Getting Ready for Toronto Artist Project: A Friendly Check-In
Are you ready?
If you’re exhibiting at Toronto Artist Project (TAP) this March (March 26–29, 2026), consider this a gentle check-in rather than a hard deadline.
By this point, most of the big ideas should be taking shape. The next phase is about smoothing the edges, tying up loose ends, and making sure you’re setting yourself up for a calm, confident fair experience.
Here’s what I’d love for you to have underway by now.
Your booth plan should be coming together
You should have a general sense of how your booth will look and feel. Which pieces anchor the space, how the viewer moves through it, and what you want that first impression to be.
If you’re still rearranging things mentally, that’s okay — this is often where a fresh set of eyes helps. Booth planning is something I regularly support artists with in one-on-one sessions, especially if scale or layout feels tricky. Check out my 5 tips about planning an art fair booth.
Double check the logistics
This is a good moment to confirm the practical details:
signage is ordered or designed
lighting requests are submitted
booth walls, storage, or extras are sorted
These details don’t feel exciting, but they make a huge difference in how professional and comfortable your booth feels once the fair opens.
Do you have a ‘What to bring’ list?
If you haven’t already, now is the time to create a clear packing list. Having this written down early reduces stress later and helps you feel in control.
I’ve shared a full blog post on what artists should bring to an art fair, and it’s a great reference if you want to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Art labels should be ready
Your labels don’t need to be fancy, but they should be clear, consistent, and printed ahead of time. Good labels support collectors without interrupting their experience of the work.
If you want a refresher, I’ve written about best practices for art labels on my site, including what information actually matters.
Artwork should be finished (or very close)
Ideally, the work you’re bringing to TAP is finished, dry, and ready to hang. If you’re still completing a piece or two, focus on getting them resolved rather than pushing new ideas.
A cohesive, finished presentation always serves you better than rushing at the last minute.
Practice talking about the work
You don’t need a speech — but you should feel comfortable explaining your work in a few clear sentences. Think:
a short, natural elevator pitch
a reminder of your “why”
language that feels like you
If this feels awkward or unclear, you’re not alone. This is something I help artists refine all the time in consultations, and it can make a huge difference in confidence at the fair.
Your preview email can be drafted
Your preview email to your mailing list doesn’t need to be sent yet, but drafting it now gives you breathing room. This email is often a meaningful touchpoint for collectors who already care about your work. If you don’t have an email preview list yet…we definitely need to talk!
A quick sales refresher never hurts
Selling at an art fair is a skill, and even experienced artists benefit from a refresher. If you want a quick, low-pressure reset, I offer a short Art Sales Crash Course that pulls together my most effective selling strategies into one 15-minute video.
It’s designed to be practical, approachable, and easy to revisit whenever you need it. Check it out here.
A Final Word
Preparing for Toronto Artist Project isn’t about perfection — it’s about feeling steady and supported when the doors open. The more you can handle now, the more present and confident you’ll feel during the fair itself.
And if you’re feeling behind, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means it’s time for a reset and a plan. I’m here to help wherever you need it.
You’ve done the work to get here. Now let’s make sure you make the most out of your investment.
No need to be pushy! Say goodbye to 'salesy' tactics. This course provides thoughtful and considerate methods that prioritize client respect and information gathering. In only 15 minutes, you'll learn Alissa's best sales tips cultivated over a 20 year career working with artists, galleries, art fairs and online art sales.
Book a session on zoom to get sorted out:
The ultimate ‘Action Plan’ for your art career!
Consultations are valued at $125 per hour, and are typically done on the phone or in the artist’s studio.
Artist consultations are positive, upbeat meetings that inspire studio work and offer recommendations for increasing sales and productivity for any type of creative business.
Although the majority of my clients enjoy this so much they book a follow-up session, one call is enough time for me to make an action plan for your art career!
NOTE: After purchasing, go to https://calendly.com/alissasexton to book your meeting time
