The world of art can be tough for new artists. The competition is strong, and it’s difficult to break into the business without any experience or connections, but there are ways that you could start getting your work seen if needed.
Art galleries are searching for artwork in specific genres, ranging from abstract expressionism to representational painting styles like impressionism.
But how can young artists get noticed by art galleries and get gallery representation?
If you want to take your art business to the next level and have your artwork displayed in art galleries but do not know how to start, continue reading for some tips.
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Create a Portfolio That Showcases Your Best Work
When starting in any career, it’s important to showcase your best work. This is especially true for emerging artists, who need to show their work to gallery owners to get their art seen by the public. A well-put-together portfolio can make all the difference when getting your art accepted by a gallery.
Tips for creating a portfolio
1. Include a variety of your best work, including paintings, sketches, and sculptures
2. Choose pieces that show your range as an artist
3. Make sure the photos of your artwork are high quality
4. Keep your portfolio organized and easy to navigate
5. Update your portfolio regularly with new pieces
5. Include contact information and a business card
Being prepared before researching what art gallery you want to be represented in will help you feel more confident and increase your chances of getting your work accepted.
Along with a physical portfolio, you should create an online portfolio if the gallery owner wants to view your work online.
Artist Statement
An artist statement is a short paragraph or two that explains your work to gallery owners and the public. It can be used to introduce your artwork, describe your creative process, or talk about any themes or ideas that are important to you. An artist statement is a great way to introduce yourself as an artist and explain your work in your own words.
Tips for writing an artist statement
1. Keep it short and to the point- Gallery owners are busy people, and they don’t have time to read a novel
2. Write in your own voice- This is your chance to let your personality shine through
3. Be clear and concise- Use simple language that anyone can easily understand
4. Use specific examples to explain your points
5. Make sure it’s up-to-date- Your artist statement should reflect your current body of work
6. Edit, edit, edit- Have someone else read it over for mistakes and clarity
7. Proofread it- Typos can make you look unprofessional
An artist statement is an important tool for getting your work accepted by galleries. It’s your chance to introduce yourself and your work in your own words.
Research the Galleries in Your Area
If you’re considering submitting to a gallery, ask yourself a straightforward question: where can I display my work?
A gallery is more than simply a collection of pictures. It represents an artist’s creative vision. Before you consider submitting your work, find out what a gallery is intended to display.
Familiarize yourself with the previous and present exhibitions at galleries that interest you, and note what sort of art they typically display.
Take note of what you see on display in galleries, particularly the ones you’d love to have your work exhibited in. Certain galleries and curators may have their own style or preference for the pieces they choose.
Before wasting your time and the gallery owner’s time, determine whether your work is appropriate for a gallery and if it fits the themes, styles, and media seen there.
Is Your Art Ready For Art Gallery Applications
Galleries searching for new talent want memorable and one—of—a—kind artwork and will continue to pique buyers’ interest ahead of your next exhibition.
An artist needs to know if their art is ready for gallery applications. This means the artist must ensure their art is good enough to show others. They also need to be sure that the art fits the gallery’s theme. If everything is good, the artist can submit their work to galleries.
- Ask these questions before deciding if you want to contact galleries:
- Does my art fit the gallery’s theme?
- Could you see your art being in this gallery for an indefinite period of time?
- What would be the asking price for a piece of your art if it were sold at the gallery?
- Is your work truly distinctive?
- Do you use unique materials or methods?
- Is it possible that anyone would want to display your work in their home?
- What is the inspiration for your creativity?
Work on enhancing your artistic skills if you feel your artwork is not ready to be displayed in a gallery.
Try to sell your art online to see if there are potential buyers who have a passion for what you create. When you have built a loyal following, it will be an excellent time to build a relationship with a gallery owner.
Build Name Recognition At Local Events Where Art Galleries Attend
If you want your work accepted into galleries looking for new artists, you’ll need to be active in the art world and let art galleries seeking new artists know about yourself.
Become Patron of Your Art Gallery of Choice
Attend as many art gallery openings and exhibits as possible before deciding how to approach them. Introduce yourself to gallery owners and curators. Get to know the area’s success stories and up-and-comers—they’ll make excellent conversational starters. Be pleasant, but remember you’re simply a visitor at someone else’s event.
Connect with other artists and be encouraging of their work. Some art galleries seeking new artists do not publish calls for artist submissions; the only way is through a recommendation. This can come as a surprise from a colleague who admires your work, but it’s preferable to be proactive when networking with your fellow artists. Take the time to develop connections so you can be in the right place at the right time when an opportunity does arise.
Smaller exhibitions are a wonderful way to start and are easier to get into. Even displaying your best works in a tiny coffee shop is something you can put on your CV and send to potential gallery directors as an invited event. Make a copy of the invitation with a photograph of your work on display to include in future submissions.
Art Community
Being active in the art community can help artists when it comes to selling art. When artists are active, they make connections with other artists, curators, and gallery directors. These connections can help when submitting their work to a gallery. The artist’s name recognition will also increase when participating in art events.
