Get Represented by Art Galleries Using This Strategy

If you’re an artist wanting to get into an art gallery, you definitely need to listen to this episode.
In this week’s episode of The Light Movement podcast, we continue with Part 2 of the art gallery discussion. We talk about how to contact art galleries, how not to burn leads, and even reasons some artists may not want to be in galleries.
Host Jake Dunn gathers useful information from professional artists Elli Milan and Dimitra Milan, both of which have a deep understanding of working with art galleries after having their art in galleries for over 35+ years combined. Both artists share their perspectives on art galleries and the pros and cons of having your artwork in them.
Interested in more epic tales from Elli Milan? Join the Artist Odyssey Community! Visit www.ellimilan.com and subscribe to her weekly digest of worthwhile inspiration and heart-lifting reflections as she shares her insights as a successful artist, author, educator, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.
Discover your passion for art and develop your skills with us. If you like this video make sure to subscribe to our channel for more content.
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll definitely enjoy part 1, where we discuss some unbelievable gallery stories:
Learn more about Milan Art Institute's Mastery Program, designed to turn you into a professional artist, no matter what your skill level is: bit.ly/47duKUz
Whether you want to dive into art history, discuss current artist topics, or create beautiful art yourself, Milan Art Institute is the community you’ve been looking for.
Learn and connect with us!
0:00 Introduction
1:08 How to qualify for a gallery
8:01 What to know about contacting art galleries
14:53 What to know about art sales
18:50 Why you need a body of cohesive artwork
20:58 Do not burn your leads as an artist
21:44 Reasons for NOT being in a gallery
32:14 Focusing your business
36:30 How to create sellable art

[@byronbuchanan3066]

I have been a full time artist for almost 20 years and I have shown in many galleries.... they are a waste of your time. 9 out of 12 galleries still owe me money and have for years. They will sell your work and not tell you it sold and not pay you and they also sell it for more than they tell you so they get to keep more than half. Galleries will NOT give you info on who bought your work even if they go out of business. They will not promote you. They will keep your work in the storage room and not show it. They try to represent 5000 artists at a time. They will get rid of you as soon as your art is "out of fashion". I made 6 figures repping myself and painting part time..... then I decided to give galleries another chance. What a mistake. I made 25K in one year between 3 galleries. And these are some of the top galleries in the nation in the richest areas like Beverly Hills, Jackson, WY, Malibu, etc.. You will do a LOT better learning how to rep yourself. Also, forget museums. Its a pipe dream. Its all political nowadays. I wasted a decade and a half on them. Now that Im repping myself again, I have a wonderful life and work when I want and paint what I want... NO commissions. Good luck.

[@user-eh8qv7ec7q]

I think I’d like to hear your experience repping yourself and finding your collectors!

[@stephanieshulmanart]

When you say repping yourself, I assume you mean representing. What all do you do to get your stuff if front of other people?

[@InAHollowTree]

The galleries did this to you even with a contract outlining your terms?

[@go_ak_go]

@byronbuchanan3066 , I would love to see a video done by you, about what you've been through in the art world, with a lean toward what DID work for you, after the negativity and dishonesty that you were dealt, while trying your best in how you used to think art sales *should* be earned. Diversity is the kiss of death? Please do tell more. Thanks 🙏💖✨

[@DatGuyWithDaGlasses]

I and many other artists coming across your valuable comment would love to know the name of the galleries that wronged you. It would be incredibly valuable for the few of us who are still willing to give galleries a shot to know which ones to avoid at the least. ❤🖤

[@georgeevankovich3489]

So funny when she said Sonoma. I worked for John Annesley stretching canvas and building panels for years. He started doing it in 1967 and I learned a lot. It's all a story is what he told me.

[@Mr.Pristine]

I believe diversity in your work and a knowledgeable business mindset any artist could do well. Also presentation holds so much value.

[@byronbuchanan3066]

Diversity is the kiss of death my friend.

[@cookiemonster3147]

As a committed artist, I am only interested in making the art I envision, not what a gallery wants.

