🎨 Artist Alley Essentials: What to Pack for Your Booth Survival Kit! 🎨
- Effy Fiona
- Apr 7
- 7 min read
Updated: May 12
Hello artist friends! ✨ Whether you’re getting ready for your very first Artist Alley or you're just looking to streamline your packing list, this post is all about the essential items that can make or break your con experience. We're not diving into full display setups or inventory planning today—just the must-haves that'll keep you and your booth running smoothly 💼💧
Here’s a simple checklist of what to bring, why it matters, and a few tips along the way!
Hello artist friends! ✨ Whether you’re getting ready for your very first Artist Alley or you're just looking to streamline your packing list, this post is all about the essential items that can make or break your con experience. We're not diving into full display setups or inventory planning today—just the must-haves that'll keep you and your booth running smoothly 💼💧
Here’s a simple checklist of what to bring, why it matters, and a few tips along the way!
💧 1. Water – Bring at least 2 liters per day
Artist Alleys get hot, hectic, and dry—especially in air-conditioned halls. Staying hydrated is critical for your energy, focus, and voice.
What to bring:
A large 32 oz (1 liter) reusable water bottle or two 16 oz bottles
I also use Kirkland Signature Alkaline Water (1L) cus it's easy to carry and light
For 2-3 day cons, aim for 6 liters total
You can purchase them in most cons but they might get crazily expensive
Optional: 2–3 electrolyte powder packets (like Liquid IV or Nuun) to replenish during long days
Tip: Keep your water in a side pouch or near your feet, not on the display table—just in case of spills!
🍱 2. Snacks – Pack 6–8 small snacks per day
You might not have time to step away for food. Bring easy-to-eat snacks that won’t melt, spill, or need refrigeration.
Suggested snack list:
2–3 protein or granola bars
A small container of trail mix or nuts
Crackers or pretzels (individually wrapped if possible)
Dried fruit or fruit strips
Candy for a sugar boost (mints, gummies, etc.)
Avoid anything that smells strongly or leaves greasy fingers—you’ll be handling merch!
If you can bring your own breakfast/ lunch/ dinner in a lunch bag that has liners (to keep your food warm) in you can definitely bring those.
I personally don't like to eat sandwitches because I always want to get some hot food in my system
💵 3. Change & Payment Tools
Even if most people pay by card, you’ll want at least $40 in small bills for quick transactions.
Bring:
$20 in $1 bills
$40 in $5 bills
$50 in $10 bills
$60 in $20 bills
A zippered money pouch or small lockbox
I use a second hand toy register ⬇️ like this cus it's funny and cute and it does the job
Your card reader + backup payment app (like Square, PayPal, or Venmo)
Print or display your QR codes for mobile payments!! You can display/clip them everywhere (I usually display two and also have one in hand so three in total).
🔋 4. Power Essentials
Must-have tech gear:
Fully charged 10,000 mAh power bank (or two smaller ones)
If you are bringing your laptop or tablit, it's good to get a Jackery because not every con has wall plugs ready, especially for smaller ones or outdoor ones
1–2 phone charging cables (USB-A and USB-C or Lightning depending on your devices)
Optional: small power strip or extension cord with USB ports, if the venue allows
You’ll likely be using your phone or tablet for the entire day—for sales, commissions, reference photos, or maps.
✍️ 5. Notes & Writing Tools
These seem small, but you’ll use them constantly.
Bring:
2 pens at least (color in your desier, it can be black, blue, or maybe one black one blue)
1 Sharpie or marker for signing or labeling
A small notepad or sticky notes for commission info, names, prices, or signage
Optional: mini clipboard if you take commissions on paper
🧼 6. Hygiene & Clean-Up
Must-have hygiene kit:
1 travel-size hand sanitizer (the ones you can hang on your backpacks)
1 small pack of tissues (a lot of asian supermarkets sell them, I've also seen them in DollarTree)
1 small pack of wet wipes (I use Cottonelle and or alcohol wipes)
1–2 masks (even if optional, they help in crowded indoor spaces)
Bonus: Eye drops or lip balm if you’re prone to dry eyes or lips under AC
🛠️ 7. Mini Repair Kit (a.k.a. Artist Alley First Aid)
What to include:
Clear tape
Masking or painter’s tape
Small scissors
4–6 safety pins or binder clips
Extra display hooks or Velcro strips
2–3 zip ties
2 pushpins or thumbtacks
Super glue or double-sided tape (small size)
You’ll be shocked how often a booth setup needs last-minute fixes!
🧺 8. Display & Fabric Essentials
Must-bring:
1 clean tablecloth (fits 6ft or 8ft tables despends on your con)
1 extra fabric square or towel (for wrapping items or spill control)
1 large trash bag (trash cans are
Optional: a lint roller if you sell plushies or wear black
🗂️ 9. Paperwork & Identification
Keep all important papers in one waterproof folder:
Event badge
Seller’s permit or tax forms
Booth map + vendor info
You can be downloaded or scaned to store in your phone)
Business cards
Any pre-printed receipts or commission forms
Usually you won't need this, since a lot of cons nowadays doesn't allow you to take commissions in the con but check the guildlines of each con or contact them to see
🧘♀️ 10. Comfort Items
These make long days so much better:
Seat cushion for those plastic or metal chairs
Cardigan or hoodie for cold AC
Lip balm and hand lotion
Painkillers or allergy meds if needed
Mints or gum for post-snack freshening up
✅ TL;DR Packing List:
✔️ 2 liters of water per day
✔️ 6–8 small snacks
✔️ $40 in small bills
✔️ Power bank + charger cables
✔️ Pens + notepad
✔️ Hand sanitizer, tissues, wipes
✔️ Tape, scissors, pins, glue
✔️ Tablecloth + extra cloth
✔️ Badge, permit, and con docs
✔️ Seat cushion, sweater, lip balm
💧 1. Water – Bring at least 2 liters per day
Artist Alleys get hot, hectic, and dry—especially in air-conditioned halls. Staying hydrated is critical for your energy, focus, and voice.
