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10 Tips For Getting into a Gallery
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1. Assess the style, maturity and quality of your work. How? Visit galleries - in person and on-line, to see what is out there. Be honest. How does your work compare? Is your work consistent? Do you have a recognizable style? Too many styles may indicate immaturity as an artist.
2. If possible, get an introduction to the Gallery owner from one of the artists already in the gallery. One of the best ways to get into a gallery is by recommendation. Network! Join art associations, go to openings, take workshops.
3. If you don’t know any of the artists in a gallery you’d like to be in, try to visit the gallery several times and get to know the gallery owner. At some point, the owner will figure out you are an artist. You can then ask if the owner would be able to review your work. At this point, it is good to have something to leave with the owner, such as a tear sheet or portfolio page.
4. If you are just starting out, or have work that doesn’t fit the galleries in your area, consider a Co-op gallery. Or consider showing your work in non-traditional venues such as coffee shops, banks, restaurants and offices.
5. Build your resume. Enter non-juried shows. Apply to juried shows.
6. Make sure all your marketing materials are up-to-date and professional looking. Design or have someone design for you matching letterhead, business cards, thank you cards, etc. A well-designed website with current images gives you credibility. An up-to-date artist statement, biography and resume are all important indicators that you are a professional. Not sure where to start? Visit http://www.artbizcoach.com.
7. Make sure your portfolio presentation is top-notch: Neat, clean, professional looking portfolio with professionally shot slides, clear, color correct prints or CD with sharp, color correct jpegs. At Fine Print, we can design and print beautiful portfolio pages to introduce your work to prospective galleries. Just give us a call (800.777.1141) and we’ll give you the details.
8. Make sure your art presentation is top-notch. You don’t have to purchase the most expensive frames, but cheap frames will not show your work off to its best advantage. Make sure everything is - or looks - professionally done. If you can afford it, buy non-glare glass for works on paper. Make sure the backs of your framed pieces are neat and clean. Use professional quality hangers, not sawtooth or eye-hook.
9. When you go to a gallery, dress the part of a successful artist. Even if you are very “avant-garde,” you can say “rebel” without saying sloppy.
10. And perhaps most importantly, be confident. Not cocky. But self-assuredness goes a long way. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself and the quality of your work, how can you expect anyone else to?
