An art gallery is interested in representing me?

Question

I sold my first two paintings last month, & the lady who bought them is close friends with the owner of an art gallery, & today he sent me an email about representing me. I'm a total newbie at all this, & really have no clue what representation entails...

We're in different time zones right now & are supposed to talk about this tomorrow, and I'd really like to get some more info first.

*Do you sign a contract when you work with a gallery? Is it like the way actors are represented by an agency where they take 10% of your earnings?

* How closely do your work with the gallery owner? I only met him once before at this social thing, & he kind of intimidated me.

*Are you required to produce a certain amount of work? I'm going into my sr yr of hs & am already maxed out on time, so this makes me really nervous.

* What else do I need to know?

I'm a bit overwhelmed by the idea & would really appreciate advice.

Thx! : )

Answer 1

I don't have answers to your questions, I have not had the experience myself.

What I DID want to comment on was your comment that the one time you talked to the gallery owner, you were intimidated.

THAT is what I want to address with you.

When working with someone in making a business proposition, if the person offering something senses your intimidation, they will usually use that to THIER advantage.

DON'T be intimidated when you talk to this gallery owner. The fact that this gallery owner is willing to represent you is a great compliment. HOWEVER, it may also be a tactic to get a higher commission on your pieces because they feel you can be intimidated into giving up more.

Go in with confidence. They wouldn't have asked you if you did not show talent and potential saleability. Believe in your own worth. Don't cave if they become 'pushy'.

And Congratulations!

Answer 2

I think the way to tackle this is to first ask this gallery owner - would she explain exactly what she means if you agree to be represented by her. What does it committ to you, and what does it commit her. Are you promised exhibitions in her gallery, how many a year? What commission is she asking? . Don't be shy in asking her - this is serious business. And when she replies, if there is more info. you want - e.g. do the artists she represents usually sign a contract with her? Is she going to promote your work as well as show it? etc. etc.

Please write in here again if you would like to get some more guidance.

Answer 3

I would most definitely take up the offer of representation. It is a very great thing to put on a resume. You usually don't sign a contract if you are going to be represented by a gallery. The owner might have some requirements for your art like he may require it to be framed and restrict the size of art you send. Most galleries take a cut if your painting sells. The percent varies between galleries, but I usually see 30% to the gallery owner. Personally, I never had a big relationship with a gallery owner, but you do want to keep on good terms with him. Far as the amount of art you need, you probably won't need that much (4-6 pieces), but you should keep on making art for the gallery owner to have for sale. You might want to build up a body of 15 to 20 works though. He may want to give you a solo show in the future which also looks very good on a resume. The question you definitely should ask is if there are any gallery fees. Some galleries charge artists to be represented by their gallery. This fee may be low, or it could be very high depending on the location and prestige of the gallery.

Answer 4

gallery's can take a big percentage I think up to 40%.....

always good if they come to you first though!!!

the good thing is they have to sell to make any money so its their in their interest to make sales happen..... and this is something not all artists are good at.... also they have a list of regular buyers so you can make money....

do you have to work close i don't see why...... but remember this they came to you ..... that kinda puts the ball in your court so treat it like what can they do for you? and get them to say why they think its a good idea...... basically think of it like you can't loose........ if it's not what you want don't go............!

good luck

ps  not easy to stay alive as an artist in this world and you get to do what you love...

but also remember not to loose the experimental fun side of art and get too lost in commercialism......

oh the balance!

Answer 5

*Do you sign a contract when you work with a gallery? Is it like the way actors are represented by an agency where they take 10% of your earnings? 35 to 50%

* How closely do your work with the gallery owner? I only met him once before at this social thing, & he kind of intimidated me. Depends on the owner and the artist. Basicly He wants to make money...so he may push.

Try this site FYI. http://www.artbusiness.com/sellmyart.htm...

*Are you required to produce a certain amount of work? Again this varys from gallery to gallery.

Meet and talk it through...he knows you are new to this.

Oh and congratulations...some are never asked.