Ask the Expert: Artists working in a retail environment.
Karen Sherwood, Cupola Contemporary Art Gallery
Established in 1991, Cupola Gallery is very lively and friendly with a reputation for quality shows and innovation. With four exhibition spaces plus a fabulous sculpture garden, the gallery stocks work from more than 300 local, national and international artists and makers. The main exhibition space plays host to a breathless turnover of shows - approximately ten a year. The other spaces house a constantly evolving collection of quality art and craft. In addition, Cupola regularly holds impromptu evening events to add a little spice to the gallery calendar.
178a Middlewood Road, Sheffield, S6 1TD
www.cupolagallery.com
info@cupolagallery.com
1. How do I approach galleries initially about selling my work?
Sarah Robertson, Barnsley
If possible, find out what each venue’s submission requirements are, either by phone, personal visit or via and email enquiry. If you are unable to gain access to submission guidelines, then the following is usually a good rule of thumb:
By Post:
- A letter of introduction saying a little about yourself and the work – addressed to the relevant person
- Good quality slides or photos (or a CD) – clearly labelled with your name, address and title of the work
- CDs should always be Mac and PC compatible and they need to come with instructions on their use as well as a contents guide
- A slide/photograph list with as much extra information as necessary to make the best of the images (size, medium etc)
- Include the prices or the range of prices, either wholesale or retail, and make sure they are clearly identifiable
- Include an SAE for the return of the image
By Email:
- Send an email asking the venue if they are happy to receive submissions in this format BEFORE sending an attachment of images. Many galleries and venues will automatically delete any email with an attachment if they do not know from whom it has come, due to the ever increasing risk of viruses
- Please make email approaches polite and short
- 'Form' emails are not appreciated and nor is bad grammar and poor spelling
- It is advised to send jpeg images unless a specific file type has been specified by the venue you are approaching
- It is advised that 4 – 8 images are sufficient and not to exceed a file size of 1MEG.
2. I think I want to try and sell my work in a gallery but I’m not really sure what I should be looking for.
Amy Wilson, Huddersfield
1. Make a definite decision that selling your work is something you want and are committed to doing
2. Get out and about and look at the competition and pricing (market research)
3. Get out and take advice (from business professionals, other artists, regional arts boards etc)
3. I've seen a gallery in town with pieces of work similar to mine so though I should take some examples of mine in to see if they would be interested. Would you recommend this upfront approach?
Darren Shaw, Sheffield
Never turn up unannounced with a portfolio or works to view! If in extra ordinary circumstances this is unavoidable, be humble. Do not presume that someone will see you. A little bit of "I'm ever so sorry but...." goes a long way. In advance, try to visit any place to whom you are considering sending in work. If you can't visit in person, look at their websites and ask for recommendations from other artists. If possible, find out what each venue's submission requirements are, either by phone, personal visit or via an email enquiry.
4. I have been trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to sell my work in galleries for a few months now but am finding it extremely difficult to get galleries to take my work.
Elizabeth, Rotherham
Take rejection with good grace; it is never personal. What wins prizes in one area, is rejected unconditionally in another. Try and stay positive and considering approaching different styles of galleries. Have a look at different websites and talk to different artists and consider which type of gallery would be best for your work.
5. I've been told in the past to include a delivery note with all pieces of work but I’m unsure even what to include on it. What do you recommend?
Dean Johnson, Batley
The reason for providing a delivery note is to ensure clarity for both parties. By providing the gallery with clear, concise information, you are protecting yourself and your artwork. A delivery note should include:
- Name and trading name (if different)
- Address
- Email address
- Website address
- Telephone number (s) for work, home, studio
- Date
- A good description of each piece of work. Codes are very useful, especially for jewellery, and make stock takes much easier for all types of work. When labelling jewellery, codes need to include your initials or identification of work can prove very difficult indeed.
- The price – Retail prices are often preferred
- The denotation S. O. R (Sale or Return)
- The words 'all work remains the property of the artist until paid for'.
- Your signature
- A space for the signature of the gallery representative
- Your bank details (please confirm the particulars of this with the venue)
- VAT registration number (if applicable)
- Specify to whom you want cheques made payable
- Ensure you have two copies ready – one for the venue to sign and keep and one signed by the venue for you to keep.
6. My friend owns a gallery and wants to sell my work. Is there any need for a formal contract?
Lisa Stanton, Barnsley
It is always important to cover yourself – if the gallery does not issue a contract, create your own for the gallery to sign. This should cover issues regarding payment, insurance, copyright etc. Contracts come in all shapes and sizes and do not need to be particularly wordy or formal. Your delivery or consignment note, if done correctly, offers you some legal protection.
Ask the Expert: Artists working in a retail environment