What Artists Need to Know About Galleries, Agents and Art Consultants

Selling your art depends on securing healthy relationships with art business professionals such as gallery owners, agents and art consultants. As you build these relationships it is important for you to make the best decisions based on your knowledge about the realities, misconceptions, and pitfalls. You want to know what to expect from them and how to protect your interests. Having that valuable information will prepare you to achieve your maximum potential for your continued art marketing success. With that in mind I wrote “What Artists Need to Know About Galleries, Agents and Art Consultants”.

The purpose of this article is to guide and prepare you for establishing the best relationships and navigating the often complex and mysterious art business world. Here you will find access to a collection of previously written articles that offer a wealth of information.

About Galleries

As founder and editor of  the magazine Manhattan Arts International, I covered the NYC art scene for 17 years. I am also the author of 6 editions of a best-selling gallery guide (currently out of print), and presented a highly-attended 3-hour course for 7 years known as “The Truth About New York Art Galleries”. As an expert on the subject I was invited to give lectures in leading art institutions throughout the U.S. Suffice to say, I acquired a tremendous amount of firsthand knowledge about galleries and the New York art world and always enjoy sharing it to help artists.

“22 Questions for Artists to Ask Galleries”
Exhibiting in a gallery, whether they charge artists’ fees or not, requires an investment of time and energy on your part. So, before you ask any questions do some research, either in person or online. This article includes research leads and also features “Questions to Ask Galleries, Especially Those That Charge Fees”.

You’ll find this very helpful article here: “22 Questions to Ask Galleries”

“How to Approach New York Art Galleries”
Most artists from around the world want to be represented by New York art galleries. Many artists I know are uninformed or confused about how New York galleries operate, how they select their artists, and what you should do before reaching out to them. In essence, this article demystifies the New York gallery system, contains knowledge I’ve acquired through the years with recent updates to fit the current art market climate. This article is also beneficial if you are approaching galleries in general, regardless of their location.

You can dive into this article here: “How to Approach New York Art Galleries”.

Another excellent article, which offers advice applicable to most galleries, is “Advice About Getting Into New York Art Galleries”

“Dealing With Dealers and Art Galleries”
Whether you’re just flirting with the idea of being in a gallery or have been offered a contract, you want to be prepared with the questions to ask before you join, improve your relationships with them, understand what vanity galleries are, and more. Dealing with dealers and art galleries is serious business and you want to be sure you safeguard your precious artwork and career. This article includes the 4 mandatory steps you need to take. You can apply a lot of the advice provided in this article to most leading galleries in major cities.

Read this article “Dealing With Dealers and Art Galleries”

“Your Relationships With Art Galleries & Agents & The Written Agreement”
When a gallery or agent offers you an exhibition or representation you may be very eager to take the plunge. They may tell you verbally what they plan to do for you. It sounds wonderful but before you jump in and deliver your artwork, take time to discuss the details of this relationship. Take copious notes during the meeting. Ask questions. Most important, if you expect to have a fruitful relationship with your gallery or agent you will want to have a signed agreement. This is an essential tool in doing business as a professional artist. This article offers advice about your relationships with art galleries and agents and the written agreement.

I urge you to read “Your Relationships With Art Galleries & Agents & The Written Agreement” which emphasizes “get it in writing”.

“Beware of Vanity Galleries”
Galleries that charge artists unreasonable fees to exhibit their art in addition to charging sales commissions are on the rise. Many artists are impatient and feel pressured to join them and pay exorbitant fees. These galleries often take advantage of trusting and uninformed artists.

This article “Beware of Vanity Galleries” will explain what you need to know about them and how to determine if a gallery is “vanity” or not. Learn about how they operate, and which ones to avoid. It will help you avoid making the mistake many artists have made and have come to regret later. The article has attracted many comments from artists who share their experiences. After you read the article make sure you also read those comments.

About Art Agents

“The Truth About Fine Art Agents”
If you’re like most artists I know you dream of getting an art agent so you can focus on creating your art and not be concerned about selling it. I don’t blame you. So, where  can you find fine art agents? It is an important question. After all, having fine art agents who will sell your art work for you is like discovering manna from heaven.

The truth is; however, there are many misconceptions about fine art agents. In this article I strive to dispel some of the myths that many artists believe about fine art agents. I also offer advice to help you as an artist know where to find fine art agents, what their criteria may be, and the many options you have.

Get ready to learn about the myths and the options for getting agents to help you sell your art with this article “The Truth About Fine Art Agents”.

About Interior Designers and Corporate Art Consultants

“Selling Your Art To Interior Designers and Corporate Art Consultants”
To expand your art sales by working with art professionals who have residential and corporate clients. How do you achieve this? Tap into the many resources that are available. Interior designers and corporate art consultants work with talented emerging and established artists in all media. This article provides the names of professional organizations and other resources with thousands of leads to help you. Visit their websites to learn more about them and you’ll discover a wealth of more helpful information.

Here is a link to the article: “Selling Your Art To Interior Designers and Corporate Art Consultants”.

“Interview with Barbara Markoff, Art Consultant and Photographer”
Barbara Markoff is an expert in the field of art in the healthcare art market. Her career as a leading corporate and healthcare art consultant spans decades and she is responsible for having placed artists’ works of art in many public collections. Markoff is also the author of Becoming A Corporate Art Consultant, available on Amazon. In 2017 she increased her activity as a photographer and now her work graces the walls of many hospitals.

You’ll enjoy reading “Interview with Barbara Markoff, Art Consultant and Photographer” and you will gain a lot of insight about this field.

“Christina Peters Shares Her Experience Working With Art Consultants”
Most often the best advice comes from artists who generously share their experiences to assist fellow artists. That is exactly what Christina Peters has done in this article. She describes the steps involved with projects in which she worked with two art consultants Carol Covington and Nancy Witherell.

In this information-packed fascinating article you’ll learn about how Christina supplied artwork for a healthcare facility and much more.

Enjoy reading:  “Christina Peters Shares Her Experiences Working With Art Consultants”