Image: Flickr
From the new or shy artist to the art-loving entrepreneur, sometimes art galleries can seem like a lofty goal. Whether you want your art to be featured in a gallery or your dream is to bring people together to appreciate art of all types, art galleries are at once an appealing and terrifying prospect. Making a living in the art world, as an artist or art dealer, requires gumption found in few other professions. Here is a bit of advice for those looking to elbow their way into the art gallery world.
How do I get my artwork in galleries?
To get your art in a gallery or public space, we suggest a few things. Number one is connections and referrals. In fact we would say having a great referral from a fellow artist might be all you need to get noticed. The art world is very similar to any other profession in that it helps to know people, so reach out to your artist friends who may be interested in referring you to a gallery. No connection is too small when it comes to these types of referrals - get on LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, and any other online network where your fellow artists congregate.
We also recommend specifically targeting certain galleries. Focus your energy on getting work in five or six galleries, or even just two, instead of 500, because it narrows your focus and you’re more likely to build a relationship with the gallery. Galleries near you may be more willing to take a chance with someone they've never heard of before because the local art quality can be a good sell. Niche art galleries are another great way to get your foot in the door - look for galleries that specialize only in the type of art you create to take advantage of the smaller market. Finally, get to the know the galleries you are interest in on a personal level, as it helps you identify if that place is a good fit and makes a good impression on any gallery officials you might meet.
Image: Facebook
This is my first time ever displaying art in a gallery. What are some good tips about setting up my exhibition?
First of all, congratulations! The fact that you even have gallery space means that you are already in the door and will have a recommendation from a gallery to propel you forward. A great place to start is to make sure that you don’t display too much work. Be brutal with your selection process and take only the most excellent pieces so you leave visitors wanting more. Take a cue from social media networks: plenty of white space surrounding stunning visuals makes your art really stand out. Remember, the old adage "less is more" is true especially in art shows. Pricing your pieces can be tricky for a first time gallery show because you may not have similar experience to draw on. It’s a good idea to consult with fellow artists, the art gallery curator, as well as checking art prices online before determining their value. Also, an art gallery in Manhattan would command a much higher price tag than an art gallery in Tucson, so you may be able to upsell based on location. Don't forget to ask your gallery about commissions!
What about starting up an art gallery? Is the process similar to an artist looking to find a home for your work?
Yes and no. It’s similar in the sense that it helps for artists and gallery owners to have connections and friends in the art world. When starting a gallery, definitely define what kind of art you are looking for and make sure that you secure a good location. Of course funding is necessary so if you don’t have money to sustain a gallery, write up a business plan and show to it banks and potential investors. Also reach out to the local art communities for submissions and an open call for artwork is a great way to receive a variety of pieces. Government funding is also available for certain art galleries, especially if yours will be giving back to the community in some way. Check with your city to see if local art projects are already being funded and how you can get a piece of the pie.
I want to be an art dealer. Do I need to know the prices of every piece I come across?
In order to be a great art dealer you have to be in love with art. The best art dealers are way more concerned about the quality of precision of their artwork than the prices. As a dealer, be passionate about what you are selling; ramming prices down people’s throats or being condescending about price can be a major turnoff. Unlike with many other tangibles, art prices can be negotiated (and often are). It's best if you have an understanding of how each piece was created so you can truly market each work to someone who will appreciate it for all it's worth.
By Steve Goble, VP of Marketing Communications for Navis Pack & Ship. When he's not spilling packing and shipping secrets, he's spending time with his family at a San Diego Padres or Chargers game. Connect with Steve on Google+ and LinkedIn.
