skybluemark
New Member
Posts โข 130
Likes โข 61
January 2008
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by skybluemark on Jan 14, 2021 12:31:05 GMT 1, Hi All
By way of background, I was made redundant in September, and it's been incredibly difficult to find anything suitable, however, as a stop gap I started a small business offering handyman services whilst I continued to look for something more suitable.
I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember, and in the street art scene for about 15 years. My loft is full of old oil paintings which is where I started, but over the years my tastes have changed and I have a small collection of more modern art. Unusually for the majority it would seem, I buy on what I like rather than what will make me stinking rich, and that's the basis I'd like to run my business.
Ultimately the plan is to open a small gallery, but the way the world is at the moment it seems sensible (and ultimately at a reduced cost) to test the water without the need for bricks and mortar premises.
I live on a fairly small island and therefore won't be a threat to 99% of professionals on here, therefore any help or advice from either the sell side or consumers would be very much appreciated. I would also be grateful to hear from any artists, whether new or established, in order to potentially establish supply chains and open up new avenues.
As alluded to above, I plan to operate on the basis of buying art to appreciate it rather than it appreciate for you, as I believe this approach is fraught with risk. On that basis the plan is to start with smaller ticket items and gain momentum through repeat business and word of mouth recommendations. My locations has its fair share of HNWI's and the GDP is above the global average, so I believe there is a market here.
I hope that gives a picture of what I'm looking to do and really would appreciate any positive and constructive feedback whether it be by PM or a reply to this post.
Thanks Very Much.
Hi All
By way of background, I was made redundant in September, and it's been incredibly difficult to find anything suitable, however, as a stop gap I started a small business offering handyman services whilst I continued to look for something more suitable.
I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember, and in the street art scene for about 15 years. My loft is full of old oil paintings which is where I started, but over the years my tastes have changed and I have a small collection of more modern art. Unusually for the majority it would seem, I buy on what I like rather than what will make me stinking rich, and that's the basis I'd like to run my business.
Ultimately the plan is to open a small gallery, but the way the world is at the moment it seems sensible (and ultimately at a reduced cost) to test the water without the need for bricks and mortar premises.
I live on a fairly small island and therefore won't be a threat to 99% of professionals on here, therefore any help or advice from either the sell side or consumers would be very much appreciated. I would also be grateful to hear from any artists, whether new or established, in order to potentially establish supply chains and open up new avenues.
As alluded to above, I plan to operate on the basis of buying art to appreciate it rather than it appreciate for you, as I believe this approach is fraught with risk. On that basis the plan is to start with smaller ticket items and gain momentum through repeat business and word of mouth recommendations. My locations has its fair share of HNWI's and the GDP is above the global average, so I believe there is a market here.
I hope that gives a picture of what I'm looking to do and really would appreciate any positive and constructive feedback whether it be by PM or a reply to this post.
Thanks Very Much.
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Deleted
Posts โข 0
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January 1970
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by Deleted on Jan 14, 2021 12:40:43 GMT 1, Hi All By way of background, I was made redundant in September, and it's been incredibly difficult to find anything suitable, however, as a stop gap I started a small business offering handyman services whilst I continued to look for something more suitable. I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember, and in the street art scene for about 15 years. My loft is full of old oil paintings which is where I started, but over the years my tastes have changed and I have a small collection of more modern art. Unusually for the majority it would seem, I buy on what I like rather than what will make me stinking rich, and that's the basis I'd like to run my business. Ultimately the plan is to open a small gallery, but the way the world is at the moment it seems sensible (and ultimately at a reduced cost) to test the water without the need for bricks and mortar premises. I live on a fairly small island and therefore won't be a threat to 99% of professionals on here, therefore any help or advice from either the sell side or consumers would be very much appreciated. I would also be grateful to hear from any artists, whether new or established, in order to potentially establish supply chains and open up new avenues. As alluded to above, I plan to operate on the basis of buying art to appreciate it rather than it appreciate for you, as I believe this approach is fraught with risk. On that basis the plan is to start with smaller ticket items and gain momentum through repeat business and word of mouth recommendations. My locations has its fair share of HNWI's and the GDP is above the global average, so I believe there is a market here. I hope that gives a picture of what I'm looking to do and really would appreciate any positive and constructive feedback whether it be by PM or a reply to this post. Thanks Very Much.
