I Did My First Ever Art Market Stall! (And What I Learned from the Experience)
If you had told me a few months ago that I’d be standing behind my very own table at an art market, chatting with strangers about my work, I probably would have laughed—or had a mild existential crisis. But this past Sunday, I officially checked "first market stall" off my creative bucket list at the Peckham Oasis Gallery Flea Market!
Here is the honest, behind-the-scenes breakdown of how it went, the highs, the lessons, and why I’m so glad I stepped out from behind the screen.
The Pre-Market Panic (and Arriving Way Too Early)
Naturally, my anxiety decided to play a starring role in the morning prep. To counter the mental chaos, I mapped out my entire table layout on my floor at home days before the market so I knew exactly where every print, card, and sticker was going to go.
Did that stop me from showing up a full hour earlier than the suggested arrival time? Absolutely not. I needed that extra 60 minutes to physically set up and mentally prep myself for the day ahead. Honestly though? Showing up early was the best decision I made, it gave me time to breathe, soak in the space, and get settled without rushing.
Setting Up & Stepping into Peckham
I brought a mix of stickers, greeting cards, art prints, and a few small original pieces. Seeing them all laid out on a real, physical table alongside my friend Em (who joined me for the day and made the whole thing so much fun) was a bit surreal.
It was also my very first time exploring Peckham! Getting to wander around the local area, soak in the creative energy, and connect with so many incredibly talented neighboring artists was easily one of the best parts of the day. The community vibes at Peckham Oasis Gallery were absolutely immaculate—warm, welcoming, and endlessly supportive.
And then... the first sale happened. That "first sale buzz" in person is something else entirely. Hearing someone say they genuinely love something you created with your own hands never gets old.
The Reality Check: Lessons Learned
I want to be totally transparent here, because social media often only shows the "sold out!" side of market days. Going into your first market, it’s so easy to build up massive expectations for sales. In reality, I made a whopping £10 on the day.
At first, it’s easy to feel a tiny bit disheartened when the numbers don’t match the big dreams in your head. But looking back on the day, I realized something important: the value of your first market isn't just about the money.
It was about putting myself out there, getting my work in front of fresh eyes, learning what people are drawn to, meeting brilliant people, and simply overcoming the fear of doing it. I went in with an open mind, and I came away feeling immensely proud of what I accomplished. £10 or £1,000, I did the thing!
What’s Next?
A massive thank you to everyone who stopped by the stall, chatted, or picked up a little something, and a huge shoutout to Peckham Oasis Gallery for organizing such a fantastic event.
If you couldn't make it down on Sunday, don't worry! All the prints, cards, stickers, and originals created for the market are available to purchase on my online store.
Thank you all for supporting this journey—here’s to the next one! 🎨✨
