The biggest challenge at art shows isn't getting people to stop — it's turning that interest into sales. Most visitors love your work but say "I need to think about it" or "I'll come back later." They rarely do. QR codes solve this by giving buyers a way to engage with your art after they leave your booth, visualize it in their space, and purchase when they're ready.
1. Why QR Codes Work for Art Sales
Art shows have a fundamental problem: buyers need time to decide, but your booth is temporary. QR codes bridge this gap:
📱 Instant Access
One scan gives buyers your artwork details, pricing, and purchase options — no typing URLs or searching.
🏠 Visualization
AR-enabled QR codes let buyers see your art on their actual wall at home, removing the biggest purchase barrier.
📧 Lead Capture
Even if they don't buy immediately, you can capture their email for follow-up after the show.
🕐 24/7 Sales
Your QR code keeps selling after the show ends. Buyers who "think about it" can purchase at 2am.
Studies show 70% of interested art show visitors never return. A QR code turns "I'll think about it" into "I'll scan this and decide at home" — where they can actually see if the art fits their space.
2. What Your QR Code Should Link To
The destination matters more than the code itself. Here's what works and what doesn't:
| Link To | Effectiveness | Why |
|---|---|---|
| AR preview page | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Buyer sees art on their wall, dramatically increases conversion |
| Dedicated artwork page | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | All info in one place: image, sizes, pricing, buy button |
| Email signup + artwork | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Captures lead even if they don't buy immediately |
| Your website homepage | ⭐⭐ | Too generic — buyer has to search for the specific piece |
| Instagram profile | ⭐⭐ | Distracting, no direct purchase path, may lose them to scrolling |
| Linktree | ⭐ | Adds friction — another click before they see the art |
Hero image of the artwork (high quality)
AR "View on Wall" button — lets them visualize immediately
Sizes & pricing — clear options with buy buttons
Your story — brief artist statement about this piece
Email capture — "Get notified of new work" for non-buyers
3. Types of QR Cards for Art Shows
Business Card Size (3.5" × 2")
Best for: handing to interested visitors, leaving on tables for people to take
- Compact and portable
- Can include your contact info alongside QR code
- Visitors can pocket them easily
Postcard Size (6" × 4")
Best for: placing next to individual artworks, premium feel
- Room for artwork thumbnail + QR code
- Larger QR code = easier to scan
- Can include price and title on the card
Tent Card / Table Stand
Best for: visible scanning from a distance, permanent display
- Stands upright for visibility
- Can include "Scan to see this in your home" call-to-action
- Works well on display pedestals or beside framed work
Too small = won't scan reliably. Minimum 1" for close-up scanning (business cards). For tent cards viewed from 2+ feet, use at least 2" codes. Always test before the show!
4. Where to Place QR Codes in Your Booth
Next to Each Artwork
Place a small card or tent card beside each piece. This is the most effective placement because visitors are already looking at something they like. The QR code gives them a next step.
On Your Price List
If you have a printed price sheet, add QR codes next to each item. Buyers checking prices are already in decision mode.
At the Checkout Area
Have a sign with a QR code for your full gallery. Buyers who purchased may want to browse more later, and those who didn't buy might scan on their way out.
On a Banner or Sign
A large "Scan to Preview Art in Your Home" sign catches attention and explains the value. Make the QR code at least 4" for scanning from a distance.
A QR code alone isn't enough. Add text like "Scan to see this on YOUR wall" or "See it in your home before you buy." Tell people why they should scan.
5. The AR Preview Advantage
Standard QR codes just link to a webpage. AR-enabled QR codes let buyers use their phone camera to see your art on their actual wall — right there at the show or at home later.
Why AR Converts Better
- "Will it fit?" — Buyers see exact size on their wall
- "Will it match?" — They see it with their actual decor
- "Can I justify this?" — Visualization creates emotional connection
How It Works
- Buyer scans QR code with their phone camera
- They're taken to your artwork's AR preview page
- They tap "View on Wall" and point their camera at any wall
- Your artwork appears on their wall, to scale
- They can take photos, share with family, and purchase
Artists using AR preview report 40-60% higher conversion rates compared to static images alone. When buyers can visualize art in their space, the "will it work?" objection disappears.
🏷️ Create QR Cards for Your Art
Generate professional QR cards that link to AR preview pages. Choose from business card, postcard, or tent card sizes. Free for PrintsOnYourWall artists.
Create QR CardsFrequently Asked Questions
The best QR codes link to a page where buyers can: see the artwork in AR on their wall, view pricing and sizing options, easily contact you or make a purchase, and sign up for your mailing list. Avoid linking to your general Instagram or website homepage.
QR codes should be at least 1 inch (2.5cm) square for close-up scanning on table cards. For tent cards or signs viewed from 2-3 feet away, use 2-3 inch codes. Always test scanning from the expected viewing distance.
No — any standard QR code works. The "magic" is in where it links to. If your artwork page has AR functionality (like PrintsOnYourWall galleries), the QR code just needs to link there.
Dynamic QR codes (where you can change the destination URL later) are useful if you want to track scans or update the landing page. Static codes work fine for most artists and are simpler to create.
Bring at least 2-3 cards per artwork displayed, plus extras. For a 10-piece display, bring 30-50 cards minimum. It's better to have extras than run out when a piece gets lots of interest.