Q: From: Jasmine Ariston
Hi!
I am currently living in rural NSW and studing for my Bachelor of Visual Arts by correspondence. I have been painting for about eight years. I would love to have an exhibition in Sydney in two years. I can pay for an artspace and advertising. I have had a solo exhibition previously in the N.T. Can you make some recommendations or put me in contact with someone who can help! I would appreciate your feedback. - Thank you - Jasmine.
A: Jasmine:
Congratulations on having a vision before you complete your studies! This is a skill you will need to continue to hone as you develop your career as a professional artist.
Without seeing your portfolio, there are limits to this opening discussion. I will give you an overview answer you using the information you have given so far.
1. Living in a rural area will require you to find ways to start to connect frequently with the people you want to invite to your shows locally and regionally for the next 2 years. Note the plural – very few artist make the leap from isolation to recognition in one go. Celebrity status takes longer.
2. Paying for artspace and advertising suggests to me that you would like to manage the show yourself in an alternative space. i.e. not in a commercial gallery. This means you are your own gallery dealer and need to budget up to 40% of your total show budget to pay for these two items, plus allow you “paid” time to market and sell. (Pricing your work is another matter.) If you are considering any commercial gallery representation, include the gallery owners and staff in your outreach over the next year. Do your research on appropriate representation; follow instructions on how they wish to receive submissions and be prepared to negotiate your contract. Remember to show interest in them before expecting them to represent you.
3. Since you have had a prior solo show, you probably have some experience with the many details that go into putting one on. Put these into a checklist and keep building it with the plans you are making now. Save your creativity for problem-solving, not routine work steps.
Jasmine, these are just the tips of the iceberg for the actions you will need to take. You will find more self-study resources at www.artistcareertraining.com . If you wish to continue the dialogue, please respond with further questions, information and a web site where we can view your work. Good luck and good management!
Aletta
Post Comments on This Topic in the Forum