[@karencrawford5491]

Me too. I don't plan what I do ahead of time. I choose my materials and colours but most times the topic emerges as I begin. It's possible that anything you do is part of a cohesive body of work. A piece of the puzzle that is you

[@jeanettecarnell8933]

Hear hear!😊

[@_xBrokenxDreamsx_]

galleries will never die as long as hummus and wine are a thing but posting your work on the internet makes a lot more sense. pretty soon you'll be required to provide video evidence of the creative process as authenticity will become a real issue in this digital age.

[@katykstudio]

Just found your channel! Excited to dive deep into your content. I have always been leary of trying to get into a gallery. Thank you for all of your perspectives.

[@AI-xs4fp]

Best candid advice yet. So appreciate this podcast.

[@mayorgodsey]

Thank you very much for being willing to share your talent. I just found you and am so glad I did. I had become very frustrated with my paintings because I could never make mine turn out like the instructor's. You reminded me to paint my way! I’m ready to start another painting remembering to have fun and follow my instincts! BTW, I hope you don’t let the small minded negativity to discourage you. You are great…just the way you are. 👍

[@ryangarciaa21]

I really enjoyed this video. I learned soooo much from this video. I think you put the confidence back in me. I’m not a bad artist. I’m just not knowledgeable about the industry process and that’s why these videos are so important. Funny how you mentioned Hawaii. I live in Kailua on the island of Oahu. Yes, our local galleries OnLY want flowers, fish, beach scenes and hula girls. Not my thing.

[@marcelomunster9059]

I've bumped into your youtube page a couple of weeks ago completely unawere of its content and its been mindblowing the amount of knowlege you put out there! I've been an illustrator/tattooer for 20 years now and Im baby steping into this field of art business. since the pandemic my artwork has been my passion and Im selling a few drawings here and there but it didnt let me in that gallery mode yet. This episode will push me to take that extra step and I will follow those advices 100%!!! You are going to here it from me soon! Greetings from Brazil!

[@AD_29.84]

Same, I've been tattooing for 14 years, now I'm binge watching these channel and think I should invest my time in paintings. Never thougt about this. Greetings from Germany

[@justrosy5]

What's needed are more galleries with different styles. That would help both artists and buyers, which would help the galleries make money. People would know, "Hey, that gallery is where I can show or buy abstract art!" or "This other gallery is where I can go to show or buy classical art!" Etc. When there's only one gallery in a small town (which is where too many galleries are located - single gallery towns/villages), and there's only one style that's treated as even valid at all, it really leaves both artists and buyers in a lurch. It's a little better in the larger cities, but not by much, when you look at it from a per capita standpoint, especially if the galleries are all in the downtown area, but most of the population lives in the burbs and works somewhere between those and the downtown area itself. Online galleries are supposed to take care of this, but they're all going the way of DeviantArt, which is really just sad. Even Etsy really isn't a great place to try to sell art if you want to actually support yourself. That's what most artists are left with though.

[@ethonica]

Interesting point. But is there a significant demand for those art in small town areas?

[@mangalathatte]

Just loved the video. So much of information , knowledge . Learning from all your experiences. One suggestion: Please….please….please try to number your videos in case I want to go back to it again else I spend a lot of time searching.

[@1deplatt]

Enjoying the content! Thank you!

[@mysteriousmarissa]

An excellent, down-to-earth, honest conversation about art. All three of you were a joy to listen to and learn from. I have been in a fine art gallery for my abstract art, but I was shy about the selling process. I see that now and am moving forward. Thank you for this advice. I am following you and smashing the like!

[@milanartapp]

We are so grateful to hear that! That means so much to us!

[@RuanFourieStix]

@mysteriousmarissa there was nothing down to earth about this discussion 😂

[@SpeedOfDarkStudios]

GREAT info - thank you!

[@aroseart78]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@karencrawford5491]

I draw and design and paint in many different styles that look nothing like each ither to my eye, but my best friend says she can always recognise my work no matter how diverse. Not syre that translates to people who don't know me. It's hard to judge sometimes

[@cathynykolaishyn8926]

This was an amazing video and very helpful. I’m a wanna be artist and putting the cart before the horse. I like to plan ahead. I can learn skills. Wish me all the blessings! ❤️

[@jennenewhiteleyart1439]

Great dialogue and lots of 'art for thought' knowledge shared, thank you.

[@katedanis9075]

Thank you for a wonderful episode. Lots of new information and things to think about as an artist.

