Having invested a great deal in the conception and creation of your work, it is vital that you make the most of every opportunity to show it off. Whether your preferred media is painting, drawing, photography or textiles – the key principles remain the same.
When exhibiting at craft fairs and specialist events, bear in mind that your display boards will be positioned alongside those of several others. It is therefore vital to make sure your exhibition display board stands out and makes a great first impression. This is especially important if your work is being judged as part of a competition, or if you are aiming to sell your work to members of the public.
The following outlines top tips which can help you maximise the effectiveness of your exhibition display boards. This information is equally relevant to interior designers, landscape gardeners, architects and builders – in fact, anyone who wants to show potential clients designs and photographs of work which cannot be seen in the flesh;
• Ensure you have a robust enough backing board on which to mount your artwork/photographs securely and use Velcro to prevent leaving marks on it
• Use aperture mounts to display pieces which look their best when mounted and framed
• Display professional photographs of work that cannot physically be taken to an exhibition, such as large scale art installations, sculptures and ‘before and after’ shots of transformed interiors and gardens
• Create some attractive printed header panels for your display board, to present a professional title to your exhibition. Where appropriate, these can include a company name and/or logo
• Consider using freestanding displays combined with tabletop display boards;
• You can create a very professional image by using a specially designed and printed table cloth to complement your tabletop display – this is particularly effective for presenting wedding stationary and seasonal cards for instance, or for specialists such as interior designers and landscape gardeners, who may have sizeable portfolios and mood boards
• Broadly speaking there are two types of display boards; folding boards and also modular display boards which can be larger panels to incorporate more artwork. The second option is ideal for a larger scale art and/or photography exhibition
• Be aware of the time constraints involved in setting up for an event. A display board system that is easy to assemble is essential when time is at a premium. Banner stands are easy to put up at a moment's notice can incorporate spotlights to enhance your exhibition presence. Pop-up stands are more time consuming to install, but look stunning and create a seamless backdrop to your exhibition stand, making them a good option for longer term exhibitions
We hope that by following these guidelines, you will take full advantage of your presence at exhibitions and specialist events. Good luck!
