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Question: How does one break into the art world!? I paint & draw & when I email galleries, they don't even respond!.!?
I think the fees for art contests are a rip - how does one show one's work!? Suggestions!?!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
There are a set of steps all artists go through when submitting to galleries!. Be wary of "vanity" galleries that ask for a fee to show your work!. Traditional commercial galleries don't do this!. They are more selective about the art they sell because the money they make are from commissions on the work they sell!.

If you're looking to break into the scene for the first time, you will need to make contacts!. The art world is about connections!. Start with local art groups and art leagues!. Get to know other artists, etc!. If you want to submit to a commercial gallery, follow these steps:

1!. Research the gallery to see if they carry work that is like yours!. If you are a representational artist, don't submit to a gallery that only shows abstract!. They won't even consider you!.

2!. Contact a gallery (via email or phone) and ask if they are considering new artists!. If no, then don't push the issue!. If yes, ask for a prospectus (submission guidelines)!.

3!. Submit your work and samples according to the prospectus!. If they want slides, send slides!. If they want digital images, send digital!. Follow the guidelines!. Not following guidelines is unprofessional!.

4!. Wait!. You can make a follow up call 2 weeks afterward!.

5!. Repeat with the next gallery!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Get together slides of work and/or a portfolio with photographs and make an appointment with the manager of several galleries where you would like to show your work!. If the manager is not available, then ask when he/she is, and speak to them directly!. Don't expect people to phone you back!. also, don't have a long conversation on the phone!. Just fix a time for a meeting!. But I must warn you that even if a gallery agrees to show your work they won't do it for free, but will ask you to pay!. And this won't be cheap!. They will also probably want a cut if there are sales!. Each gallery will have its own rates!. If you were well known, there would be a quite different arrangement but if you haven't shown before, then this is the very best you can hope for!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

You go to craft shows and art fairs, paying the fees to get in, and see if you can sell your art!. This is the modern equivalent of putting up paintings on the sidewalks in Paris!. You may get noticed by a gallery owner!.
You might walk a few shows and see what is being sold and where yours stands in the spectrum of sales stuff!. You might also actually visit some of these galleries you are trying to "break into" and see what each one favors!.
Gallery owners are individuals and they sell to a (mostly) repeat clientel who trust their judgement!. They are not going to take on your art unless they like it!.
And is your art distinctive!? Or is it just another artist doing realistic drawings and impressionist paintings!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

First of all, fees are not a rip off!. Any one with a gallery, or putting on a show has expenses!. (You do want them to advertize don't you!?) They are not a charity set up to help you make money!. If your art is salable everybody makes money!. Fairs and festivals are a great place to start, because your are sitting right there and can hear what people say about your work!. Join an artist club and do their shows!. You can't be discovered if you don't get out there!. Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Unfortunately, even the bests artists in the world where not discovered until they were dead!. But I'm in kind of the same boat as you, I just take my art work to local fairs and festivals!.Www@QuestionHome@Com