Maybe ask the guys on art support pledge or some of the artists You like? Would they mind You working with them to promote their artwork for a percentage
I would have thought it would be very very hard to get people to look and see You online. What will bring them to You?
Good luck, it's not easy, I know 4 or 5 small bricks and mortar gallery owners and it's not an easy game, or so they say :-)
www.instagram.com/artistsupportpledge/
Hi All By way of background, I was made redundant in September, and it's been incredibly difficult to find anything suitable, however, as a stop gap I started a small business offering handyman services whilst I continued to look for something more suitable. I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember, and in the street art scene for about 15 years. My loft is full of old oil paintings which is where I started, but over the years my tastes have changed and I have a small collection of more modern art. Unusually for the majority it would seem, I buy on what I like rather than what will make me stinking rich, and that's the basis I'd like to run my business. Ultimately the plan is to open a small gallery, but the way the world is at the moment it seems sensible (and ultimately at a reduced cost) to test the water without the need for bricks and mortar premises. I live on a fairly small island and therefore won't be a threat to 99% of professionals on here, therefore any help or advice from either the sell side or consumers would be very much appreciated. I would also be grateful to hear from any artists, whether new or established, in order to potentially establish supply chains and open up new avenues. As alluded to above, I plan to operate on the basis of buying art to appreciate it rather than it appreciate for you, as I believe this approach is fraught with risk. On that basis the plan is to start with smaller ticket items and gain momentum through repeat business and word of mouth recommendations. My locations has its fair share of HNWI's and the GDP is above the global average, so I believe there is a market here. I hope that gives a picture of what I'm looking to do and really would appreciate any positive and constructive feedback whether it be by PM or a reply to this post. Thanks Very Much. Maybe ask the guys on art support pledge or some of the artists You like? Would they mind You working with them to promote their artwork for a percentage I would have thought it would be very very hard to get people to look and see You online. What will bring them to You? Good luck, it's not easy, I know 4 or 5 small bricks and mortar gallery owners and it's not an easy game, or so they say :-) www.instagram.com/artistsupportpledge/ |
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skybluemark
New Member
Posts โข 130
Likes โข 61
January 2008
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by skybluemark on Jan 14, 2021 12:48:41 GMT 1, Hi All By way of background, I was made redundant in September, and it's been incredibly difficult to find anything suitable, however, as a stop gap I started a small business offering handyman services whilst I continued to look for something more suitable. I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember, and in the street art scene for about 15 years. My loft is full of old oil paintings which is where I started, but over the years my tastes have changed and I have a small collection of more modern art. Unusually for the majority it would seem, I buy on what I like rather than what will make me stinking rich, and that's the basis I'd like to run my business. Ultimately the plan is to open a small gallery, but the way the world is at the moment it seems sensible (and ultimately at a reduced cost) to test the water without the need for bricks and mortar premises. I live on a fairly small island and therefore won't be a threat to 99% of professionals on here, therefore any help or advice from either the sell side or consumers would be very much appreciated. I would also be grateful to hear from any artists, whether new or established, in order to potentially establish supply chains and open up new avenues. As alluded to above, I plan to operate on the basis of buying art to appreciate it rather than it appreciate for you, as I believe this approach is fraught with risk. On that basis the plan is to start with smaller ticket items and gain momentum through repeat business and word of mouth recommendations. My locations has its fair share of HNWI's and the GDP is above the global average, so I believe there is a market here. I hope that gives a picture of what I'm looking to do and really would appreciate any positive and constructive feedback whether it be by PM or a reply to this post. Thanks Very Much. Maybe ask the guys on art support pledge or some of the artists You like? Would they mind You working with them to promote their artwork for a percentage I would have thought it would be very very hard to get people to look and see You online. What will bring them to You? Good luck, it's not easy, I know 4 or 5 small bricks and mortar gallery owners and it's not an easy game, or so they say :-) www.instagram.com/artistsupportpledge/
