Getting Your Pieces Into an Art Gallery
One of the most important things an artist can do for his or her career is display completed pieces in an art gallery. There, people from near and far can see and admire them, there's a possibility for sales and they can get in touch with other artists in the area which can help develop and further their careers. Art is a competitive field, but with a lot of hard word and some determination, you can get your pieces into an art gallery.
Determine Your Style
What's your style actually like? Is it whimsical? Modern? Blue? Go to art galleries and see what they have showing. This will let you see where your work fits and what style your work is similar to, which will give you an in when you're ready to show your work. Go as often as you can so you can not the changing artists and their styles. This will let you determine which curators at which galleries may be interested in displaying your work.
Network!
Build up a profile for yourself as much as you can. Make sure that people in your area know who you are and where they can find your work. This can involve using online social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. It can also involve finding sites where you can display your work. The more people who know about your work, the better. It gives you the opportunity to develop your work and interact with other artists, which can help you nail down your style and iron out other kinks. It can also be a huge self-esteem builder. I also suggest attending fundraisers and local art meetups. Just a few weeks ago, I attended a party thrown by the Park West Gallery Foundation, which resulted in a few great new contacts in the industry.
Contact the Right Galleries
When you're ready to display your work, think back on the galleries you've visited and the work they've displayed. Then, either in person or through a letter, introduce yourself to the curator and ask if you can be shown while suggesting why they should showcase your work (if they have a youtube channel like Park West does, mentioning similarities between a current artist they sell is a great move!). Include photos and mention the attention you've generated online. If you send an email, include a link to your online gallery. Even if they don't want to use your work, they may be able to make recommendations.
Look Into Local Art Shows
Whether you're displayed in a gallery or not, this allows you to connect with other artists and get your work out among the people in your local community. If they have a name and a face to put with the pieces, they're often more likely to check them out at the gallery or online. Network constantly.
Sign a Contract
When you do find a gallery to display your work, make sure you have a contract. This will dictate what percentage of your pieces they'll receive and if there are any restrictions about where you can sell your work. For instance, some may restrict you from selling online or local shows, so read first.