What to bring:
A large 32 oz (1 liter) reusable water bottle or two 16 oz bottles
I also use Kirkland Signature Alkaline Water (1L) cus it's easy to carry and light
For 2-3 day cons, aim for 6 liters total
You can purchase them in most cons but they might get crazily expensive
Optional: 2–3 electrolyte powder packets (like Liquid IV or Nuun) to replenish during long days
Tip: Keep your water in a side pouch or near your feet, not on the display table—just in case of spills!
🍱 2. Snacks – Pack 6–8 small snacks per day
You might not have time to step away for food. Bring easy-to-eat snacks that won’t melt, spill, or need refrigeration.
Suggested snack list:
2–3 protein or granola bars
A small container of trail mix or nuts
Crackers or pretzels (individually wrapped if possible)
Dried fruit or fruit strips
Candy for a sugar boost (mints, gummies, etc.)
Avoid anything that smells strongly or leaves greasy fingers—you’ll be handling merch!
If you can bring your own breakfast/ lunch/ dinner in a lunch bag that has liners (to keep your food warm) in you can definitely bring those.
I personally don't like to eat sandwitches because I always want to get some hot food in my system
💵 3. Change & Payment Tools
Even if most people pay by card, you’ll want at least $40 in small bills for quick transactions.
Bring:
$20 in $1 bills
$40 in $5 bills
$50 in $10 bills
$60 in $20 bills
A zippered money pouch or small lockbox
I use a second hand toy register ⬇️ like this cus it's funny and cute and it does the job
Your card reader + backup payment app (like Square, PayPal, or Venmo)
Print or display your QR codes for mobile payments!! You can display/clip them everywhere (I usually display two and also have one in hand so three in total).
🔋 4. Power Essentials
Must-have tech gear:
Fully charged 10,000 mAh power bank (or two smaller ones)
If you are bringing your laptop or tablit, it's good to get a Jackery because not every con has wall plugs ready, especially for smaller ones or outdoor ones
1–2 phone charging cables (USB-A and USB-C or Lightning depending on your devices)
Optional: small power strip or extension cord with USB ports, if the venue allows
You’ll likely be using your phone or tablet for the entire day—for sales, commissions, reference photos, or maps.
✍️ 5. Notes & Writing Tools
These seem small, but you’ll use them constantly.
Bring:
2 pens at least (color in your desier, it can be black, blue, or maybe one black one blue)
1 Sharpie or marker for signing or labeling
A small notepad or sticky notes for commission info, names, prices, or signage
Optional: mini clipboard if you take commissions on paper
🧼 6. Hygiene & Clean-Up
Must-have hygiene kit:
1 travel-size hand sanitizer (the ones you can hang on your backpacks)
1 small pack of tissues (a lot of asian supermarkets sell them, I've also seen them in DollarTree)
1 small pack of wet wipes (I use Cottonelle and or alcohol wipes)
1–2 masks (even if optional, they help in crowded indoor spaces)
Bonus: Eye drops or lip balm if you’re prone to dry eyes or lips under AC
🛠️ 7. Mini Repair Kit (a.k.a. Artist Alley First Aid)
What to include:
Clear tape
Masking or painter’s tape
Small scissors
4–6 safety pins or binder clips
Extra display hooks or Velcro strips
2–3 zip ties
2 pushpins or thumbtacks
Super glue or double-sided tape (small size)
You’ll be shocked how often a booth setup needs last-minute fixes!
🧺 8. Display & Fabric Essentials
Must-bring:
1 clean tablecloth (fits 6ft or 8ft tables despends on your con)
1 extra fabric square or towel (for wrapping items or spill control)
1 large trash bag (trash cans are
Optional: a lint roller if you sell plushies or wear black
🗂️ 9. Paperwork & Identification
Keep all important papers in one waterproof folder:
Event badge
Seller’s permit or tax forms
Booth map + vendor info
You can be downloaded or scaned to store in your phone)
Business cards
Any pre-printed receipts or commission forms
Usually you won't need this, since a lot of cons nowadays doesn't allow you to take commissions in the con but check the guildlines of each con or contact them to see
🧘♀️ 10. Comfort Items
These make long days so much better:
Seat cushion for those plastic or metal chairs
Cardigan or hoodie for cold AC
Lip balm and hand lotion
Painkillers or allergy meds if needed
Mints or gum for post-snack freshening up
✅ TL;DR Packing List:
✔️ 2 liters of water per day
✔️ 6–8 small snacks
✔️ $40 in small bills
✔️ Power bank + charger cables
✔️ Pens + notepad
✔️ Hand sanitizer, tissues, wipes
✔️ Tape, scissors, pins, glue
✔️ Tablecloth + extra cloth
✔️ Badge, permit, and con docs
✔️ Seat cushion, sweater, lip balm
Comments