Submission Guidelines
Do not show up to a gallery unannounced and expect them to have time to speak with you. Most gallerists are juggling many balls at once and appreciate when artists take the initiative to introduce themselves via email or social media platforms.
Take the time to research the submission policies before you approach galleries.
The gallery must have an accepting submissions policy if you want to submit your work for consideration. You can find this information on their website or by calling them and asking about submitting artwork in person if possible.
Don’t submit your work once you have confirmed they do not accept submissions. If you are still interested, the best way to get noticed is through an introduction and by becoming part of the gallery’s community.
If they do take submissions, stick to their guidelines. Don’t send them 25 photos if they require 5.
Build Relationships With the Gallery
Relationships are the most common method for galleries to discover new artists. This means that either they met the artist through someone else’s work or they met the artist and were then introduced to their work.
Connect with an art gallery if you’ve identified one that would be a good match for you. Attend their events. Join their mailing list. Visit their website. Follow them on their Facebook page and other social media platforms. Get recognized as a supporter in the neighborhood by engaging in community activities like attending art shows and posting positive comments on social media sites.
When the time is right, introduce yourself. Bring a business card and mention that you’re an artist. Ask about their submission policies and follow their guidelines to the letter. If they aren’t seeking new artists, politely inquire about being placed on a waiting list or notified when submissions open again.
Be Professional and Patient
If an art gallery expresses interest in your work, communicate professionally. This first contact may become a long-term relationship, so make a good impression.
Be patient—it can take months or even years to hear back from a gallery. It’s important not to hound the gallery or harass the staff. Most galleries receive submissions from hundreds of artists, so it may take some time for them to get back to you.
It’s also important to remember that even if a gallery expresses interest in your work, they may not accept it. Galleries are known to change their minds, so don’t take it personally if your work is turned down.
Stay connected with the galleries that show interest in your work, even after submitting your art. Continue to follow their social media pages and attend gallery events so you can stay up-to-date on what’s happening.
Have An Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to introduce yourself and your work to gallery owners and art collectors. It should be no more than 30 seconds long, and it’s important to practice it to deliver it confidently. You should explain what you do and what makes you unique in your elevator pitch. You can also talk about your experience or training and why you’re passionate about your work.
What should be included in your elevator pitch?
It should be no more than a few sentences long, highlighting your unique selling points as an artist. For example, if you’re a painter specializing in landscapes, you might say something like: “I’m a painter specializing in landscapes. I use bright colors and bold brushstrokes to capture the beauty of nature.”
How do you practice your elevator pitch?
When practicing your elevator pitch, you want to ensure you’re comfortable with it. You can do this by rehearsing in front of a friend or family member or recording yourself and playing it back. You also want to make sure you’re aware of the types of questions that may be asked about your art so that you can be prepared to answer them. Finally, remember to keep your elevator pitch short and sweet – you don’t want to bore the person you’re speaking to.
What are some common mistakes people make when crafting an elevator pitch?
Some common mistakes people make when crafting an elevator pitch include: not highlighting their unique selling points, sounding rehearsed, and coming across as arrogant. Additionally, some people make the mistake of having too much information in their elevator pitch, which can overwhelm the person they’re speaking to. Finally, some people forget to include a call to action at the end of their elevator pitch, leaving the conversation unfinished.
Gallery’s Commission
Art galleries typically take a commission on the sale of artworks that they represent. This commission can range from 20 to 50 percent of the sale price, and it’s important to be aware of this when submitting your work.
Some galleries will also require you to pay a commission on works sold through their website or at art fairs. It’s important to read the fine print before submitting your work, as you don’t want to be surprised by any additional fees.
Follow Up with the Galleries After Your Appointment
Once you’ve met with a gallery, it’s important to follow up with them. This can be done in a few ways: you can send them an email, call them, or even drop by their gallery in person.
Online Galleries
Online galleries can be a great way to get your work seen by a wider audience. Many online galleries have built up a large following, and they can help promote your art to a global audience. Additionally, online galleries often charge lower commission rates than traditional art galleries. This can be a great way to get started in your career as an artist and gain exposure.
Final Thoughts
When getting your art into reputable galleries, the most important thing is to do your research. Find out which galleries are in your area and look at their website or contact them to find out what type of art they accept. Once you’ve got that information, put together your portfolio and reach out to the galleries in advance. Follow up with them after your appointment and wait for a response. If everything goes well, you could start your art career.
FAQ
What does artist representation mean?
Artist representation means that a gallery represents an artist. This means that the gallery is responsible for promoting and selling the artist’s work. It can be a great way to get your art seen by a wider audience, and it can also help you build relationships with buyers and collectors.
How do artists find representation?
There are a few ways that artists can find representation. The first is to research galleries in their area and see if any of them represent the type of art that they make. Artists can also submit their work to open calls or juried exhibitions, leading to gallery representation. Finally, some artists can get representation through word-of-mouth or personal connections.
What are the benefits of gallery representation?
Some of the benefits of gallery representation include: getting your art seen by a wider audience, building relationships with buyers and collectors, and having someone else promote and sell your work. Gallery representation can also help you get exposure at art fairs and exhibitions, leading to more opportunities for sales.
