for bump-in), and plenty of snacks. For a smooth debut, plan your layout at home, arrive early, engage with visitors, and take notes on what sold well. To stay organised, be sure to download our free Event Planner & Checklist, which includes a mini booth sketcher. Good luck, and happy selling!
Stocking Up for Your First Artist Alley Table : Where to begin
Hey gang, gearing up for your first artist alley adventure? You're not alone in the excitement (and maybe a little panic) when it comes to ordering stock! Don’t worry, we’re here to help you make confident decisions, set your table up for success, and turn those “what do I bring?!” jitters into pure anticipation. 🛒 Smart Stock Strategies for First-Timers Ordering your con stock can feel like gazing at a blank canvas, full of ideas but where to start? Here’s how to fill it with choices you’ll love (and that your customers will too): 1. Estimate Quantities with Confidence It’s tempting to order everything, but start with a focus on your best pieces. Aim for smaller quantities (10 to 20 prints per design is a solid start) and see what resonates. You can always ask other artists for tips, scroll through photos from previous events, or DM us, we’re more than happy to share some friendly advice! 2. Balance Variety and Quantity Offering a mix of prints, stickers, and trinkets keeps your table exciting, but remember not to stretch yourself (or your budget) too thin. Choose a handful of designs in different sizes or formats, and focus on what you’re most passionate about. Having a smaller, curated selection is totally fine for your first table! 3. Sourcing Reliable Suppliers Picking the right suppliers is part adventure, part strategy. Check out reviews, ask for artist recommendations, and try small sample orders before you go big. Here are a few options our community loves: Vograce: This is a popular charm supplier from China known for their great quality, but you’ll need to plan ahead because orders can take a few weeks to arrive. It’s smart to ask around and see if anyone is organising a group order as joining in can help you save on costs! Tanong Printing (Mascot, Sydney): This print shop is run by artists who truly understand con deadlines and customer priority. They deliver stock directly to conventions and frequently organise group orders through their Discord server. If you prefer, you can also reach out for regular printing services outside of group orders. DM us if you’d like an invite, or connect with them for regular printing outside of group orders. Aussie Con Artists: This is a supportive social media group managed by local Aussie artists. It’s the perfect place to ask questions, get advice, and find encouragement from a truly wonderful community. Join in to connect with fellow creatives and share in the camaraderie! ArtistBooths (that's us!): We’re here to help you set up shop with booth displays, accessories, and all the bits you need to shine. Right now you can grab 15% off with our SMASH Chibi collab, it's perfect time to dec out your table! Bonus tip: Always order your stock a few weeks ahead to avoid the dreaded pre-con scramble! If you happen to order more than you need, it’s the perfect motivation to set up an online shop or stash those extras for your next event. This is the beginning of your creative journey, so keep that momentum going! Putting It All on Display: Booth Panels to the Rescue Here is the information broken down into bullet points for better legibility: Key Features of Artistbooths Modular Display Panels and foldable Hooks BOOF modular cube panels (Show-Stopping Presentation): Available in a range of eye-catching colors (vivid pinks, blues, classic black, crisp white, and more). Ideal for turning your table into a show-stopper. Allows you to mix colors or coordinate them to match your signature style. Foldable Hooks (Ultimate Self-Serve Setup): Designed to be paired with the display panels for a seamless setup ( via adhesion strips to panels or via clip onto wire grid panels). Creates a super easy self-serve environment for customers to browse and shop. Boosts Sales: Helps drive impulse buys, especially with "grab a deal" signs. Improves Customer Experience: Encourages more hands-on shopping, increasing the chance customers will fall in love with your art (e.g., that extra print or keychain). Saves Time: Features a clever foldable design for faster pack-up, smoother bump-in, and no fiddling with bulky hardware. ⋆ Convention Logistics & Inspiration Pick-Up Option (Sydney Artists): If you are an artist in Sydney, you can pick up your panels and hooks ahead of the convention at our Alexandria pickup location. This allows you to skip the last-minute scramble and set up on your own schedule. Inspiration: Check out our Instagram @artistbooths for creative booth ideas, colorful setups, and inspiration from artist alley professionals. Your table could be the next to wow the crowd! Con-quest Checklist Plan your artwork lineup and pick out your star pieces. Think about how many of each item to order (start small and build from there). Choose trusted suppliers and check out their samples. Order early so you’re not caught short, production and shipping can take longer close to con season. Check for any international holidays as well! Make your display work as hard as you do! Our booth panels are perfect for showing off your unique creations, and our handy foldable hooks let you set up self-serve stock so customers can browse and shop with ease, even if you’re busy helping someone else. For bump-in, be sure to pack a hi-vis vest and enclosed shoes. Many venues require these for safety during setup, and they’ll help keep you protected while you get your booth ready for action. Check out our Instagram for tips, supplier spotlights, and endless booth inspiration. Bring your imagination, a positive attitude, and a spirit of adventure! Great Suppliers to Check Out If you’re on the hunt for quality stock and display options, make sure to look into well-loved suppliers like Vograce Tanong, and our own ArtistBooths (that’s us!). We’re here to help with sturdy booth panels, clever foldable hooks, lots of setup ideas, and advice to make your first con a breeze. Even better, we’re offering a 15% discount on all ArtistBooths setups right now if you’re heading to SMASH Chibi, so there’s never been a better time to get sorted. Let us know how we can help bring your creative vision to life! You're Ready, So Go for It! Congrats, superstar! Placing your first stock order is a creative milestone, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way. Remember, it’s all about learning, experimenting, and having fun while you share your work with the world. Free planner resources Don't forget a thing, we created a free downloadable resource to plan your next convention here you can download them to print or draw over on your tablet. https://artistbooths.com/blogs/convention-tips-tricks-australia We believe in you and can’t wait to see your table come to life!
