Other People & Places
Unless you have a visitor, your work is doing nothing for you sitting in the studio. Think about who you know with walls where you can hang your art for people to see. Sure, there’s the local cafe. By all means, ask them. But who else? Any retail store from clothing to furniture to a flower shop is a candidate. Also, places where services are performed like a beauty salon. Just make sure your name and contact info are displayed or accessible. Here’s a recent story in support of getting your work out there:
I was helping an LA based colleague source new artists for a corporate project in New York. I was in Seattle for a wedding and happened to see some beautiful paintings in a coffee shop. I took the artist’s information and passed it along to my colleague. She visited the artist’s website and loved the work. Whether or not her client decides to buy something, my colleague and I now both have the artist’s name, website and information on file for future reference. You never know what could happen, but neither of us would have discovered that artist if her work hadn’t been hanging in that cafe. As long as your work is presented well and treated respectfully, it’s worth getting your art out of the studio and onto walls in your community. Which brings us to all of the other people who can help get your work seen.
There are probably as many consultants and private dealers in the art world as there are galleries, maybe more. These individuals may work for one or more collectors, corporations or foundations finding art to buy. Some work for themselves, offering art to different clients, earning a commission if they sell work. There are different types and levels of consultants and private dealers. Some do focus on emerging artists. Many are charged with filling an entire home or building within the confines of a budget and to the tastes of their client. It’s the job of these dealers and consultants to know who and what is out there so that with each new client or situation they are armed with ideas and suggestions. You will be absolutely shocked by the number of results you get online using the search term Art Consultant. You could spend weeks weeding through them and, as with everything else, some are better than others. But be aware that they are out there, can be wonderful allies and are usually more open to looking at work than galleries. Most have projects, clients and affiliations listed on their websites. As you network more you will undoubtedly come across a few. You can also ask around about consultants and dealers and see if anyone you know has worked with one.
Once you’re ready for studio visits, consider reaching out to a few consultants in your area and inviting them. It can be good practice and less intimidating than a gallery visit. Consultants get paid differently depending on the situation, so if they want to offer your art to a client, make sure you understand how they work. If they will be extending a discount to their client, which is common, you should still net at least 50% of the sale price. Also be aware that payment can be tricky. Often times they won’t pay you until the client pays them and the client won’t pay them until the work is delivered. Sketchy, right? That’s why being comfortable with the people you are dealing with is so important. Get the sale terms in writing and don’t be afraid to ask around about a consultant before doing business with them. And don’t limit yourself to just art consultants and dealers.
Consider who else you might know or meet who can help you get your work seen. Interior designers can be a terrific resource. Are there any in your family, community or network? Ask them if they ever need art for clients and invite them over for a studio visit. Do you know any realtors? They often “stage” empty homes with furniture and art to make the properties more attractive to buyers. If you know anyone who might be willing to stage a house with your art, let them know you’re interested. How about a friend who rents their place through a service like Airbnb? Lend them art for their walls and ask that they leave cards out when the place is rented. Chances are there will be plenty of people and places in your life, now and in the future, with whom you can develop reciprocal relationships. You supply them with art that meets their needs. They help you get your work seen. Always keep your eyes and ears open for these people and opportunities.
If you do show in non-traditional locations or situations, you’ll need to consider insurance. There will be many times throughout your career when you’ll have to weigh an opportunity against the risk. You should carry renters or homeowners insurance on your home and studio. Ask your broker if your work is covered when it’s out in the world and not covered under someone else’s policy. Explain the different situations where that could happen. If you can secure a policy that covers you broadly and isn’t cost prohibitive, you should. It’s the simplest, easiest way to feel comfortable. If you find yourself in a situation where your work might not be covered, it’s your call if you want to participate.