Prospecting via email but avoiding spam

[jtk]

Systems exist to prospect (e.g. gallery owners/employees) without irritating them. Or maybe not "systems" per se, but perhaps "procedures."

What's your experience?

In my long and successful experience (as a headhunter) the answer involved making a telephone contact after which I could freely and effectively use email. HOWEVER I did always add value and my "subject" line did not mention recruiting. The concern is risk of offending.

I want to do this with a few hundred contacts.

 

[Pieter12]

Perhaps an in-person visit would help. Although so many of the higher-end galleries do not accept unsolicited submissions, you might be able to charm someone into looking at your work. Connections and sometimes portfolio reviews work, too. Many artists and photographers send updates of their current work to a curated mailing list of galleries and collectors. Instagram works for some.

Today most galleries, like publishers, want someone with an established record and/or easily marketable images. Or Blue Chip. Small art galleries go out of business faster than restaurants, and they don't really take many risks. They don't pay anything for the work (it is really on consignment), some will charge for framing and marketing expenses, maybe even costs associated with openings if you're not a major player. Or simply deduct some of those expenses from the sale--if there are any.

 

[jtk]

Perhaps an in-person visit would help. Although so many of the higher-end galleries do not accept unsolicited submissions, you might be able to charm someone into looking at your work. Connections and sometimes portfolio reviews work, too. Many artists and photographers send updates of their current work to a curated mailing list of galleries and collectors. Instagram works for some.

Today most galleries, like publishers, want someone with an established record and/or easily marketable images. Or Blue Chip. Small art galleries go out of business faster than restaurants, and they don't really take many risks. They don't pay anything for the work (it is really on consignment), some will charge for framing and marketing expenses, maybe even costs associated with openings if you're not a major player. Or simply deduct some of those expenses from the sale--if there are any.

In-person is certainly the best way to go, but in the case of galleries that means excessive travel. I've been thinking about non-galleries (such as brew pubs and individualistic restaurants in my region.). Have in fact sold from a couple of prints hung in a coffee house but my goal would be to sell TO them rather than FROM them.

Starting commercial work someone told me to make a list of 100 prospective clients in my city (then San Francisco), contact all, and I'd quickly get clients (meaning repeat biz). Absolutely right, and mostly without appointments. Time does fly and now I'm an old guy, no longer a trendy youth....so I suspect a different numbers game applies. I also suspect Instagram is mostly a way of wasting time...what's you opinion about Instagram? Is there an Instagram strategy?

Thanks Pieter... I wonder how many on Photrio have ever tried actively to develop new clients?

 

[jtk]

This is especially relevant if a published or other long list is used for contacts:

What is Spam Email? How to Avoid Spam Filters | Mailchimp

Spam filters work hard to reduce inbox irrelevance, so it’s important that you understand what spam is, and how spam filters and firewalls work.

mailchimp.com

 

[Pieter12]

It can be very tough to get seen or considered by a gallery. Most hate cold-calls, do not accept unsolicited submissions or visits at art fairs. Your best bet is to try to contact those that do not specifically state they don't take submissions or network through arts or photo organizations to gain access. And make sure they represent the type of photography you do. Instagram can be useful if you use the hashtags wisely and an up-to-date, clean and easy to navigate website is pretty much de rigueur.