Hi All By way of background, I was made redundant in September, and it's been incredibly difficult to find anything suitable, however, as a stop gap I started a small business offering handyman services whilst I continued to look for something more suitable. I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember, and in the street art scene for about 15 years. My loft is full of old oil paintings which is where I started, but over the years my tastes have changed and I have a small collection of more modern art. Unusually for the majority it would seem, I buy on what I like rather than what will make me stinking rich, and that's the basis I'd like to run my business. Ultimately the plan is to open a small gallery, but the way the world is at the moment it seems sensible (and ultimately at a reduced cost) to test the water without the need for bricks and mortar premises. I live on a fairly small island and therefore won't be a threat to 99% of professionals on here, therefore any help or advice from either the sell side or consumers would be very much appreciated. I would also be grateful to hear from any artists, whether new or established, in order to potentially establish supply chains and open up new avenues. As alluded to above, I plan to operate on the basis of buying art to appreciate it rather than it appreciate for you, as I believe this approach is fraught with risk. On that basis the plan is to start with smaller ticket items and gain momentum through repeat business and word of mouth recommendations. My locations has its fair share of HNWI's and the GDP is above the global average, so I believe there is a market here. I hope that gives a picture of what I'm looking to do and really would appreciate any positive and constructive feedback whether it be by PM or a reply to this post. Thanks Very Much. Maybe ask the guys on art support pledge or some of the artists You like? Would they mind You working with them to promote their artwork for a percentage I would have thought it would be very very hard to get people to look and see You online. What will bring them to You? Good luck, it's not easy, I know 4 or 5 small bricks and mortar gallery owners and it's not an easy game, or so they say :-) www.instagram.com/artistsupportpledge/Thanks for your reply, from the perspective of my current business Facebook is the go to place, especially where I live. Theres been no need for any other form of advertising, its the modern way or so im told! I'll check out that link and take your comments on board. Thanks |
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by Carl Cashman Art on Jan 14, 2021 13:19:55 GMT 1, Good luck with it, unless you're going to be representing the main artists we see on places like this, then dont expect to make a profit in the first few years... itl basically be brand building. Look for new artists, but be prepared to lose them if they gain momentum.
No physical space is fine, but I'd advise renting them for shows or there's no reason for an artist to give you half the cut. If you are online only id recommend advertising further than fb
Again, good luck!
Good luck with it, unless you're going to be representing the main artists we see on places like this, then dont expect to make a profit in the first few years... itl basically be brand building. Look for new artists, but be prepared to lose them if they gain momentum.
No physical space is fine, but I'd advise renting them for shows or there's no reason for an artist to give you half the cut. If you are online only id recommend advertising further than fb
Again, good luck!
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skybluemark
New Member
Posts โข 130
Likes โข 61
January 2008
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by skybluemark on Jan 14, 2021 13:30:25 GMT 1, Good luck with it, unless you're going to be representing the main artists we see on places like this, then dont expect to make a profit in the first few years... itl basically be brand building. Look for new artists, but be prepared to lose them if they gain momentum. No physical space is fine, but I'd advise renting them for shows or there's no reason for an artist to give you half the cut. If you are online only id recommend advertising further than fb Again, good luck!
Good luck with it, unless you're going to be representing the main artists we see on places like this, then dont expect to make a profit in the first few years... itl basically be brand building. Look for new artists, but be prepared to lose them if they gain momentum. No physical space is fine, but I'd advise renting them for shows or there's no reason for an artist to give you half the cut. If you are online only id recommend advertising further than fb Again, good luck! Thanks for your reply. My Facebook comment was slightly flippant, but for the local market it has way more reach than any other form of advertising. I do think that bricks and mortar would be a benefit to a business such as this, just with current lockdowns it makes financial sense to be able to test the water without the outlay of premises. Agreed, I wouldn't expect to make much in the first year or two, but if I don't try I'll never know. |
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by Carl Cashman Art on Jan 14, 2021 14:11:58 GMT 1, Good luck with it, unless you're going to be representing the main artists we see on places like this, then dont expect to make a profit in the first few years... itl basically be brand building. Look for new artists, but be prepared to lose them if they gain momentum. No physical space is fine, but I'd advise renting them for shows or there's no reason for an artist to give you half the cut. If you are online only id recommend advertising further than fb Again, good luck! Thanks for your reply. My Facebook comment was slightly flippant, but for the local market it has way more reach than any other form of advertising. I do think that bricks and mortar would be a benefit to a business such as this, just with current lockdowns it makes financial sense to be able to test the water without the outlay of premises. Agreed, I wouldn't expect to make much in the first year or two, but if I don't try I'll never know.
