Does Art Actually Sell At Art Fairs/Exhibitions? -Practical Guide Article 1

Practical Guide for THE MODERN PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS – Exhibiting- Article  1

Does Art Actually Sell At Art Fairs/Exhibitions?

Before you decide to accept an offer from a gallery or a show promoter you must ask yourself, “Why am I considering this”?

The question can be answered in many different ways. It depends on where you are in your career. If you are a beginning artist meaning you have never done exhibitions before, the best thing is to go with a gallery that guides you. The gallery should give you a written contract with many details. Don’t be a primadona. Those types finish last. Ask questions. Learn how the system works.  A successful gallery will be thrilled that you have questions. Your inquiries mean that you take career and yourself seriously. This positive attitude should be viewed as mutually beneficial. The more you know the more you can be a player and assist with the process. You become an asset to your promoter or gallery. There are so many components to the exhibiting process that being clearly understood and clear in your understanding is a must.

This series of articles on how to maneuver your way through the exhibition stage of your career will go deep into the art world from many perspectives. You may have noticed that the art world has changed. Just as any other business the art circuit has its Do’s and Don’ts.  Before we get started let’s get the big question out of the way. “Does it cost anything”? The answer- If you start a dog grooming business would it cost you anything? If you are a rock star, would it cost you anything? Don’t be silly. You get out of life what you put into it. You will be or are successful because you believe in yourself and are not afraid of hard work.  Now the real question is, “I want to spend my money wisely how do I do that in relation to my art career”? This blog will help guide you on your journey to stardom and hopeful give you tips that will save you painful and financially expensive mistakes.

Break the system down into small increments.

1. What is the total cost required from start to finish?

2. What costs are due to the artists and what costs are due to the galleries?

3. How does your art get to the location?

4. Who packs and ships the art? What is the real process?

5. Do you meet your art at the show? Where should you stay?

6. What marketing has the gallery done to present you to the collectors at the location?

7. Did you give the gallery your Bio or CV?

8. Will the gallery have printed material about you at the event?

9. What happens after the exhibition /show /fair?

Stay tuned to this blog to have this mysterious world revealed and get many questions answered.