Behind the Scenes: Prepping for an Art Show

By Ellen, Artist & Creator at White Bird Design Co.

One of my favorite parts of being an artist is connecting with people in person—sharing stories, hearing which pieces speak to them, and watching someone light up when they find just the right print or painting for their home. That’s why I love doing art shows… even though prepping for them is a huge job!

With each show, there’s a beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) behind-the-scenes process that takes weeks of planning. From hand-painting new inventory to packing it all up —there’s always paint on my fingers and coffee in my hand.

Here’s a little glimpse at what prepping for an art show looks like at White Bird Design Co.:

 Step 1: Restocking and Painting... lots of Painting.

First, I take stock of what sold and what needs to be made. Then it starts... which means lots of painting, lettering, sealing, packaging, painting… and praying over each item as I go.

Step 2: Organizing and Packing

Each item gets packed with care—backer boards for prints, protective sleeves for bookmarks, and bubble wrapping art pieces. I also double-check my booth setup: tablecloths, signage, price tags, business cards, and display racks are ready to go.

Step 3: Planning the Booth Experience

I want every booth I host to feel like you’re stepping into a peaceful, joy-filled space. I carefully design the layout to tell a story—florals, faith, and inspiration all flowing together. 

Why It’s Worth It

Even though show prep is a whirlwind, it’s always worth it. The conversations I have at shows remind me why I do this. People share their favorite verses, their stories of healing, or how a piece of art reminded them of God’s love. That’s the heart behind every detail.

If you’ve ever come to see me at a show—thank you. Your support means more than you know. And if we haven’t met yet, I’d love to see you in person! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter or follow along on Instagram for upcoming show dates.

Here’s to creating beauty, sharing truth, and doing the hard work behind the scenes.

With joy,
— Ellen 🤍