10 Tips for Artists to Get Gallery Representation

Published on 18 July 2023 9 min read

3. Research Potential Galleries

4. Network with Gallery Owners

Securing gallery representation can be a game-changer for emerging contemporary artists. It opens doors to new audiences, provides professional validation, and can significantly boost an artist's career. But how exactly does one get there? This blog post offers 10 practical tips that can help you navigate your path towards securing art representation.

1. Identify Your Style

First and foremost, it's important to have a clear understanding of your style as an artist. This is more than just the techniques you use or the subjects you choose. Your style represents your unique voice in the art world—it's what sets you apart from others and makes your work identifiable.

Explore Different Mediums: Experiment with various mediums such as painting, sculpture, or digital art. This exploration can help you discover what resonates with you and where your talents shine brightest.
Understand Your Themes: What are the recurring themes or messages in your work? Maybe you're drawn to social commentary, or perhaps you find beauty in everyday objects. Identifying these themes can help define your style.
Recognize Your Influences: Recognize the artists or art movements that inspire you. Understanding your influences can help you see patterns and tendencies in your work that may not be readily apparent.

The process of identifying your style might take some time, and that's okay. It's a journey of self-discovery that requires patience and introspection. Remember, your style will evolve as you grow as an artist. The important thing is to stay true to your vision and create art that speaks to you. This authenticity will shine through in your work, making it more appealing to galleries and making art representation for emerging contemporary artists like you more attainable.

2. Create a Portfolio

Once you've identified your style, the next step is to create a portfolio. This is your visual resume—an exhibition of your skills, style, and range as an artist. It's one of the first things galleries look at when considering art representation for emerging contemporary artists.

Choose Your Best Work: Your portfolio should showcase your best pieces, not necessarily all your work. Aim for about 10-20 pieces that represent your style and range. Remember, quality trumps quantity.
Present Professionally: Whatever format your portfolio takes—digital or physical—it should look professional. High-quality images, clear labeling, and neat presentation can make a significant difference.
Include an Artist Statement: An artist statement is a summary of your work—it's your chance to explain your art, your process, and your inspiration. It's a way for galleries to understand your work and your artistic voice.
Update Regularly: As you produce new work, make sure to update your portfolio. You should also revise it before presenting to any potential gallery, ensuring it represents your latest and best work.

Your portfolio is your chance to make a lasting impression, so take the time to get it right. Remember, a well-crafted portfolio can be instrumental in securing art representation for emerging contemporary artists.

3. Research Potential Galleries

Okay, you've got your style down pat, and your portfolio's looking sharp. Now, it's time to do some homework. Just like you wouldn't apply for a job without researching the company, don't approach a gallery without knowing a bit about them. This step is crucial in securing art representation for emerging contemporary artists.

Identify the Right Fit: Not every gallery will be the right fit for your work. Look for galleries that showcase contemporary art if that's your style. Do they represent artists with a similar aesthetic to yours?
Understand Their Process: Each gallery may have a different submission process. Some might prefer digital submissions; others may want to see your work in person. Understanding their process will help you approach them the right way.
Know Their Audience: Who visits the gallery? Is it a crowd that would appreciate and potentially buy your work? Understanding the gallery's audience can help you tailor your pitch and increase your chances of representation.

Research might seem like a chore, but it's an investment that could pay off big time. By taking the time to understand each gallery, you're not only increasing your chances of success, you're also building relationships within the art world—a key component in securing art representation for emerging contemporary artists.

4. Network with Gallery Owners

Networking is not just for corporate folks at business mixers. It's also a powerful tool for artists seeking gallery representation. Let's face it; we all like to work with people we know and trust. So, the more a gallery owner knows you, the more likely they are to consider your work.

Attend Openings and Events: Grab a friend, put on your best artist's attire, and head to some openings and events. These are great places to meet gallery owners and other artists. Remember, you're not just there to mingle—you're there to make connections that could lead to representation.
Join Art Organizations: Art organizations are a gold mine for networking opportunities. Plus, they can offer resources and support as you navigate your search for representation. Look for local art councils, artist-run centers, or online communities to join.
Be Genuine: When networking, avoid hard selling your work. Instead, focus on making genuine connections. Ask about their work and interests, share a bit about yourself, and let the conversation flow naturally. Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just handing out business cards.

While networking may seem daunting, it's a vital step towards gaining art representation for emerging contemporary artists. Remember, every conversation is an opportunity, so get out there and start making connections!

5. Prepare Your Pitch

Once you've made some connections, it's time to prepare your pitch. This is where you succinctly express who you are as an artist and why your work is a good fit for the gallery. A well-prepared pitch can be the key to securing art representation for emerging contemporary artists.

Keep it Short: Gallery owners are busy people, so keep your pitch concise. Aim for a few sentences that encapsulate your artistic vision and the unique aspects of your work.
Be Specific: Avoid generic phrases like 'I'm passionate about art.' Instead, delve into the specifics of your work. What themes do you explore? What materials do you use? What inspires you?
Practice Makes Perfect: As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Rehearse your pitch until it flows naturally. That way, when you're in front of a gallery owner, you'll be able to deliver your pitch confidently and smoothly.

Remember, your pitch is your chance to shine and show gallery owners why they should represent you. So take the time to prepare a pitch that truly represents you and your art.

