I'm frequently asked what an artist needs to do in order to be prepared to approach galleries for representation. The answer is far from simple. Presenting your artwork to a gallery in a professional and confident manner takes a lot of preparation.
I've written hundreds of blog posts and an entire book on the preparatory process. It can take months, or even years, to prepare to approach galleries for many artists.
With that said, however, I wonder sometimes if artists are hesitating to approach and build relationships with galleries simply because it all seems too complicated and difficult. While it takes a lot of effort to prepare to approach galleries, the list of things that need to be in order before you present your work to gallery owners is actually pretty short.
I recommend that an artist preparing to approach galleries be prepared with the items in the following checklist.
Checklist
- 20-25 consistent, gallery-ready artworks
- A simple portfolio with quality images of the art. The portfolio can either be printed or digital, presented on an iPad or similar.
- A list of galleries in your target art market(s) that carry art complementary to yours
- Brief introduction/greeting to introduce yourself to the gallery owner and staff
- A dose of confidence and courage!
And that's it. The artists who are showing and selling their work through my gallery and in other galleries are largely doing so because they could check each item on this list.
If you desire to work with galleries, I encourage you to focus on the items in this checklist. When you can place check marks next to each item, you'll be ready to push your career forward and begin approaching galleries.
Do You Need Guidance and Direction to Get There?
If you desire to sell your work through galleries and would like some guidance as you prepare to present your art to gallery owners, I invite you to take my "Starving" to Successful Workshop.
The workshop will help you thoroughly understand the checklist above and what's required to be ready. In the workshop I provide you with concrete steps you can take prepare yourself to approach galleries with confidence and professionalism.
This is an online, video workshop that you can watch at your convenience.
I invite you to join me in the workshop!
Click here to learn more
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