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11/05/2006 10:13:27 PM · #1 |
I interviewed with a "start up" gallery & the seemed interested in my images..
Does anyone have any caveat's about signing up with one? , things to be wary of ? cautions ? ..
My first time so i don't know what to expect ... |
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11/05/2006 10:46:57 PM · #2 |
I'm a member of a local art gallery - it's a cooperative of 10 artists. I pay monthly dues, "gallery sit" a couple times each month, and pay discounted commission percentage to the gallery on all sales (20% instead of 40% that consignment artists pay). I also have my work displayed in three other "venues" (2 frame shop/galleries and 1 gift shop). I pay 20-40% sales commission at those places as a consignment artist.
I signed a 6 month contract (which I have completed and continued to renew now on a monthly basis). I have guaranteed member "space" at the gallery, so my work is always on display. I have had 2 one-man exhibitions at the gallery too. You might want to make sure that you have that option - to have a show at least once/year.
Some good questions to ask:
What is the value of being a member vs being a consignment artist? (monthly dues, commission %, additional responsibilities, exhibition opportunities, etc.)
Does the gallery pay for advertising?
Are you guaranteed your own "space" to display/sell your work?
Do you have a voice/vote in the management/operation of the facility?
What is the length of the contract?
What is the penalty for breaking the contract?
I think you should go for it... Good luck and let us know how it's going! Also, please feel free to PM me anytime with questions. I may not know the answers, but I'll happily give you my 2 cents worth. ;-)
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11/05/2006 11:14:41 PM · #3 |
I would ask about the profitability, too. After a couple months of having your work on the walls, if nothing sells, the shininess will start to wear off and you'll have to ask yourkself at what point is it not worth the cost? There's a small local gallery with whom I have a good relationship, and I've been told more than once by the partners and the former owner that my work is good enough to be sold in the bins, but the place sees little to no sales and bin rental isn't in my budget. Stuff like that needs to be addressed as well. How far are you willing to go if there's little or no profit involved?
Message edited by author 2006-11-05 23:15:23.
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11/05/2006 11:53:39 PM · #4 |
True that. But I would also like to add that not everything is about profit. If all you care about is profit, then be a wedding photographer. I am a partner in a local gallery as well. Some months I do pretty well. Other months I just sell a few small prints. But you know what, it is really great to have that permanent space for a few reasons. first, I just like to show off my work. that is a simple way of putting, I could also say that I think Oklahoma is one of the most beautiful places on the planet and so many people just think of it as a flat, brown patch in the middle of flyover country... I use my photos to remind people of the beauty around them. If they buy them that is cool, if not at least they are thinking about this great state. I'm sure we each have some sort of artistic vision that needs to be show to the world. Second, I have a home base and if someone wants to look at my stuff I can just tell them where the gallery is and when I will be there. Third, if you never show anything, and just keep your images on your computer (a great deal too many photographers do this) then why are you even shooting? Fourth, I become inspired. When I am out, I now think in "series" to hang in the gallery. It is nice to think when out shooting "this will look nice in the gallery" Sure, you might make some money too. But I think in the fine art world it takes years and years to really make a name and you don't make that name by sitting at home behind a computer. You HAVE to get out there. If a gallery is where you want to be then you should do it IMHO. I have never doubted my decision once, even on the months when I spent 400% more on rent and framing and prints than I brought it. For me, I break even and I consider that a success for now. I have faith that I will sell more as my body of work grows and honestly as my city grows.
drake
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11/06/2006 07:20:39 AM · #5 |
good points all.. bit more background though
for the month of Jan. i have a solo show in a gallery (as many pieces as i can cram in )municipal gallery so no commission , kind of a coming out party for my pictures ... if you are local send me a PM with your address & i'll send you a invite to the reception ;)
i have interviewed with a coop gallery before seemed reasonable except they were too far away, wanted time as well as dues , and, in my eyes were to far off the beat track to get much walk through.
the venture I'm looking at now looks like a good location (near several other gallery's in a very ARTSY neighborhood ...
the proprietor was inquiring if i was 'represented' .. would that have been a agent type relationship ? |
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