4 Los Angeles Markets for Artists (Pros and Cons)

The best way to get your vision out there is…surprise…you HAVE to get out there. And for people with introverted tendencies like myself, embrace your inner extrovert with enthusiasm. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.

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In my journey in understanding basic economics, I’ve experimented with selling my artwork at various markets around Los Angeles. More than earn a quick buck (which is surprisingly hard), I use these experiences to understand how people associate value to different objects, experiences or services.

I’ve prepared a handy pros-and-cons sheet for the LA markets that I’ve been a vendor.  I hope that this list serves as a good guide for anyone interested in finding the right market for them. Enjoy.

Please share your experiences at these markets and let me know other markets to sell at!

Venice Beach Boardwalk (Read about my experiences on the Venice boardwalk here)
Pros

• Lots of foot traffic, especially in the summer months and near the holidays
• FREE 10′ by 10′ space to sell your stuff on a first come first serve basis
• Lots of tourists looking to buy something to memorialize their vacation
• Beautiful backdrop because even if you didn’t make that much money, you’ve spent the day at the beach

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Cons
•Having to get there early to reserve a space
• Having to fight with tweekers to get your space
• If you’re looking to surround yourself with talented artists and craftsmen, this is NOT the right market for you.
• Parking can be difficult
• Sketchy people (especially in the early morning hours)

Montrose Farmers Market
Pros

• Very safe
• Family friendly
• Easy to set up
• No tweekers

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Cons
• Great place to sell corn on the cob, but no one really wants to buy art
• Low foot traffic volume
• $45 booth fee or $35 if you’re a member

Odd Market at Casa Vertigo

(psssst…Photo creds for the Odd Market photos go to the beautiful and talented Victoria Hungerford)

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Pros

• Beautiful space
• Talented (and juried) vendors
• Phillip Dane is great to work with
• Cool food trucks and FREE Nesquik

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Cons
• $3 entrance fee for anyone who wants to attend
• It’s a very new market so a lot of people don’t know about it yet
• $80 table space as of last month (6′ by 5′)

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Sportsmen’s Lodge
(pssst…photo cred goes to my dear friend, Andy Chan)
Pros

• Free for everyone to attend
• In the parking lot of a trendy hotel
• Nick Kroll sometimes does a comedy bit there
• Another market of Phillip Dane
• Friendly vendors
• Night market
• Cool food trucks and FREE Nesquik

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Cons
Low foot traffic
• Need to bring lights to display products because it’s a night market
• Not well publicized

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