Art Consultants: The Hidden Resource
By Geoffrey Gorman, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
The Friday evening opening at the Toney Gallery drew its usual crowd of elegantly dressed buyers and aficionados. As I glanced around I saw someone who looked familiar, but the pieces didn't fit. The friend the man resembled had always defined the term bohemian for me; he did not, as far as I knew, even own a suit. This man was dressed impeccably, custom tailored and slightly European down to his expensive leather shoes and French cuffs and cufflinks. I looked again and he caught my eye; he moved toward me, smiling, exuding self-confidence, his hand outstretched in greeting. It was my friend after all. But what a change! No longer the starving artist, this man looked downright prosperous.
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Dr. Art on Contracts with Galleries & Collectors
Matthew Deleget, Visual Artist Information Hotline, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
This column addresses the issue of contracts between artists, galleries and collectors. A contract is the essential tool that informs both parties of their responsibilities and objectives. If you and your gallery/collector work well together, you will rarely, if ever, refer to it.
Since I am not a lawyer (I’m not even a doctor), I thought it best to cull information from the top publications in the field dealing with the business of art. I compiled the following highlights from the five books listed below (see Great Publications on Contracts) in order to shed some light on consignment agreements with galleries, formal representation contracts with galleries, and bills of sale with collectors. Contracts address important issues of ownership and negotiation.
Consignment Agreements with Galleries
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Dr. Art on Corporate Curating and Collecting: The Altoids Curiously Strong Collection
Courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
Matthew Deleget, Visual Artist Information Hotline, with special guests Erin Brennan, Altoids Curiously Strong Collection/Hunter Public Relations, and Anne Ellegood, Assistant Curator, New Museum of Contemporary Art
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Dr. Art on Developing Your Artist Portfolio
Matthew Deleget, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
Everything in the art world slows down during the summer months. The number of exhibitions and openings dwindle as many galleries close for vacation. The summer is therefore the perfect time for artists to rethink their presentation materials. With that in mind, the Hotline’s first column is a refresher course on one of the basics: the artist’s portfolio. Here are some answers to questions concerning your portfolio. more...
Marketing Your Work
By Betsy Kelso, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
Step One: Know your product. Create some tools.
Who am I? What is my work all about?
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Portfolio Development for Artists Working in All Disciplines
By Susan Myers, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
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Proposal Writing for Funding Projects
By Yedda Morrison, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
First, clarify exactly what you want funding for. Write an abstract that clearly answers the following questions: What is the project? What is its importance and to whom? How will it be accomplished? (Include any other sources of financial or material support). Who is responsible for the project? (Include the qualifications of this person, agency, etc.). Will anyone assist or collaborate? Where will the project take place? What is the project’s time-line? (Be precise). What is the expected outcome? Who will benefit from the project? Be positive, specific, and concise; avoid flowery, vague, or passive language. Show that your project has merit and that you are qualified to complete it in a timely and professional manner.
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The Art of Self-Promotion
By Diane Rapaport, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
Artists as Businesspeople
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Using the Internet to Market Your Work
By Beth Kanter, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
Can an artist Website bring you fame and fortune?
The simple answer is no! Artist Websites work best as an extension of traditional marketing efforts and can save time and money.
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Ten Tips for Success in the Art World
By Geoffrey Gorman, courtesy of New York Foundation for the Arts
I am always interested to hear how artists succeed in the art world. Most artists don't have an advisor to help them, galleries don't seem to have as much time for career development, and unfortunately the days of being discovered are over. Therefore, I have come up with my ten tips to help artists succeed.
1. Set yearly, five year, and ultimate career goals. The goals that you plan are a road map for your career. Be realistic but at the same time don't be afraid to dream about your goals. Be prepared to change and re-prioritize your goals as different opportunities arise.
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