Does an Artist Still Need Gallery Representation?

There’s no doubt that a lot has changed for artists over the past few decades. For the first time ever, artists can work independently without any help from galleries. The emergence of the digital age has adjusted how artists operate, network, and gain sales, making it hard to know what to expect next.

However, you may have noticed that the gallery system is still lodged firmly in place. So, why is this the case? Does an artist really need gallery representation? Is it recommended? Is there a lot to gain from galleries? Read on to find out more!

The independent route

Galleries work with two main goals: providing clients with access to art and providing artists with the exposure they need to sell it. However, as mentioned above, artists can now work alone since doing this type of business isn’t now exclusive to galleries.

The internet makes it possible for artists to reach countless people in their target market, promote their masterpieces, and eventually sweeten the deal with sales. Many artists are already out there taking this approach, with social media apps such as Instagram celebrating art with its heavy focus on visual images.

Giving galleries a chance

Whilst it is possible for some artists to work independently, there are reasons that galleries still work to promote artists. Let’s take a look at a few.

Additional time to concentrate on your work

Independent artists have to direct their time towards both creating masterpieces and marketing them. However, artists represented by a gallery don’t have to worry about promoting themselves – the gallery takes care of the publicity and sales side of things, leaving the individual with more wiggle room to do what they actually love: make art!

Potential to create a more extensive client base

A huge advantage of getting represented by a gallery is that it gives you more exposure and opportunities in terms of clients. Galleries inject a lot of hard work into promoting artists, creating press releases, exhibitions, and other events, which can enhance the public’s awareness of any artist. In turn, this increases their potential to meet the perfect established collectors and buyers. After all, galleries have access to a large range of loyal clientele, something an independent artist can only hope to build after years of effort.

The right value

If you are represented by a recognized and celebrated gallery, collectors are likelier to value your pieces more than if they were presented independently. By partnering with a gallery, you can ensure that your work gets the price tag and admiration it really deserves.

Summary

So, there you have it. The truth is that working independently or with a gallery can allow individuals to increase their exposure and network with clients, albeit by taking different approaches. There are certainly benefits to each method, but one should not automatically dismiss galleries as an option just because they can hop onto social media. Whether an artist needs gallery representation is really up to the personal individual and what suits them best.