When a Market Doesn't Go to Plan

Finding Value Beyond the Sales

As a Glasgow based pet portrait artist, I’ve been selling my hand drawn animal art at markets since December 2024. It’s been an amazing way to meet customers face to face, share my work, and connect with other creatives. But if you’ve ever taken part in a market, you’ll know not every event goes to plan.

Recently, I attended a market where, despite all my prep, I didn’t even make my table fee back.

The Reality of Market Days

Sometimes, it just happens. Maybe there’s a lot going on in the city that weekend. Maybe it’s raining and footfall is low. Sometimes the market hasn’t been well advertised. Other times, it’s just bad luck. As artists, we put so much into our work and our displays, so when sales are slow, it can feel like shouting into the void.

This particular day was a bit of a wake up call for me. I had all my pet prints, custom pet artwork info, bookmarks, coasters, and fridge magnets laid out. My stall looked great. But the crowds just didn’t come.

Shifting the Focus

Instead of letting it get to me, I shifted my mindset.

I spent time chatting to the lovely people who did stop by. I spoke to other makers, many of whom were also feeling the quietness of the day. We exchanged stories, advice, and encouragement. I learned more about their creative processes and their businesses. In a way, it felt like a little creative community forming right there behind the tables.

And in the quieter moments, I worked on a new drawing because I always bring a sketchpad. Creating right there at the table is a great way to show people how I work, and it helps me stay grounded in why I do what I do: to make art that celebrates animals and brings people joy.

Finding the Wins

Sure, I didn’t sell much. But I came away having:

• Improved my stall layout and signage

• Built connections with other artists

• Collected new ideas for future custom pet drawings

• Created a new piece of quirky pastel pet art

• Handed out cards that might lead to future photo to portrait commissions

That still feels like a win to me.

To Fellow Artists: Keep Going

If you’re a fellow artist or small business owner, especially one selling bespoke pet portraits or custom artwork, know this: slow markets don’t define your worth or the value of your work. They are just part of the process.

Keep showing up. Keep creating. Keep connecting. Every market is a chance to learn, grow, and share what you love even if the sales don’t follow right away.

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Thanks for reading. Whether you're looking for pet portraits in Glasgow, thinking of commissioning a custom pet artwork, or just here for the honesty, I appreciate you being part of the journey.

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Hannah Kelly