What do I have to watch for when getting into any contracts with an art gallery?
“My cousin who’s contracted with a big gallery has to create so many works and in a certain style. To me that is too restricting." -- LaLuna131
”I have some of my work in a small gallery, with no restrictions other than they want 40 per cent commission on whatever they sell of my work, and I price my work." -- Dajh
“I had one brief experience with a local gallery. The owner liked my works in watercolor and told me to bring anything I had to sell. But soon she was demanding pieces be turned out practically overnight! She had another gallery in Chicago and split her time between them and she wanted me to specialize in botanicals. But she would say she needed a set of three for a specific customer, so ‘Do one more by the weekend’ as if I could grind them out on demand! She also took a third of the selling price. I threw in the towel after one summer of slave labour and was glad I had signed no papers that bound me to her gallery.” – La Luna131
How do I price my work? Does the art gallery take your asking retail and then add their percentage on top to get the selling price?
“Usually, the gallery owner/manager has a set percentage they get from your work. They will probably take your retail price and add to that price their percentage. It just depends on the gallery.” -- LaLuna131
“Gallery owners will sometimes help you if you are not established yet. Remember the 30 per cent gallery commission covers rent, utilities, charges by credit card companies to me when your painting sells and don't forget about the IRS. The gallery does not just put 30 per cent in their pocket.” – Joan
“I own a gallery-gift shop on a tourist road. I have had artists leave their work for a year because some of my collectors only show up once a year and also this give vacationers from all over the world a yearly chance to drop in. My gallery is not fancy on purpose so clients don't feel intimidated to walk in the store.” -- Joan
Anything else I should remember when I approach a gallery?
“Galleries command high percentage for their work, so you ought to check what they are doing for you. Are they going to advertise and promote your show? Get columnists to write about your show? Introduce you to their clients during their previews? etc...These are little things that need to be on contract, in black and white. Also check the sales record of the gallery. My last show didn't sell anything ... not because nobody came, but the gallery had really bad sales record, and worse, no buyer clientele! So while it's impossible to go up to them and ask, ‘Hi, how's business?’, do drop in gallery openings when new shows come up, and look at how their sales are. Most likely you're able to figure out in due time which galleries are worth your while.” – Marcus.
“Please don't send friends, relatives, etc. into the gallery (incognito) to see what I say about your painting. The time spent with them is time I could have been on the phone etc talking with a potential client, or talking to a customer in the store.” – Joan Painter (mtwoman2)
Can I Approach a Gallery By Mail?
“I would send a web page first, before I go went to all this trouble, but it would not hurt to have all this in stuff in order: 1. Professional color slides, transpariences or high quality color prints. (A minimum of 10 images.) Images should have the title, size, medium and price clearly written on the slides or photos. 2. A list if the above visuals with availability noted. 3. A current resume or biography, copies of articles and an artist’s statement. Also note your email address and web-site, if applicable. 4. A self addresses stamped envelope for the return of visuals and respond.” –Yvonne
What’s a State Seller’s Certificate and Do I Need One?
A State Seller’s Certificate is a USA thing and varies from state to state. Depending on the requirements of the state you live in, you may need one if a gallery buys a piece outright from you. The State Seller’s Certificate allows you to sell to the buyer as a buyer for retail use and they then don’t have to pay tax. Ask your local Chamber of Commerce for help.
