Pretty much every artist I meet tells me their dream is to get a gallery to take on their work and sell it for them!

My response to this is always “be careful what you wish for”. Before you get to the point of packing up your precious artwork and shipping it off, there is a lot you need to know and a lot of questions you need to ask.

Step 1 You need to find the right gallery for you.

Research is key - you cannot short cut this step. Not every gallery is right for every artist. You need to find one where the gallerist resonates with your style and genre.

Where you fit.

Step 2 Get to know your target gallery before you approach them

Explore how the gallery business operates and how they support their artists. Sign up for their mailing list. Follow them on social media. Visit exhibitions and openings. Listen and look.

Do you like what you see?

Do you like the people and how they interact and behave?

Step 3 Find out what the gallery submission procedure is

And follow this procedure. It’s respectful.

If they don’t have a formal procedure, ask some of their artists how they approached the gallery and maybe they might agree to introduce you…

Be ready with hi res images, CV and an artist statement as a minimum

Step 4 Find out the gallery terms and conditions and commission structure

Ask what the gallery is going to do for you while they have your artwork consigned:

Will they guarantee it will be visible and on show (not packed away in the storage area)

Will they take you to Art Fairs?

Will they offer you a solo show?

Will they promote your work online and/or in print?

Do they produce a catalogue showcasing their artists?

What is the gallery commission rate?

What are their payment terms following a sale? 30 days/90 days/longer…?

Step 5 Ask what they expect of you

Working with a gallery is a partnership.

Ask how you can help them promote and sell your artwork.

Step 6 Build mutually respectful relationships

Never make a needless enemy!

and my final piece of advice with regard to working with galleries is always issue your own consignment note, fully detailing the selling price of your work, the amount you will receive when it is sold, when you will be paid and how long the artwork is consigned to the gallery for, as an absolute minimum, and ensure this note is signed upon delivery.

Assumption is the work of the devil and the route of too many failed relationships.

Video by Julian Delagrange - Editor in Chief Contemporary Art Issue