How to Approach an Art Gallery for Representation

[cortezforever]

Thanks your good, are you ever in London galleries?

[RadicalEel]

@cortezforever Not yet!

[TheSmack77]

thks for the upload + yr own findings as an artist. very kind. im remided of one of my favourite quotes tho :

if yr going to do it , be brilliant in doing it.. :-)

[JamesBStudios]

Hello. What do you think about galleries who charge for artist submissions? Is this a common practice that you have ran into or not? There are a few LA galleries who accept artists, but they charge to submit your package.

[RadicalEel]

@JamesBStudios It sounds like what is known as a "vanity gallery" and I avoid them like the plague. A vanity gallery makes a big portion of its profit by charging artists to show there. They may or may not work hard to actually sell the artwork. I'm not saying it's always a scam. There are exceptions for when it may make sense to pay a fee (in the case of co-ops, etc.) but unfortunately, in general it's safer not to trust anyone who charges to show your work. I probably would not do it.

[JamesBStudios]

@RadicalEel

Ok, well this is a famou well known gallery in Los Angeles. Very prestigious. Just wondering, because I think to get a chance to get evaluated and an opinion might be worth it. I know what you are saying though. Us artists are usually low on cash, but I consider it maybe advertising, i dunno lol/.

[roryphelan]

The harsh reality of being an artist - if you are using your art as a means to make money, the art is tainted. It becomes a product to be manufactured, to suit a certain frame, a certain demographic.

I suggest getting a job to finance your existence, and create real art on the side.

Don't show your art to anybody, I mean don't care what other people/artists think of your art.

If it is not for money or to show off your greatness to the world, then the art you create is truly self expression.

[RadicalEel]

@roryphelan I've heard this opinion a lot & I disagree! The idea that art ceases to be "real" the moment money changes hands frankly baffles me. If you're doing something you don't want to, then yes it's tainted. But the inner process of creating inspired art can remain intact. You're basically saying art work shouldn't be paid work. If you find there's no demand for your art, then sure, do something else for $. But artists with salable work should be paid for their work like everyone else.

[RadicalEel]

@roryphelan And I'm kind of curious what you think "real" artists should do with all the pieces of art that accumulate in their studios--just let them get dusty? Give them away for free and absorb the costs? Throw them out? You shouldn't let others control your creative process (I agree with you on that) but not show anyone your work? Really? To me the purpose of art is to share and communicate things that are inside yourself. I do see where you're going but your thought process is flawed.

[roryphelan]

@RadicalEel Thank you for your comments. They made me feel uncomfortable! but I don't know if it because you sound righter than me or that I genuinely think your comments are wrong.

I am interested in your opinion.

"the purpose of art is to share and communicate things that are inside yourself."

I think to communicate is very important, or in fact the purpose of art. I also think it is a selfish act. Do you think to then 'share' what you want to communicate is a selfish act too far?

[RadicalEel]

@roryphelan I don't think it's selfish--it's human nature to want to connect with others. If it's selfish to share your art then it's selfish to want to be heard in any context, right? The beauty of the Age of the Internet is we can share images of our art with MANY! (I feel I give WAY more than I take in this biz.) As for *selling* your originals, you're thinking in absolutes and nothing is absolute. It is possible to find a balance. You can make $ without being a prostitute. Really.

[hoppeditz1]

Great Video. However, I think it might be important to mention that cold-calling galleries that are already fairly established and selling a lot of work is usually not going to get you anywhere.

Start in your league. The "coop" galleries you mentioned are usually an amazing way to do this.

[RadicalEel]

@hoppeditz1 I agree it won't get anywhere if you don't have a salable body of work, or if you're approaching a gallery where you work wouldn't fit anyway. If your work is strong and consistent, and you find a gallery that is a perfect fit for you, calling them (or contacting them in some other way) is definitely a good idea. With a respectful & professional approach, it can work. I'm speaking from experience! Mind you the work must come first, before you approach anyone, ever.

