1. The ultimate Art App for Artists, Collectors, and Galleries www.dauble.com The Best Ways for Artists to Approach Businesses

2. Standing out from the crowd and making a professional and quality presentation of your work is part of the battle of promoting to galleries, licensees or print- publishing companies. The competition is high and although your work quality and sustainability will have a heavy weight against the output, your approach can make or break your chances before you have even started. Many prominent artists were rejected early on in their careers but turning rejection into a learning opportunity by asking for feedback and advice from everyone you can, can limit the amount of times you are rejected and ultimately bring you success!

3. First Contract Most well-known galleries or art businesses will share their contact request details in public spaces so you know how to submit your work. If you have had previous contact with someone and you are re-communicating then social media can offer a quick but informal connection. Emails should be thought about clearly, because while they are the quickest, cheapest and easiest form of communication, they are more likely to be overlooked or deleted. Always ensure that your subject title is clear and not misleading.

4. Details to Send A small introduction on yourself An up-to-date copy of your CV/Resume A handful of images Your contact information Brief information on each of the artworks What Not to Mention Price: The figure could be misleading if the price is dependant on size or if there are differences in the “trade” or “retail” pricing. Licensing: If they would like to use your images they can contact you directly, otherwise it can seem presumptuous.

5. Clearly Label Images With Title of the image Your name Medium of the piece Size (height, then width) Date created Paper works should also have their size listed as well as the image size Paintings can be measured based on canvas or sight size meaning the canvas size or the amount of seen image in a frame. Portraying Images You should look at sending around 5 images that are broad ranging, too many can seem desperate. The quality of images that you send is crucial because this is the body of work you are showcasing – so an excellent digital camera is a must (or a decent photographer.)

6. It is important to include your achievements and CV because it outlines your background in an easy to read format. Keep your CV to an A4 sheet and avoid embellishments to stay concise. Remove jobs that aren’t relevant to your approach and ensure that your prices are not included either. You can use museum catalogues as an example of how to outline your summary or achievements. Your Summary Should Include Name, place and date of birth Courses, artistic training and grades Teaching positions Bibliography of mentioned works e.g. books, magazines, catalogues Any exhibited work and where Awards, tours, competition successes Membership for exhibiting societies Ownership location of your work Any other relevant or specific information Achievements, Summary and CV/Resume

7. Add A Personal Touch The more personal your approach, the more likely it is to make an impact and show that you have done your research and homework. Begin by finding out the name of who needs to be approached, whether this is via their website or calling to confirm who to address emails to because a sir/madam approach can be seen as lazy, particularly if the information is easy to find. Be creative and ensure that you include any recommendations or acquaintances that might set you apart, why you are looking for representation and how your situation led you here as well as why your artwork is most suitable to them. Finally, end with a positive note and express what your next steps are.

8. Following Up It is a good idea to follow up on those you approach because it can sometimes draw attention to your work and ensure that you are not overlooked. Prompt the recipient in your initial email that you will follow up in a week or so and then they know what to expect. A polite call can often speed things up but you shouldn’t call too much – it’ll make you seem desperate or inconvenient and this could hurt your chance for further engagement. Tip: Always be professional and courteous on the phone. This will increase the likelihood of someone wanting to explore your work.

9. Your Portfolio When starting out, keep it simple and use a traditional black, side-zipped and top-handled portfolio and when you have the opportunity, opt for a custom option that will make you stand out. Your portfolio could be merely glanced at so first impressions matter and the way you present your work is important, you will need to include: Certificate or course awards (those completed) Catalogue pages or covers Invitations to private-views Reduced size exhibition posters Press cuttings Reproductions that are well presented as part of your original work

10. Record Keeping Always remember to make a note of the businesses that you have approached as well as the pieces you have shown them. It would also be a good idea to keep records of how they reacted to the pieces so that you can gauge what they might like in the future as well as what they won’t want to see more of.

11. The ultimate Art App for Artists, Collectors, and Galleries www.dauble.com End The Best Ways for Artists to Approach Businesses