How to Prepare for Your First Solo Art Show

So, it’s happening. You’ve got a date on the calendar, a space with your name on it, and probably a healthy mix of excitement and panic. Your first solo art show.
First of all, congratulations. That’s not a small thing. In fact, according to a 2022 Artsy report, artists who exhibit solo early in their careers tend to experience more long-term visibility and career momentum. But let’s be real, no one tells you how to actually do the thing.

You might be wondering how much art is “enough,” or how many people will come, or if your work is “good enough” for a Solo Art Show. The truth? Every artist thinks that. It’s not about perfection, it’s about showing up. The art world isn’t just built on talent, it’s built on visibility, persistence, and those weird nights before an opening where you question everything and do it anyway.

Let’s walk through how to make it happen, step by step, without turning into a puddle of stress. We’ll even throw in a few tools that can make it easier, so you spend less time wrestling with Canva and more time doing what you actually love: making art. Sounds good? Let’s do it.

First Things First: What’s This Show Really About?

Let’s ground this before we get into layout tape and lighting plans. You’ve got to ask yourself: why this Solo Art Show, and why now? Because that answer shapes everything else. If you’re doing this to boost your visibility, you’ll probably want to focus more on how you present your story, create a cohesive narrative, and get people through the door. If it’s about sales, you’ll want to think more strategically about pricing, packaging, and presentation. And if this Solo Art Show is just a celebration of a body of work you’ve poured your soul into over the past year, then let it be that, and don’t stress over how many red dots end up next to your frames.

It helps to actually write this down. One or two lines in a notebook, “I want this Solo Art Show to help me connect with my community,” or “I want to reflect on how my style has evolved.” That’s your North Star when decisions feel overwhelming. Because they will, like when you’re trying to decide whether to hang 27 or 30 pieces, or what font to use for your labels. The “why” keeps you from spiraling.

Planning the Work: The 30/40 Rule That Changes Everything

Here’s something no one tells you until you’ve already hung a Solo Art Show and realized you overpacked the walls: planning more pieces than you’ll hang gives you freedom. That’s where the 30/40 rule comes in. Aim to create or shortlist around 40 works, but plan to show 30.

Having a cushion means you’re not forced to hang something just because you need to fill space. It lets you be intentional, to remove pieces that don’t quite match the tone, or are too similar in palette or size to others. And when you get into the space, you’ll be so glad you’re choosing between good options instead of scrambling to print a backup because you don’t have enough.

Also, think about flow. A Solo Art Show is more than a collection of works; it’s an experience. Try laying everything out on your floor or wall at home. Or use a visual tool like Milanote to drag and drop your work digitally until something clicks. You’ll start seeing connections between pieces you didn’t expect, maybe a color thread, a recurring shape, or a shift in mood.

Use AI as Your Creative Sidekick (Not a Shortcut)

There’s no shame in using tools to lighten your load. Here are a few that actually help artists prep Solo Art Shows:

Tool	What It Helps With
ChatGPT	Drafting bios, captions, wall text
Canva AI	Making clean promo graphics and posters in 10 minutes
PicWish	Making your art photos look polished without Photoshop
Runway ML	Editing videos for reels or Solo Art Show previews
Glaze	Cloaking your digital art from being scraped by AI models
Milanote	Visually organizing your Solo Art Show layout or work-in-progress ideas

You’re still the artist. These just help you get to the good part faster.

Finding a Space That Feels Like the Right Fit

The venue doesn’t have to be a pristine white cube with track lighting and wine glasses. Some of the best first Solo Art Shows happen in community art spaces, bookstores, co-working lounges, or even repurposed garages. What matters most is that the venue matches the feel of your work and makes people feel welcome.

Visit the space early. Bring a tape measure and take photos. Notice where the natural light hits during the day. Picture someone walking in the front door, what’s the first piece they see? That’s the one you want to hook them with.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Will they provide hanging hardware? Will someone help you set up? Who’s in charge of promoting the event? Are refreshments allowed? The more you know now, the fewer surprises later.

Talking About Your Work 

Writing about your work can be weird. You know what you’re trying to say, but putting it into words that sound clear and not cringey? That’s tough. And that’s where you can absolutely use help, real help.

Try using ChatGPT or any AI writing tool to get a first draft going. It won’t replace your voice, but it’ll give you something to react to. You can input a prompt like:

“Write a 150-word artist statement for a Solo Art Show about identity and childhood memories, using mixed media collage.”

Then you tweak it. Add your humor, your feelings, your real story. Don’t feel like you need to sound like a curator, you’re the artist. People connect with honesty, not academic language.

The same goes for things like your wall labels or even social media posts leading up to the Solo Art Show. Start with something AI-generated if you’re stuck, and then just talk like yourself.

Getting People in the Door: The Marketing Part 

Let’s call it like it is: most artists hate self-promo. You don’t want to be annoying. You want your work to speak for itself. But people need to know your Solo Art Show exists, and they’re not mind readers.

Here’s what helps: start with the people who already know and love you. Friends, family, your local barista, your old classmates, your IG followers. You’re not selling to them, you’re inviting them to be part of something important to you.

Use your social media, of course, but also think outside the feed. Make a small printed card using Canva AI, and leave a stack at local businesses. Email your mailing list if you have one. Ask the venue if they have a newsletter or events calendar. Reach out to local bloggers or arts pages, they’re always looking for something to feature.

And keep sharing throughout the lead-up. Post that moment when you’re framing something. Or the mess of your living room the night before install. People love being let into your world. That’s what builds connection, and connection is what fills rooms.

Setting Up Like a Pro 

Install day will always take longer than you think. Give yourself a full day, or better, two. Bring snacks, water, and someone who can hold a level while you squint from across the room.

Use sticky notes to mock out where each piece will go before hammering anything in. Trust your instincts, but also step back,  literally. Look at your layout from across the room. It’s amazing how different something can feel from a few feet away.

And make it easy for yourself later: take photos of everything once it’s hung, so if anything falls, you remember where it went. Also useful if you need to submit your install shots for a portfolio or open call later, like Open Call for Artists.

The Opening Night: Just Be Yourself

The pressure to “perform” can be real. But you don’t have to be an art-world personality. Just be present. People are here for your work, which means they already want to meet you.

Smile. Say thank you. If someone asks a question you don’t know how to answer, it’s okay to say, “That’s a great question, I’m still figuring that out myself.”

If you’re nervous, bring a friend who’s great at conversation. Let them help break the ice. You don’t have to be “on” all night, you just have to be real.

And no, you don’t need wine or a live band. But music helps. So does a cozy vibe. Think of it less like an “event” and more like inviting people into your studio.

After It’s Over: Keep the Energy Going

Post-show blues are real. You spend all this time building up to the Solo Art Show… and then it’s done.

Here’s how to keep momentum going: post a recap. Share a favorite moment. Email a thank-you to everyone who came. Even better if you follow up with people who showed interest in buying but didn’t commit right away, sometimes they just need a nudge.

And most importantly? Take a minute to actually be proud. You did a huge thing. That deserves recognition, not just from others, but from you.

Ready for More?

Whether this Solo Art Show turns into a sale, a new opportunity, or just a memory you’ll hold forever, you’ve now done something most artists spend years dreaming about.

And when you’re ready to go again, or start submitting to more calls, remember that platforms like Arts to Hearts Project and Open Call for Artists are always looking for fresh voices like yours.

You’ve got stories to tell. You’ve got work to Solo Art Show.
Now get out there and let people see it.