[@user-bn7gt7un5i]

great job !!! thanks!!!

[@paolathompson5487]

Thank you so much for the helpful information

[@milanartapp]

We're so glad that it was helpful for you!

[@conchitasandau]

Very helpful, thanks do much for this content!❤

[@milanartapp]

We're so glad that it was helpful for you!

[@warmteacosy]

Where are you keeping thirty pieces of artwork?

[@halinatomaszczyk3254]

I just want to say that I have enjoyed listening,

[@Edivizitrex]

thank you for sharing this ideas and bring it into my artistic journey to learn more

[@artistjazz]

In the begining she is right, you have to just try anyway- that's the point. even if the gallery is more traditional and you bring your portfolio you never know what they may have planned or if they are looking to expand or if they received any emails or customers looking for pieces like that but wanting to stay loyal to the gallery! ITS A BUSINESS they want to make money. end of story. They may say no to a show, but may ask to keep your information and contact you at a later date. Cast a wide net especially if your just getting going. Dont listen to the beginning f this and think "of that's too traditional, I'm not going to even go," Think " Oh this is more traditional! Let me go in at a different angle or ask more questions and see if I can figure out how I could be an asset to them or have them represent me! They have online galleries now! So their customers can buy online and from experience. It works! I've sold more are online this year. Im the only Black and white modern contemporary abstract artist at the gallery. everyone else is Colorful, impressionistic, photography, whimsical and figure work.

[@leststoner]

Thank you!

[@ninafrauenknecht7699]

Very helpful!❤

[@milanartapp]

Glad you think so!

[@bernadetteyoungquist]

I really appreciate your frankness and honesty. Thank you so much for taking the time to create these videos. I've learned so much by listening.

[@milanartapp]

So so glad that you’re enjoying these videos❤️

[@michellethomas9986]

I freaking love you all AND this video! I was bummed today, unclear of which way to go and heard this! You all have helped me so much in this video!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@milanartapp]

Oh my gosh Michelle, we’re so happy to hear that!!! If you’d like to have even more instruction from Elli and Dimitra you should check out the Mastery Program here: masteryprogram.com ❤️ it’ll teach you everything you need to know to start your art career and more🔥

[@cdronk]

Hello and thank you for the great advice. As I was watching the video, I became curious of what the 3 speakers work looks like. I'm actually surprised there are no links in the description of the video.

[@Sushi33312]

(They give you their Instagram @ and you can always google their names. I now follow them. )

[@chrismichell4070]

Useful ideas can lead to a purposed goals time scales are the detriment as is commitment needed turning corners to focus is challenging but so is life itself.Insightual for crossroaded hopefuls like myself

[@tiffanyshiels1910]

Excellent conversation, I enjoyed it so much. Thanks. I’m in Australia & was wondering how much in Australian dollars is your 1 year mastery course please?

[@taralynnweekslovely11art58]

What is the link to part 1? I’m six months late to the party and I can’t find it. Thank you!

[@DreamwalkerTenesha]

Is part 2 up yet? I’m not able to locate the video

[@nostalgic-one]

Does the email approach really work? I've heard so much about how that's one thing that galleries don't like; when you contact them. They won't even open your email because they get so many everyday. But I guess it's a hit or miss or maybe it depends on the gallery.

[@milanartapp]

It depends on the galleries that you reach out to, the timing of your email, the quality of your art and the subject line that you use. A gallery would probably be more likely to open an email that with the subject line "This could be a huge win-win" rather than the first thing that comes to mind like "Artist submission" or "Application for your gallery". Getting them to open the email is your foot in the door. The timing of your email is out of your control, that's why you email 100. The type of gallery/type of art in a gallery that you reach out to will determine whether your art will resonate with them. Do your homework and make sure that you're actually trying to provide the gallery a win-win. Let them know why you'll be valuable and an asset to them outside of just having great art. Do these things and you will get into galleries if you have skillful art.

[@lalewilan]

Just check what kind of paintings they do. It only works with that kind of art, but not with "high art".

[@northernbutterflyart6274]

Sometimes gallerys will put out online when they're looking for submissions and what kind of art they want. - someone who is also worried about how unsolicited work would be received, but trying desperately anyway.

