Quick Poll: Did your Family and Friends Discourage You From Becoming an Artist?
I recently read an article about Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Records, Virgin Airlines and serial entrepreneur, where he talked about the reluctance many people feel when trying to decide…
Book Review | Leo & His Circle – The Life of Leo Castelli by Annie Cohen-Solal
After World War II, the center of gravity in the art world shifted from the European capitals to New York. Abstract Expressionism was about to burst onto the scene, followed…
Ask a Gallery Owner | Should I include negative or depressing details of my life in my biography?
If you’ve been following me for long, you know that I am a huge advocate of the artists’ biography. I feel a well-written, nicely laid-out biography is a powerful tool…
Ask a Gallery Owner | How Should I Respond to a Client Who Wants me to Create Something Way Outside my Style?
I recently received the following question from an artist: I was hanging artwork the other day at a doctor’s office. The doctor’s wife loved the pieces I had chosen and…
Collective Wisdom: Finding your Bread and Butter
In speaking with a number of artists who have built financially successful careers, I have observed that many of them have stabilized and strengthened their art business by creating a…
Ask a Gallery Owner: Should Galleries Get 50% on Commissioned Art Projects?
What is a reasonable split on commissioned work? I’m all for the gallery receiving 50% on work in their regular inventory, as it takes up wall space and has likely been shown to several potential buyers and marketed by the gallery as well. However, I wonder if 50% to the gallery is justified on a commission, especially in the case where the artist has been put in direct contact with the buyer and essentially does all the leg work (apart from the initial introduction).
9 Tips to Help you Better Manage Sporadic Cash Flow in your Art Business
Managing cash flow successfully is one of the greatest challenges for any small business. It is a particularly difficult issue for artists and galleries where sales often spike and dip. Artwork doesn’t tend to sell in regular patterns, and because of the high value of many pieces of artwork, when sales do occur they often cause a real spike in an artist’s or gallery’s income.
This irregular cash flow can cause logistical (and emotional!) problems for those of us in the art business. I would like to share a few things I’ve learned over the years about managing cash flow in the hopes that my experience might help make you a better manager of your cash flow.
Crafting Professional Emails for Better Art Business Communication
As an artist in the digital age, chances are you have to write emails on a regular basis. You might have to use email to approach galleries, maintain current gallery…
Collective Wisdom | The Artists who Won’t Go Away While I’m Trying to Sell
On RedDotBlog, we’ve often talked about different scenarios in which you might be trying to sell your work. For many of you the opportunity will come at an open studio event,…
Ask a Gallery Owner: Is it Important to Work in Series?
Artists frequently ask me if they should work in series. I recently received the following question:
Is it important for your artwork to be in “a series”. I have a few different styles I like to work in my paintings (from bright/multi-colored to abstract/dark to light/muted). What do galleries like to see in artist’s portfolios?
Kirsten Reed
If you’ve been reading this blog for long, you know that I’m a huge advocate of seeking consistency in your artwork, especially work you are going to be presenting to galleries or potential buyers.