Again, all the best with the project.. it can be a lot of fun.
Good luck with it, unless you're going to be representing the main artists we see on places like this, then dont expect to make a profit in the first few years... itl basically be brand building. Look for new artists, but be prepared to lose them if they gain momentum. No physical space is fine, but I'd advise renting them for shows or there's no reason for an artist to give you half the cut. If you are online only id recommend advertising further than fb Again, good luck! Thanks for your reply. My Facebook comment was slightly flippant, but for the local market it has way more reach than any other form of advertising. I do think that bricks and mortar would be a benefit to a business such as this, just with current lockdowns it makes financial sense to be able to test the water without the outlay of premises. Agreed, I wouldn't expect to make much in the first year or two, but if I don't try I'll never know. Yeah for sure, not trying to put you off.. just sharing my small amount of experience on both sides of the fence. Semi Skimmed was starting to gain momentum and then covid hit, il be starting that again late summer when hopefully the risk of losing ยฃ1000s in deposits should be less of an issue. Again, all the best with the project.. it can be a lot of fun. |
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by We Have Your Prints on Jan 14, 2021 15:17:00 GMT 1, Hi
Good luck on your new venture. I started an online Gallery (UK) just before Covid hit and it has been an interesting ride so far.
I would echo the advice above; find, and get to know new and emerging artists; unless your pockets are very deep and you can afford to hold stock by some of the more established artists around.
As a small business I try to purchase art that I like direct from artists (also small businesses) and work with them in gaining exposure and traction. FB is ok for this but IG is far superior in developing engagement and brand awareness. The caveat I would add is that it depends upon your target audience - generally older = facebook, younger = Instagram. There is lots of data available online that goes into great detail on demographics and customer personas.
Being online only your shop front (website) needs to do a lot of heavy lifting for you to be visible in search engine results. There are many platforms to use to build a website that all look glossy and simple - spend a bit of time researching what your website needs to say and do and make sure the platform can deliver this.
There are many paths to achieving your dream - go for it
Hi
Good luck on your new venture. I started an online Gallery (UK) just before Covid hit and it has been an interesting ride so far.
I would echo the advice above; find, and get to know new and emerging artists; unless your pockets are very deep and you can afford to hold stock by some of the more established artists around.
As a small business I try to purchase art that I like direct from artists (also small businesses) and work with them in gaining exposure and traction. FB is ok for this but IG is far superior in developing engagement and brand awareness. The caveat I would add is that it depends upon your target audience - generally older = facebook, younger = Instagram. There is lots of data available online that goes into great detail on demographics and customer personas.
Being online only your shop front (website) needs to do a lot of heavy lifting for you to be visible in search engine results. There are many platforms to use to build a website that all look glossy and simple - spend a bit of time researching what your website needs to say and do and make sure the platform can deliver this.
There are many paths to achieving your dream - go for it
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Ravnur 2020
New Member
Posts โข 667
Likes โข 884
October 2020
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by Ravnur 2020 on Jan 14, 2021 15:57:23 GMT 1, A few obvious pennies from here to add to what has been said above about marketing (have been on both sides):
Be clear on your site(s) what is represented/primary artists and what is secondary sales (if you have any of these)
Be accurate and generous with key info about art and artists (no price on inquiry rubbish)
Take your time to get to know the artists personally and their art well before "signing them up"
Focus on a handful of carefully selected artists you would buy yourself
Take your time to get to know and focus on a particular style you like your gallery to promote
Do not promise things you cannot keep
Be very responsive, polite and friendly to all.
Sometimes you might have to take a hit on damaged goods, do so with a smile
Proper and safe packaging is king and will get you happy customers and less loss
Build a good mailing list and use this without spamming
Organize pop-up exhibitions. Talk to people/companies which have public or empty spaces about showing art on their premises, you will be surprised how many are interested in this.