[@taiwoakinyelesan4131]

@@milanartapp Thank you for this!

[@allenvoss7977]

What about getting involved with a local guild ? what are the thoughts on running The gallery once a month ? some of the demands of galleries that are run by the Artists , where you have to serve sometimes 2 to 3 days a month working for Gallery ? This takes time away from painting is this worth it?

[@mimimi5140]

Could you do for sculptors and installation type of artist

[@florisabelcastillo7688]

I have submitted my email twice for the course and haven’t heard from you guys yet. Hopefully soon!

[@milanartapp]

Hey I'm so sorry to hear that Florisabel! What's your email, I'll check into that immediately! And where did you email?

[@kfergus3662]

I’ve been in 5 galleries, had a one man show and also sold my art in the art.

[@CoreyChambersLA]

Where is part 1? How do I find it?

[@cinsounds7097]

Hello, Great video. How long do gallery or trade show contracts last? How long are you obligated to be in the gallery/space

[@mariedolphin1788]

Darn, I had this question too! Doesn't appear to be answered yet.

[@TruthIsNot4Sale]

This is such a great discussion 👏

[@PsychoKittiesMovie]

How are you attaching images “inline” to an email?

[@ginaiannucci]

I’m in a gallery for two years and 0 sales.

[@allenvoss7977]

Arcadia Gallery in New York just contacted me I’ll be giving them my best work . When its a Big Time Gallery you’re not gonna turn that down

[@user-xi4jw4mh7p]

How did it go?:)

[@ethonica]

Good luck!

[@sylviaeder4639]

To get into Affordable Artfair you need to be represented by a gallery, I read. I find that a shame! There should be more Art fairs where also artists would have the chance to show their art without spendeng thousands of Euros Here in Germany even the Discovery Art Fair in Cologne is very expensive I think although you can get in without a gallery.

[@ethonica]

I saw in Instagram, there was a group of independent artists (like 3-5 of them) who made their own group thing , like a collective, so they can get into Affordable Art Fair. I don’t know the mechanics, if they registered themselves as a gallery. I just know they named it by combining their names and they represented themselves.

[@liddybird3608]

So. If you find yourself in a gallery that makes poor business decisions affecting the value of your work, do you drop that gallery, and how do you do it? Is it done to give notice? Do you give a more acceptable (to the gallery) reason than "I don't like your business model"? This might be an issue if a more "upscale" or important or famous gallery offers to represent you. What happens in that case?

[@mariedolphin1788]

good question!

[@user-mh7ld8ki4y]

How can galleries get to the artists😊

[@harwil-pw9bz]

Can anyone help me out? If you sell someone your original painting and they sell it years later, what are the rules? Apparently I was told you are entitled to a percentage of the profits? Or is this just another myth ? Great video by the way

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

What if you're not very entrepreunerial?

[@AlexisS998]

Don’t know if you can change the thumbnail after uploading, but it should be “gets” not “get’s”

[@carissafisher7514]

I am sure they can change it! Maybe Get owns the gallery? 😂 get into Get’s art gallery. I was here to comment the same thing.

[@jimhays2772]

You mean sell out artwork or sellable?

[@JoyceStephenAustin]

How do you ship to these galleries ? Shipping is SO expensive!!!

[@milanartapp]

Sometimes you can ask galleries to pay for shipping. A lot of galleries will pay for it!

[@marcussorrell2578]

if u wanna make it in a gallery, try making a list of 100, with research in ur market.

[@reginaargentin2864]

I am always surprised a delighted what gets chosen and I think location is important and don't play by the rules cause you never know my biggest wins are usually random left field, this is too ad min for me

[@jisticslawal8074]

❤

[@princentantala]

Tankc i always tink im falure

[@user-mh7ld8ki4y]

😊

[@honestempath4222]

Love your podcast but I would really like to know who started this myth about “Cohesive Body of work”. I have studied the history of many of the great historical artists and they were diverse in their interests- mediums and styles. Picasso was especially rebellious against this notion. Why do we now want to put artists in a box. Or worse make up excuses to exclude great artists for this mythological BS reason?

