Seeking advice on approaching galleries

Suggestions on how to apporach a gallery with one's work? Should I go right to the gallery owner? How much work should I bring? Would they be expecting mounted and matted prints in frames? How about pricing and commission? How much is reasonable? What kind of contract is involved if any?

Lots of stupid questions but I am starting from the absolute bottom with no connections. Its been 20 years since I got my MFA during which time I have had another carreer.

As a rough guide:

Should I go right to the gallery owner?
Yes - make an appointment to ensure you don't turn up at a bad time or go to a gallery that isn't looking for work at all.

How much work should I bring?
Start by showing 10 or 12 - have proofs of more handy to show if appropriate.

Would they be expecting mounted and matted prints in frames?
For a portofolio viewing, certainly no frames. Prints in acetate sleeves is OK, mounted and matted looks better and protects the prints from bad handling (it's amazing who many people will grab a large print with one hand and crease it).

How about pricing and commission? How much is reasonable?
Pricing is very controversial - some otherwise sane people are willing to sell prints for $10! A serious gallery is unlikely to feel it worthwhile to sell framed prtints for less than $400 - 500, 50% commission is pretty much standard.

What kind of contract is involved if any?
A fairly simple one, a written contract as such is not absolutely necessary, I would say what you must get in writing is a schedule of the works you have given to the gallery. The gallery may want a contract if it attaches importance to geographical exclusivity (you don't sell at any other gallery within XX miles), limited editions, etc.

Regards,

David

Lots of stupid questions but I am starting from the absolute bottom with no connections. Its been 20 years since I got my MFA during which time I have had another carreer.

Never ever walk in cold to any gallery to show you work. Call; make an appointment to show your work is the best. Sometimes they will just want you to send a CD with images on it; I hate that option as the prints look much better in person.

Whenever I show my work in a gallery they are all mounted and matted. I bring between 30-50 that they can view. 20 in one case and the rest in another if they want to see more.

Some galleries take 60% others take 40% on anywhere in between. Before you agree to anything you need to make sure what they are going to do for you. Just hanging it in the gallery is not good enough for 1/2 or more commission they are wanting. How are they going to market your work? Etc....

As far as contract, make sure everything is in writing before you leave a single piece in their possession. For example, when will you get paid, in case a fire or burglaries are they insured, etc…

I have never been asked to have my prints framed to be contingent on being in a gallery but I do mount and matt everything to 14x17 for up to 8x10 contact prints.

Pricing is really a personal thing. Right now for any print in the first tier I ask $225, I get $112.50 and the gallery gets the other half. AS the prints sell out I move the price up. I only offer a total of 12 traditional prints regardless of size for any image I produce. Some people do not limited and do not have a pricing tier and charge $300-400 starting out.

Again it really is a personal thing when it comes to pricing.

If you have any other questions, feel free to email or PM me anytime.

Hope that helps…

Thank you for your comments, they are helpful.