Do you need a gallery?
There used to be no question that in order
to be a successful artist you had to be in multiple galleries.
Today, more and more artists are attempting to market and sell their
own work. So do you need a gallery? It depends on what your
aspirations are. If you want to be considered a significant artist,
you have to show in significant galleries. It is more than just a
matter of reputation, it is a matter of economics. There is a limit
to what an artist can sell their work out of their own studio.
Whereas, galleries can promote much higher prices for the artist's
work. Plus, many artists simply do not want to expend the time and
effort to sell their own work. You can survive as an artist selling
their own work, but it is unlikely you will ever thrive.
The competitive reality
This recession has taken its toll on galleries with many of them
closing. With fewer and fewer gallery slots available, it has never
been so competitive for the artist. There's more artists and fewer
galleries. Although we like to think of a community of artists, the
reality is that we are in a competitive environment and not all
artists are going to succeed.
The reality is that painting skill is only
half the battle in achieving success in the art business and
especially in getting into galleries. That doesn't mean that your
skill as an artist is unimportant, but just that it is not
sufficient for you to realize success. To succeed, you must have
business skills as well.
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Overcoming the fear of galleries.
For many artists there is no more dehumanizing activity than placing
themselves under the harsh glare of gallery scrutiny. The process
can be so frustrating and discouraging that many artists give up.
The workshop helps you overcome this fear and avoid many of the
frustrations that are involved in the gallery search process.
Have the rules changed?
The process of securing gallery
representation have radically changed in the last ten years. This
change has been fueled by the emergence of the internet and the
decline of the middle-class art collector.
Although much of the
interpersonal mechanics have not changed, the technology
has changed dramatically. You don't have to be a
computer wizard to succeed, but you are at a severe
advantage if you don't have some computer skills.
What will the workshop do for you?
1. Give you an inside look what gallery
managers are really looking for.
2. Orthodox and unorthodox ways to get your art in front of gallery
owners while other artists are stopped before they even begin.
3. When to break the rules and when to follow them.
4. Using computer technology that's not only effective, but also
cost effective as well. Why spend $20 on a portfolio where as a $4
investment will yield much greater returns.
5. How to screen galleries that will be the most receptive, and
avoid galleries that are not.
6. How to present yourself positively to gallery directors.
7. What should you look for in your gallery agreement? What is
important and what is unimportant?
8. Learn why the first 3 months in a gallery can make or break you.
About the provider
Rob Foster, the workshop provider, has managed galleries for two
decades, and has helped dozens of artists find galleries to
represent them. The workshop concludes with an candid assessment of
your artwork with possible gallery suggestions.
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