We love art, we love artists and we love makers. A lot of our time at the gallery is spent researching, reviewing and discovering new artists that maybe a suitable fit for us here at Tig Gallery. We get approached a lot by people looking for representation here with us and thought we would write a blog to lay down the top tips for approaching a gallery like us, in person, with your work.

Artists love to talk about their work and we love to talk with them too. If you are visiting the gallery and feel that you would like to be represented by us, follow these top tips to make your proposal as successful as possible.

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Tip 1: Do you research

If you haven’t visited the gallery in person before, check us out online. See who and what we represent. First impressions count! If you have visited us specifically to show us your work, but have not visited the gallery before, take some time to wander round. Is it a suitable fit? Could you see your work here? Consider if it is different enough yet cohesive with the other works on display.. Be nice, be engaging and challenge us without being aggressive. If you think you are the best of the best – tell us why, but have the work to back it up.

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Tip 2: Be prepared

Ros loves a sketchbook. She likes to see the mechanics of the work, the process and journey of an artist. It’s a great place to start discussions. If your sketchbook is sacred and you do not want to show it, bring some photos of the process, your studio etc. This gives you the opportunity to tell us about yourself, why you do what you do and what you want an audience to take away from your work. If you don’t have answers to questions like these, how can we help you? Make it as easy as possible for us, we are running a business here so have your ‘elevator pitch’ ready. How can we get to know you and your work in a short space of time? Pop a few images on your phone or iPad – though not ideal, it will give us a flavour of the work.

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Tip 3: Know what you need from a gallery

How can we help you? Galleries are here to support and promote you. We do the leg work so you can concentrate on producing, spend your time in the studio whilst we reach the buyers, engage people with your work and practice. We are here to offer you space, in a professional environment, to showcase your work. Think about why Tig Gallery works for you, do you have local connections? Have you been inspired by our local Landscape? Bear in mind we may be rural but we are key players within the Scottish art scene, are you ready to be represented alongside our existing artists and makers?

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Tip 4: Manage your expectations

Don’t expect to walk into a gallery with proposals for a solo exhibition. If we see fit we will plan that. Be aware that a lot of time the galleries plan way in advance. Sure, if we see it as a good idea, there is an element of flexibility and it has been know that after an initial meeting we will suggest that a solo maybe a better way to introduce your work to the market. Do not be discouraged if that is not the case. Introducing artists takes time. Usually we will suggest a trial period, showcasing a few select works to gage reaction. It is important to make sure that you have the flexibility to offer work straight away.

Tip 5:  The showcase

After initial discussions if we have time we will ask to see some work, so make sure you have it handy. It does not have to be wall ready but it makes our lives a lot easier if we can see the finished product. Having a good website to refer to means you only have to bring a couple of pieces. Do not bring 20 works out of your car. A select few of what you deem your most successful pieces is brilliant with a good online portfolio that we can review at our leisure. Be prepared for a critique, it is always constructive.

BREAKDOWN: What Are We Looking For?

• ENTHUSIAM
• THEORY BASED PRACTICE
• PROGRESSION
• ORIGINALITY
• AVAILABILITY

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Remember we aren’t the last word in art. Sometimes work just isn’t right and we may be able to suggest other galleries that may see it as more suitable or we may snap your hand off to get some pieces.   Good Luck and we look forward to meeting you.

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