6 Do's and Don'ts when Presenting in a Gallery

1. Respect the process

Galleries receive a lot of applications. Directly asking for representation will not do you any good. Treat the gallery admission as if you were applying for a regular job. Explore the gallery and learn the details so you can customize every email you send. Gallery owners attach great importance to their relationship with artists. They want the artist they represent to understand their mission and space. Instead of asking for a view, ask the gallery owner to view your work. Asking for a review draws the gallery's attention to you and isn't too pushy. Be sure to include context and briefly explain your latest work. And let the gallery know how you fit in and why you matter. The gallery will want to know why you are contacting them.

2. Don't linger at the coffee shop

Gallery owners pay attention to art when they are away from home, but usually not in coffee shops. You're much more likely to get the attention of an art dealer at a co-op gallery or non-profit show. These are much more powerful platforms. They give a sense of legitimacy. If you want to take the leap in your art career, move from coffee shops to co-op galleries.

3. Be yourself (better)

When gallery owners visit the studio, they focus on more than just the art. They want to know how the artist functions as a person. Be sure to be kind and spend more time listening than talking. This shows the art dealer that everything is in order and you are not risking anything. Keep your expectations low and resist the urge to be pushy. While these visits can be very nerve-wracking, remember to be humble and be yourself. Being yourself is very important. Gallery owners want to get to know you as a person so they can offer you their representation with confidence.

4. Don't act like a collector

When you're looking for gallery representation, you might be tempted to visit the gallery you're interested in. It's nice to show respect for the gallery and the artists represented in it. If you come to visit, be sure to announce that you are an artist, but. Gallery owners deliberately want to waste their time and need to know if they are talking to a potential buyer or not. Do not let the gallery owner think that you are a collector - this will only worsen your chances. Instead, say something like, “I'm an artist and would like to do some research. I really like what you're doing here, can I have a look around?

5. Provide correct information

When you submit a gallery to view your work online, make sure they can see all the details. Galleries usually want to see materials, sizes and price ranges. They also want to see your newest and best work. Store these works in an elegant, organized and simple online portfolio. Gallery owners are limited in time, so you want them to be able to easily navigate your work. Consider submitting them to your online portfolio, which will let your work shine.

6. Don't use tricks

Gallery owners often receive emails from up-and-coming artists. If you write with respect, there's a chance they'll check out your site if they have time. If you try to use a clever catchphrase or ploy to get the attention of a gallery owner or director, you risk taking the gallery offline. The best approach is to be honest and respectful.

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