6. Submit Your Work

Now that your pitch is ready, it's time to submit your work. The process of submitting artwork for potential art representation for emerging contemporary artists can feel quite daunting. However, it's a crucial step in getting your artwork seen and potentially getting gallery representation.

Follow Submission Guidelines: Every gallery has different submission guidelines. Some may want digital images of your work, while others may prefer to see your work in person. Make sure to follow these guidelines to the letter. If you don't, your submission could be overlooked.
Present Your Work Professionally: How you present your work matters. This includes everything from the quality of the photos of your work to the way you package your work for submission. A professional presentation shows that you take your work seriously and respect the gallery's time.
Include a Cover Letter: A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your work to the gallery. Make sure to include relevant information, such as your artistic statement, your resume, and why you think your work would be a good fit for the gallery.

Submitting your work can be nerve-wracking, but remember, every artist goes through this process. With a professional presentation and a compelling cover letter, you're well on your way to getting your work seen by galleries.

7. Follow Up

After you've submitted your work, the next step in securing art representation for emerging contemporary artists is to follow up. This step is often overlooked, but it's integral to the process. Remember, galleries receive numerous submissions and it's easy for yours to get lost in the shuffle. Here's how to follow up effectively:

Wait for the Appropriate Time: It's important to give the gallery sufficient time to review your work. This can vary from gallery to gallery, but typically, a period of 2-4 weeks is adequate. Remember, patience is key.
Send a Polite Email: When following up, be polite and professional. Reference your previous submission and express your continued interest in the gallery. Remember, you're not pestering them—you're showing them that you're serious about your work.
Don't Take Silence for Rejection: If you don't hear back after your initial follow-up, don't be disheartened. Galleries are busy places and sometimes communications fall through the cracks. Feel free to follow up again after another couple of weeks.

Following up demonstrates your commitment to your art and your interest in the gallery. It's a small step that can make a big difference in your quest for gallery representation.

8. Handle Rejection

Let's face it: rejection is a part of life, and it's no different in the world of art representation for emerging contemporary artists. It's essential to remember that a rejection is not a comment on your talent or worth as an artist—it's often just a matter of fit. Here are a few pointers on how to handle rejection gracefully:

Don't Take It Personally: This is easier said than done, but it's vital. A gallery might reject your work for any number of reasons that have nothing to do with its quality. Maybe your style doesn't align with their current collection, or perhaps they're simply overstocked.
Ask for Feedback: If you're comfortable doing so, ask for feedback. This can provide valuable insights into how you might improve your chances of securing gallery representation in the future.
Keep Going: Use rejection as fuel to keep improving and keep submitting. Remember, many successful artists faced numerous rejections before finally achieving recognition.

Handling rejection well is a skill that can make all the difference in your journey as an artist. It's not just about resilience—it's about using every experience, good or bad, to grow and refine your craft. And remember, every 'no' brings you one step closer to the 'yes' you're looking for.

9. Sign a Contract

Alright, you've made it! The gallery wants to represent your work. But hold on, before you pop the champagne, there's the small matter of the contract to deal with. While this might seem daunting, it's an important step in securing your art representation.

Understand the Terms: This might seem obvious, but it's important to read and understand every single word of the contract. If there's anything you're unsure about, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Remember, this contract will govern your relationship with the gallery, so you need to know what you're agreeing to.
Know Your Rights: As an emerging contemporary artist, it's important to know your rights. This includes things like copyright and reproduction rights, as well as how your work can be displayed and sold.
Consider Legal Advice: If you're unsure about anything in the contract, it could be worth getting a lawyer to take a look. Yes, it might cost a bit, but it could save you a lot of hassle down the line.

And there you have it. Signing a contract might not be the most glamorous aspect of getting art representation, but it's an essential step in protecting your work and your rights as an artist. So, take your time, read carefully, and make sure you're happy with the terms before signing on the dotted line.

10. Maintain Relationship

So, you've signed the contract and officially have gallery representation—congrats! But this isn't where the journey ends; it's only just beginning. Now, it's time to maintain and nurture the relationship with your gallery.

Keep Communicating: Regular communication is key to any relationship, and your relationship with your gallery is no different. Keep them updated on your latest works, your ideas, and any exhibitions or events you may be planning. It helps to keep the gallery in the loop and shows that you're committed and passionate about your art.
Be Professional: Even if you've landed your dream gallery representation, remember to always stay professional. This means meeting deadlines, providing high-quality work, and being respectful and courteous to the gallery staff. Remember, your actions represent not just you, but your art as well.
Stay True to Yourself: While it's important to maintain a good relationship with your gallery, don't forget to stay true to yourself and your art. After all, it's your unique style and voice that got you this far. So keep creating, keep pushing boundaries, and most importantly, keep enjoying the journey.

So there you have it—10 tips to help you navigate the world of art representation for emerging contemporary artists. Remember, every artist's journey is unique, so don't be disheartened if things don't go as planned. Keep creating, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself and your art. Good luck!

If you're an artist seeking gallery representation, don't miss the workshop 'Classical Painting in the Modern Day' by Eric Drummond. This workshop will not only help you refine your artistic skills but also provide valuable insights on how to make your work stand out in today's competitive art market. Get ready to take your art career to the next level!