My First Market Stall: A Turning Point for Ellie Jane Art
last weekend marked a huge milestone in my journey as both an artist and a new creative business owner. I had my very first market stall. After months of painting, photographing, printing, planning, and quietly dreaming, seeing Ellie Jane Art displayed in a real market space felt surreal in the best way.
Setting up the stall was a mixture of nerves and excitement. I’d spent so much time preparing behind the scenes. choosing which prints to feature, arranging packaging, and figuring out how to present everything in a way that reflected my identity as an artist. But nothing compares to the moment when you lay out your work on the table, step back, and see your creative world take up physical space. It felt like watching an idea become real.
What surprised me most was how natural it felt once the market opened. People stopped to browse, to ask questions, and to share their reactions to the pieces. Hearing strangers talk about my work, what colours drew them in, what emotions the pieces sparked, and which designs they connected with, was incredibly special. As artists, we spend so much time with our work in private that we sometimes forget how powerful it can be when it finally meets the world.
One of the most affirming moments was seeing people choose prints to take home. Knowing that my artwork will hang on someone’s wall, woven quietly into their everyday life, felt meaningful in a way that’s difficult to put into words. It validated all the long hours in the studio, the moments of doubt, and the endless problem-solving that goes into building a creative business from scratch.
The market also taught me a lot about presentation and communication. I realised how important it is not just to show your work, but to share the stories behind it. Conversations with customers helped me articulate my artistic process more confidently, and they reminded me that connection is at the heart of art-making. It’s not just about the final product; it’s about the relationship between the creator, the work, and the viewer.
By the end of the day, I felt exhausted in the most satisfying way. My stall had been a success, financially, yes, but also personally. It gave me momentum, reassurance, and a real sense of direction for Ellie Jane Art. It showed me that this path I’m building is not only possible, but promising.
I left the market feeling proud, grateful, and excited for what’s ahead. This first stall wasn’t the end goal; it was the beginning. A starting point that has already given me new ideas, new energy, and new confidence as I continue growing both my artistic practice and my business.
I can't wait for the next market, the next collection of prints, and the next opportunity to share my work with new faces. This journey is unfolding piece by piece, and I’m so glad to be on it.
With love and minerals,
Ellie jane x