How Do You Find The Perfect Person to Represent Your Art?

[Hatpin]

Hello Everyone -

First let me say how grateful I am to have found Michael, this website and everyone here - WOW!! What a support system!

Could anyone help me with some advice? I have a friend who is an extremely talented artist, actually she's a Master Colorist, but she needs someone to go to galleries and help organize the marketing of her artwork.  This sounds like I'm writing for myself, but I'm actually taking a Color Theory class from her and am absolutely blown away by her talent and fabulous art...but also by the fact she's not nationally known and extremely financially successful.

Any idea how to find someone locally (Dallas/Ft. Worth area) who would be a good fit to represent her and her varied kinds of art, but especially fabulous clay pieces?  She goes to shows etc. around the area, but needs to take her marketing to the next level. 

Any help would be so appreciated.  Her website is below so you can take a peek at what kind of work she does.  I appreciate the help!!

http://kellihowiestudios.com/

Love and Purrs...
Hatpin

[sam s]

Hi Hatpin

Er, its been a while since you put this post up, but i loved her stuff particularly her paintings.  How about just suggesting she puts some prices on her site and a paypal link then she could actually sell it herself.  I for one would have loved to ask how much the painting/prints are but Im not going to actually write to her.

What is a master colourist?

Best wishes hari

[Tomwalked]

.



kinda chiming in a little late here as well...



Locally, The best way is get involved in the scene...
go to galleries, meet the gallery owners...
talk to people.

a good balance art crowd is:
half artists
half collectors
and the third half are families and friends of the artists, and/or the "I'm-just-here-for-the-cheese-and-wine" crowd.

the questions to keep in mind for yourself...
 - is this gallery showing work similar in genre to mine (don't approach a sculpture gallery if all you do is watercolors.)
 - ask other artists (especially artists of similar genre) if they are represented and if so by whom (maybe ask too if they are pleased with the level of service)
 - I strongly suggest that you not limit yourself to a local market... you want more people to see your work.


the common path with art representation is
show in galleries, collect a portfolio and parlay that in the door of artists agents.
(we here on this list - none of us are common - but it is nice to have this information)

some times if you are able to have a show in a reputable gallery, you will be offered representation... either by the gallery or the gallery may suggest someone to you.

a website is great to be able to refer people to.

I too, am not familiar with the term "master colorist"... but, if this is someway connected to publishing, then approach a literary agent.


Also... there is a publication (on-line or paper versions) called Art Opportunities Monthly:
( www.ArtOpportunitiesMonthly.com )
I have subscribed to the on-line version for a number of years it is well worth the price (it is something like $20 a year) Amazing opportunities in all branches of the arts - writing, film, visual arts... competitions, grants, residencies, publications and just opportunities to show locally and internationally...
This is an American publication, so it is mostly focussed on opportunities available to US citizens.



good luck to your friend...





.