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I have made many careless mistakes over the years and thought that this handy checklist may be helpful to both the seasoned professional and artists just beginning their artistic journey.

 

A show is much more than just a selling opportunity. It's a tremendous way to raise awareness of your art and yourself. Be proactive.

 

1. Create a submission inventory. Include name and all contact information (address, email. URL and phone). I use Excel and have columns for name of piece, size, media and retail price. 

2. Make edits to your website that reflect gallery/venue name. Prices on website need to match show price. Schedule take down in your calendar.

3. Check how the art will be labeled and by whom. If you are in charge of labeling, a common system is to use a business card and label information on flip side. Tie with string or ribbon that will hang a couple of inches below the piece. Be consistent with which side will be used. I hang mine all on right side. You can label by hand but a more professional presentation is with use of labels that you generate from a laser printer. Label name, size, media and price. Attach before hand so all is ready to go. Intakes can be disorganized so take the time to do in advance. Bring your inventory list to confirm that all is correct.

4. Take photos of all pieces submitted. Consider this one of the many opportunities for marketing. Social media posts should alert the local community as to where the art can be viewed and the duration. Collectors outside the area get a sense of your participation and acceptance to this event.

5. To the extent possible during this busy time, try to engage with fellow artists during the take-in. Comment on their work. Make new connections with this community.

6. Thank the sponsor and support staff. Offer to help with set up.

7. Attend the opening (if there is one). This is a necessary time to engage with the community of artists and those interested in art. Take the time to stand by your art and introduce yourself to anyone who stops by to see it. Explain your process or your interest in the subject matter. Offer a business card. Ask questions to get to know the audience. Visit other artist's work and ask questions. Look up fellow artists. Follow them on social media and make comments on their work.

8. Marketing! At opening and through the entire duration of the show, do everything you can to raise awareness of your participation at the show and drive traffic. Take photos for social media posts. Make sure to follow the sponsor and comment on their posts. Make posts/reel/video of each of your pieces for posting throughout the exhibit.

9. Visit the venue again during the show. Ask the sponsor about traffic and sales to get a sense of what is selling. Use this intelligence to continue with your promotion efforts. Take picture of sponsor and selfie with sponsor with quote about the show attendance.

10. Announce any sales. This is another opportunity for marketing. Thank the buyer (anonymously) in social media and on your website. Thank the sponsor and express your interest in participating again. If you are aware of the buyer, thank them directly and ask about where they will place in house. Ask for an installation image to also post in social media. Capture a quote from them that you could post with their permission. Document the sale(s) in your records and make any notes for future reference.

 

I hope that this is helpful.

Kathy