It is great fun!
Good luck!
A few obvious pennies from here to add to what has been said above about marketing (have been on both sides):
Be clear on your site(s) what is represented/primary artists and what is secondary sales (if you have any of these)
Be accurate and generous with key info about art and artists (no price on inquiry rubbish)
Take your time to get to know the artists personally and their art well before "signing them up"
Focus on a handful of carefully selected artists you would buy yourself
Take your time to get to know and focus on a particular style you like your gallery to promote
Do not promise things you cannot keep
Be very responsive, polite and friendly to all.
Sometimes you might have to take a hit on damaged goods, do so with a smile
Proper and safe packaging is king and will get you happy customers and less loss
Build a good mailing list and use this without spamming
Organize pop-up exhibitions. Talk to people/companies which have public or empty spaces about showing art on their premises, you will be surprised how many are interested in this.
It is great fun!
Good luck!
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by John The Badgers on Jan 14, 2021 17:52:10 GMT 1, Firstly, good luck Skybluemark.
Just my contribution, but as someone who is not signed up to Facebook, or Instagram, don't exclude people like me from your market place?
As someone who works for a company where most of our customers are from this here internet, the most valuable way I have found of not only expanding sales, but gaining repeat business is the service you provide on a personal level, and how you look after people.
Its quite surprising that when you get these basics right, how you can achieve your goals.
Firstly, good luck Skybluemark.
Just my contribution, but as someone who is not signed up to Facebook, or Instagram, don't exclude people like me from your market place?
As someone who works for a company where most of our customers are from this here internet, the most valuable way I have found of not only expanding sales, but gaining repeat business is the service you provide on a personal level, and how you look after people.
Its quite surprising that when you get these basics right, how you can achieve your goals.
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orchid
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,446
Likes โข 1,135
May 2018
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by orchid on Jan 15, 2021 11:21:35 GMT 1, Can't imagine all the releases and lesser known artists you are missing out on by not being on Instagram... the artworld moved there many years ago and you're otherwise depriving yourself by not joining, compared to sitting on a single stagnated forum.
Can't imagine all the releases and lesser known artists you are missing out on by not being on Instagram... the artworld moved there many years ago and you're otherwise depriving yourself by not joining, compared to sitting on a single stagnated forum.
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skybluemark
New Member
Posts โข 130
Likes โข 61
January 2008
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by skybluemark on Jan 15, 2021 13:18:06 GMT 1, I buy on what I like rather than what will make me stinking rich. Can you share what you think will make you stinking rich? If youโbe got that eye, why not get rich and then open a bigger galleries?
I buy on what I like rather than what will make me stinking rich. Can you share what you think will make you stinking rich? If youโbe got that eye, why not get rich and then open a bigger galleries? Hi think you just need to look at the forum over the last couple of years to see why I won't subscribe to that mindset. Its just about impossible for the man in the street to buy a piece he/she genuinely likes from a 'premium' artists nowadays when they are released, and I'd prefer to stick to my principles, rightly or wrongly. |
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skybluemark
New Member
Posts โข 130
Likes โข 61
January 2008
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Looking to Open a Gallery - Advice Sought, by skybluemark on Jan 15, 2021 13:21:53 GMT 1, Firstly, good luck Skybluemark. Just my contribution, but as someone who is not signed up to Facebook, or Instagram, don't exclude people like me from your market place? As someone who works for a company where most of our customers are from this here internet, the most valuable way I have found of not only expanding sales, but gaining repeat business is the service you provide on a personal level, and how you look after people. Its quite surprising that when you get these basics right, how you can achieve your goals.
Firstly, good luck Skybluemark. Just my contribution, but as someone who is not signed up to Facebook, or Instagram, don't exclude people like me from your market place? As someone who works for a company where most of our customers are from this here internet, the most valuable way I have found of not only expanding sales, but gaining repeat business is the service you provide on a personal level, and how you look after people. Its quite surprising that when you get these basics right, how you can achieve your goals. I totally agree, in general customer service across all spectrums of business is appalling, and even in my current role where trades are notoriously awful I make sure the client always comes first. |
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