1. Take a good look at your portfolio from the gallery’s point of view. Is it the sort of work that this gallery would show? Is this first-quality work? Is the portfolio itself, as well as the samples shown, in clean, crisp condition? Take a hard look, and then edit ruthlessly. Better to do it yourself than have the keen eye of your potential client do it!
2. Think outside the (gallery) box! There are plenty of places to show – and potentially sell – your work besides galleries. Investigate libraries, stores, restaurants, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and nursing and retirements homes. You’ll find many more possibilities than you think.
3. Stay in touch. If you’ve shown anywhere before, call, drop in, or write the owner or manager. See what they’re doing these days. As a known quantity, it’s usually easier to get a second show than a first.
4. Don’t forget your friends. Take a minute to thank those who have helped you in the past, with a sale, a referral, with good advice, help mounting a previous show, etc. Send a thank you note. Send flowers. Take them out to lunch. Everybody likes to be appreciated.
5. Take a look at your support materials, i.e. Brochures, business cards, etc. Do they really reflect the work you do? Are they looking tired? Time to tweak them! Don’t have any support materials? Get busy NOW! (For help creating your materials, read The Digital Artist Online article “Creating A Compelling Art Marketing Package” )
6. Buy a year-at-a-glance wall calendar and begin planning your marketing and business strategies for next year. Mark out the deadlines for shows and competitions you’d like to enter, and back up those dates so you won’t be too late to get your entry together.
7. Mind your manners. Make sure everyone you leave everyone you visit with your portfolio a firm handshake, a warm smile and a sincere "Thank you!" It won’t guarantee that you’ll get a show, but you’ll leave a positive impression.
8. Improve your work a little every day. While you’re working on that next invitation to show, work on your work. Raise the quality. Enhance your technique. Think about the meaning of your images.
9. Be flexible. Artists who are easy to work with will get more shows – and more repeat shows – than hardheads. You don’t need to abandon your principles or smart business practices. But check your ego at the door.
10. Be consistent and reliable. Do what you say you’re going to do. Keep your promises to others – and to yourself! Be on time. Keep working at your work, and keep working at getting a show. Even if you are only able to do a little bit every day, you are making progress that will pay off!
About the author:
Carol Pentleton is a designer, artist, writer and jazz vocalist. She is the creator and webmaster of The Digital Artist (http://www.thedigitalartist.com). The Digital Artist is an exhibit site for artists, designers and artisans. Free exhibits include name, contact information, biography, statement, web page link and one image. There are exhibitors from around the world, from students to established professionals. The site also includes daily arts news, directories, newsletters, galleries, bookstore, and other resources.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