[@northernbutterflyart6274]

Thank you!! The whole style of impressionism started on that exact concept. Monet, picasso, Matisse. It all started as them wanting to do it their own way instead of the 'right way'

[@1977ajax]

People love to label things rather than study them - often a commercial painter benefits from this. All your paintings looking similar lets people label you so that they are comfortable - they think they know what they are buying. Notice that these folk almost never mention that the art should be good, but constantly repeat that it be 'sellable'. That is their concern. Split yourself off from the concept that good = sellable; two very different things.

[@Erinba]

Yessss 👏🏻

[@carissafisher7514]

I do think the famous people do have a cohesive body of work. She is just saying 30 pieces that could be sold together. They want them to be matching so you can say, “I bought a Carissa.” Or you can look at a Picasso, Keith Herring, or Georgia O’Keffe and know it is them without looking at the signature.

[@carissafisher7514]

They didn’t mention a reason you might not want to be in a gallery is the 30-50% commission the gallery might take.

[@alysysysabasalalal]

I wish they would have let Dimitra talk about herself more rather than talking for her.

[@critica29]

😂 just do your thing and show it around. If some curator will like it you're in. Do not paint for the gallery market or youll miss the whole point of making art. Ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing first. Do not think u are going to get into Gagosian without the right contact either. They are talking about minor commercial galleries where the level of work is not even in the secondary market.

[@joeswampdawghenry]

Endeavor to persevere...... Lol

[@journeyofaconfusedartist]

Why have you not invited me to be part of your podcast?

[@4kassis]

also: having famous parents helps...

[@CrackheadOwen]

I think its more about instagram these days

[@bluefernlove]

18:32 Artists with specific styles are stuck in creative limbo, inside a dull iteration of a once original thought. There's nothing more tedious than seeing the same thing, rearranged, playing over and over again.

[@milanartapp]

Yes, we agree! It is always good to be open minded to seeing your style evolve over time as we all do as individuals! We think you would really enjoy Art Club, if you are interested in this; it is a really cool subscription where you can have access to hundreds of videos that are like this and also offering valuable and insightful new Art techniques. Here is a link below to check it out: www.artsocial.com/users/art-club/browse

[@heathen.47]

Was this a debate?

[@harrisejaz280]

...that typo in your thumbnail has to be deliberate.

[@palnagok1720]

Facebook AI has the best database for selling and no commission.

[@timmaxim2120]

I think it's a shame that an artist has to jump through fiery hoops just to get their work in a gallery, even a small local gallery seems to be more trouble than it's worth!

[@user-mh7ld8ki4y]

Thats the thing true art has to be found

[@milanartapp]

Learn more about our one-year art program that is designed to take anyone at any level in art and turn them into a professional: bit.ly/47duKUz

[@stojanovich]

lol where did you dig up these people, i can bet they never exhibited in an important gallery in their life.

[@riot.9]

This makes me feel disgusted. I will just stay in my cave. Art is my way of self exploration, I paint what I feel, what I'm driven to paint. If this key element is taken away from me then I'm not an artist anymore. But thank you for info. It's useful to know.

[@pr1me840]

If you are going to start with a statement like "probably go and watch that before you watch this" then GIVE US THE LINK..... I have no idea what THAT is or where to find it. Frustrating dude.

[@MrSacreddog]

Learning punctuation would make you more credible. Just saying…

[@milanartapp]

Fair enough… thanks for your help!

[@Thesecondcomingpodcast]

You guys are hurting my brain! Sellable art is called interior, design design and decorations are 100% different than ours! Why don’t you create art and use words to describe that art style instead of sounding like a bunch of high school kids who want to abstract paint and sell it?

[@Bander471]

With todays tech, I can't get around the idea of giving someone 50% commission for putting my work on their gallery wall. Why whore yourself out chasing fame and fortune. Treat yourself and your work as a brand. Start small and work your way up.

[@palnagok1720]

...and the galleries take 50+%

[@carissafisher7514]

First step to get into a gallery learn some proper grammar ..... Get’s would mean get is, therefore it is not correct.

[@tomjmdalton8855]

sorry, you are not artists.

[@milanartapp]

How is that so? Both Elli and Dimitra have tenured careers as professionals.

[@joeswampdawghenry]

Boooooorrrrrriiiinnnng

[@bite-my-shinny-metal-ass]

Thumbnail for video has a typo “get’s”. Ouch