When should you approach galleries?

Very often beginner artists ask the question: How do we get into galleries, or approach galleries to show our work?
This is like asking how to go about finding a needle in a haystack. These artists are fresh and excited and, although many think they “have what it takes,” they are, more often than not, inexperienced. They have usually been highly praised by family and friends, and they are perhaps at a point where they think their work compares favorably to works already in galleries. Even if this were true, it’s not the golden ticket to acceptance by any art gallery.
These artists should first ask themselves some of the following questions:
• Do I have a track record of sales? In other words, can you prove to a gallery that your work has not only been praised, but also purchased?
• Do I have a complete portfolio, including an up-to-date biography, artist’s statement, and crisp, clear photos of my work (hard copies and digital)? Galleries require as much information as possible to assess you as an artist, and also, if they accept you, they want to provide as much information as possible to clients interested in purchasing.
• Can I provide works on a regular basis? Galleries require their artists to consistently provide them with new works so they can attract their clients to the gallery often.
• Am I prepared to regularly promote my work at the gallery or in other locations? Providing demonstrations, or being available to meet and mingle with clients is very important. Early in your artistic career, the more people you meet, the greater chance you have of selling your work and amassing new collectors.
• Am I prepared to listen to the gallery owners about their needs? The gallery owners know their markets. That means you might be required to frame to their expectations, or they may only want a certain type of work you do and not every piece you crank out. If doing that is not for you, the gallery route may not be either.
If you really want to work with galleries, you have moved from being an artist, to being an artist and business person. You will need to consider the marketplace, supply, customer service, possible guarantees of your work, etc.
So, if you’re putting out good work with consistent quality and are thinking about approaching galleries, consider the above points first. When you’re REALLY ready, you’ll have a much better chance of impressing the gallery owners and perhaps even becoming one of their favorite artists.

By Susan Abma