Meet the Team Behind the Booth: Our Solo Artist Alley Journeys that into a Shared Vision.
From Solo Tables to Shared Dreams: Welcome to Artistbooths Ever tried to make your art stand out with a setup cobbled together from eBay finds and DIY hacks? We’ve been there. Artistbooths was born from late-night booth tweaks, zip-tied dreams, and the hustle to turn passion into a steady income. We’re artists who got tired of the “starving artist” myth and decided to build the gear we wished we’d had so you can focus on your art, not your setup. Whether you’re just starting out with your first table or leveling up your con game, we’re here to help you stand out, sell out, and make your mark. No drop-shipping, no gimmicks. Just real gear, made by artists, for artists, right here in Australia. Artist alley isn’t just a market, it’s a community. We’re here to lift each other up, swap stories, and make the alley a little brighter for everyone. Ready to join the movement? Let’s get your Artist brand setup, stand out & sell out.
Product Guide: Keeping your Artist Alley table BOOF panels and foldable hooks from breaking down (physically & emotionally)
Heres the tea on safety so you & your product’s don’t bend & snap. This gear’s designed to be portable, modular, and wildly over-engineered for seller life, but here’s how to keep things snappy and pain free (literally). Also if you notice anything broken already upon shipment or missing hit up on instagram @artistbooths or hello@artistbooths.com. We try our best with attention to detail and we will always resend anything missing/broken in shipment to you for free. Now go forth. Stand out and sell out without any breakdowns (physical ones at least). 🧩 BOOF build tips Boofs are modular so what we recommend doesn’t have to be your setup. If you need a bit of ideating help you can always revisit our product thumbnails to see all our best sides and see how we stack up our example setups.⚖️ Keep It Balanced Strong booths start with solid foundations think pyramid. Heavier stuff goes low, lighter pieces on top. Use counterweights or some horizontal panels/wire frames if things feel wobbly. Even out your displays — don’t overload one side.v ⏳ Lasting longer tips Our lightweight legends are mighty but a little care keeps them strong. Treat me like your fave print & do not bend. ️ 🙏Don’t bend and snap me 💡How we want to be handled: Use both hands to push on wire edges that touch the connector your’e going into or use a mallet if not possible. ⛔ How we breakdown - Do not apply bending pressure on the wires inwards to the centre of the panels as each panel has flex limit and its soul and welded joint will snap. 🔒 Pop & lock - slide all the way in but pull out gently. Always click panels fully into the bottom of each connector to reduce gradual gaps that add up in uneven setups. When packing up only pull in the direction of the way you inserted the connectors will break if bent sideways.⚠️ Do not step all over me. They’re slippery like a Mario Kart banana and not into being walked on. Your bones (and your neighbours) will not enjoy this. ❤️🔥We like shade but not getting roasted.Rain + direct sun can wear down finishes/colours/adhesion keep them under cover at outdoor markets. 👵Natural Wear & TearTiny scuffs, especially near the corners or connector areas, are totally normal. They’re hidden once everything’s snapped together. Think of them as battle scars from artist alley glory. 🏋️ We have our limits Each four-corner-supported panel can hold up to 5 kg max. 👶 Small Parts, Big CautionSome pieces (like our connectors) are tiny. Don’t leave them lying around if little humans or curious pets are nearby. They’re not snacks. ✈️ Long distance tips Wrap the metal parts tightly with your table cover or even our packaging paper so they don’t scratch each other and don’t let anything pointy press on the plastic parts. Also slap on a fragile sticker at check-in if you’re flyings its free and reduces chances of damage. Adhesive hooks will stick with your panels — if you let them commit for 24hrs. Lay your panel flat, face up. Give it a dry wipe-down (no water, no cleaning sprays, no isopropyl). Moisture = betrayal. Take your hook + adhesive strip. Peel one side of the perforated backing off and stick it to the back of the hook. Peel the other side and press the hook down onto your panel. Apply firm downward pressure for 3–5 seconds. Repeat for each hook, then leave your panel completely alone (flat and chill) for 24 hours. No moving. No weight. Let it cook. Heads-up: Heat and humidity can mess with the bond. Think room temp, not sauna. ⚖️ Folding Hook Weight guide: No more than 100g per hook — that’s usually about approx 4x 4cm enamel pins or approx 6x 5-6cm charms. If your hooks start sagging, they’re telling you something. Remember the overall weight of panels needs to be accounted for in side panels if its getting too heavy.
