Page 32 - International Artist2 110

PRO • fessional Artist

THERE IS NO SHORT CUT

Building the path to successful gallery exhibitions
By Graeme Smith
Many artists consider a gallery exhibition » You could be frightened at the amount of
as the beginning of a professional career! money you’re going to have to earn.
» Sooner or later they approach a gallery to » Each and every year you are in business.
have them sell and/or exhibit their work. It’s easy to lose direction though.
» Usually they’d like an exhibition,
and need a gallery to do this. » Long before my gallery days I attended a
» That’s the most common reason. friend’s exhibition at a major Sydney gallery.
» But it’s the least likely to lead to » He was an excellent impressionist artist
a satisfactory outcome. and his work was very popular.
» But he was also a very creative person.
Galleries exist to make money for its
proprietor and the artists who exhibit there. This exhibition comprised abstract
works in black and white.
» Holding exhibitions is one way this is done.
» Done right they are an » They were accompanied by his poetry.
opportunity for bulk sales. » He didn’t sell any, which set his
professional career back years!
Galleries are not usually in business to
provide artists with exhibition spaces. I never forgot that lesson particularly
» Particularly if the artist feels like having when years later I had my own gallery.
an exhibition just to show their work! » I didn’t want any surprises for
» When I had a gallery it was no different. my clients from my artists.
» That is one of the main ways an
Gallery visitors have long memories. artist loses career momentum!
» Their first impressions of your work » They get bored with their present
will be the ones that are strongest. activity and change direction.
» But what do they actually remember?
For more professional reading about
Following an exhibition they’ll remember successful exhibitions go to:
how many were sold and little else! » www.ozzwizz.com/downloads/
» Those memories stay with them, no matter Expansion/MEWIntroductionm.pdf
what you may do, even years later. Visit the website for professional artists:
» It’s tough, but that’s how it is.
» www.artprofessionalmarketing.com
Yes, most artists consider a
gallery exhibition the beginning You will need to provide your name
of a professional career! and email address to register.
» It is. » But you will receive monthly emailed
» BUT only if it is successful! Art Professional newsletters.
» Otherwise your career will continue as » As well as regular emails.
it began as an unsuccessful artist.
Best wishes in your art career for
A professional artist doesn’t 2016 and after that too.
just produce paintings.
» You also sell, market and do all the tasks
other small businesspeople perform. For more information, visit Graeme’s website:
» The more successful you are, the www.artprofessionalmarketing.com
more of this there is to do!

Professional Artist 31

Professional Aritist.indd 31 6/22/16 12:38 PM