How to work with galleries

The relationship between galleries and artists and makers has long been an integral part of what drives the art object market. Buyers and collectors trust in the gallery’s choices, leading to rewarding careers for artists and makers.

Selling your work through a gallery can offer opportunities to raise the profile of your work with collectors and a well-established client base.

Save our step-by-step guide and learn how to successfully prepare, approach and collaborate with galleries. The resource includes expert contributions from New Ashgate Gallery, Bluecoat Display Centre , Gallery57, Flow Gallery and Gill Wing Gallery.

Top tips to get started:

• Do your research, think about which galleries fit your style and price points.
• Pricing; galleries take a commission on sales, this is to cover all their costly overheads when promoting your work; make sure you have done your sums so that you still make a profit whilst factoring in the commission.
• Ensure you have a professional online presence; this will install confidence in your practice, a gallery is more likely to invest in a maker who is professional in their outlook and the way they conduct business.
• Practice talking confidently about your work, think about what makes your work different from others, and how you can discuss your inspirations, materials, and techniques passionately.
• Approaching galleries; avoid busy periods such as Christmas or if they have advertised that they are participating in a fair.
• Working with galleries; ask questions such as when they plan to show the work and for how long.
• Contracts; find out what paperwork they have in place and what they are expecting of you.