Preparing for a gallery show can be intimidating and time-consuming. You have to think of the best way to represent your artwork, find the right venue, and create a buzz in advance so that people will be interested in attending. But don’t worry – this article has three steps that you can take now to make the process much easier!
Considerations before exhibiting
Planning for a gallery show is a complicated task. There are many considerations to make that determine the outcome of the show. The first consideration is what type of show you would like to have. Would you like to sell your pieces? Does it need to be curated or juried? Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your show.
Which gallery to approach?
There are many galleries to approach and they differ in the way they handle their artists. Some galleries only work with a small number of artists while others have many more. Others might prefer to feature emerging artists while some might be looking for established artists. You’ll also need to take into consideration whether you are an artist, sculptor, photographer, designer or other type of creative individual.
How much should you spend on framing and materials?
A good frame can make or break a piece of art. Pricing for frames depends on many factors such as the material, whether your frame is custom made or not, and the size of your artwork. For example, a frame for a 12×12 photo would be much cheaper than a 24×36 frame. A good rule of thumb is to spend 20% on framing materials and 80% on materials for your art.
How many pieces should you prepare for the show?
It’s good to prepare at least 10 pieces for the show, but this will vary depending on how many people are coming. If you’re not sure, it’s better to be safe than sorry and prepare more, just in case.
What’s next: what do I do after the show?
After the show is over, set aside a time to reflect about what you learned from the experience. Think about the successes and failures you had. You should also analyze what you would have done differently in hindsight. Next, look at your work with fresh eyes. Ask yourself whether you are happy with it or want to keep improving it. Determine how much time and energy you want to invest going forward.
Alternatives to a Gallery Show
A gallery show is a great way to share your work and get your name out there. But it might not be right for everyone. Here are three alternatives that might give you the same exposure with less of an investment:
– Online art galleries like Saatchi Art and Artspace
– Online auction sites like eBay and Etsy
– Social media like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