[justpeachful]

Thankyou for your down to earth approach to this business its very refreshing

[InTheLifeOfAnArtist]

Too complicated.

[88ratjake69]

I mostly like making paintings from World War 2 scences, like airplanes, ships, ect. from that era. What kind of art gallery do you think would be great for my type of art? Or should I try selling on my own.I have never sold any of my work.

[RadicalEel]

@88ratjake69 The main thing would be to look for a gallery that specializes in representational work. A place with more funky, abstract stuff would not be for you. Aside from that all I can say is you need to put some time and research in. Visit galleries in person, or look at all the artists on their website. If you can find someone doing something similar to your work, find out what galleries they show in. Or ask around! Gallery owners may be able to suggest other galleries.

[Andrewisme21]

Thank you so much. Great advice and straight to the point. This is how its done. I'm 18 and I'm very hesitant to show off my work. I'm just wondering are galleries usually willing to present work from young artist that haven't had hardly any experience yet? I'm really wanting to get to selling my art, but I don't know if I'll have enough of an impact to be interesting enough without having been established. I think I have the talent, but I feel that most will think I'm too young or naive. thanks

[RadicalEel]

@Andrewisme21 In my experience, gallery directors just want to see a strong, salable body of work. Obviously it helps if you have a track record of sales and some collectors under your belt when you first approach them, but the absolute most important thing is strong, consistent, marketable artwork. Deliver the artwork and everything else will fall into place. Conduct yourself professionally, dress nice, be well-spoken. Everyone has to start somewhere!

[hushcolours]

Never approach an art gallery wearing a ski mask.

[RadicalEel]

@hushcolours Also good advice! Hardee-har-har!

[Creatiopoetic]

Thanks so much for the video..I'm glad I found your channel. I'm just starting to get back into photography again after 15yrs, I'm in my mid-30s now and I'm not sure if its too late for me to attempt to have my work shown in a gallery. I'm sort of hesitant with my age now..I'm not sure if people would be as interested as a person who's in their early 20s

[MichiganTreasure]

Good stuff.

Thanks

[Sheilafarmer]

This video is very helpful. I am saving this video as my favorites. How long have you been selling your art? I am just getting started as an oil painter. I hope to have the confidence you have. Thanks again.

[RadicalEel]

@Sheilafarmer Glad to help. I sold my first painting when I was 12, and a handful through my high school and college years, but I've only been "officially" professional (and more full-time) since 2006 or so. Good luck to you!

[lookleft23]

Think I just learn more about professional practice than I did in 4 years of college thank you

[RadicalEel]

@lookleft23 I also found my college art program to be sorely lacking in practical advice. You have to figure it out for yourself in this field, unfortunately!

[OrangeFoamBall]

I think you do a great job giving advice, there were a couple things that were not explained into further detail but the main idea was explained in an honestly refreshing way. You have no idea how long I have been looking for this kind of advice.

Thanks a million.

[RadicalEel]

@OrangeFoamBall No problem.

[ashramos222]

I am so shy about showing my artwork to other people. I'm twenty and just wanted to know if it's possible to make a decent living from being an artist??

[RadicalEel]

@ashramos222 Yes it is possible but I'm not going to lie, it is a long and challenging road and you have to be persistent and assertive and plant seeds in as many places as you can, so others know that you exist! Fortunately, talking about what you do with confidence and marketing your work are learn-able skills, even for shy people. I think you can do it. Start with baby steps--make beautiful business cards and start introducing yourself as an artist. Make a great website.

[th3azscorpio]

very good tips! im faving this video!

[RadicalEel]

@th3azscorpio Glad to be helpful in any way!

[teakey]

3:40 and on there are 13 You Knows mentioned. im bored

[RadicalEel]

@teakey You must have been bored to count my "you knows!"  I apologize--obviously I am a painter, not a public speaker!

[dyingtodeath]

thanks for your time & advice. sounds like taking a plunge into shark infested waters.

[RadicalEel]

@dyingtodeath Nah, think of it more as a grand adventure. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain!