What marks a success for an emerging artist?

Set: Shifting Weights picture/art: Edward Wright

What marks a success for an emerging artist?

• More recognition?
• More shows?

The Set: You’re about to have your first show in a gallery with great recognition.

Your thoughts are: My work has to be outstanding, ...stand up to the work of other artists represented by the gallery. I have to make sure the gallery likes my work and me.

Question: What To Do Once Your Foot's In The Door?

Few things to remember: The Gallery is open and interested but still needs to be convinced of how your value applies to them.

You're Not The Only Artist they look at or represent. Galleries who are ready to look at new artists begin their search with their network. They will go to trusted colleagues and ask, "Who do you know that does..." They will gather a variety of recommendations and one of three things will happen: some will be dismissed immediately; some (such as those given by a superior) will get top billing; and some look good but are unknown. So, even if you're on the top of the list, you are just one of many options. Here are three things to keep in mind when talking to referrals that will help you rise above the competition and turn your referrals into future clients.

1. Do Some Homework
   - Find out as much as you can about the gallery, their artists, check their website, "About Us", publications, search the net for articles on the gallery and their artists. Talk with the person who referred you to get the inside scoop. They are the one who has the relationship with the referral, and they may have valuable insights to offer.
2. Ask questions. the Gallery assumes that you have a basic level of competence, they are curious about your art; you have their attention. Think about what makes you interesting. As an artist, is it your individuality and your uniqueness.
3. It is important for the gallery to see you as a peer instead of a "hat-in-hand" artist. Be self confident in explaining how you work and what is important to your art without appearing obnoxious. Think about what you want to get out of the relationship with the gallery, what relationship would help you get a step further in your career. When the gallery gets that you have fresh new thinking, you become the benchmark. At the end of the day your success is their success.

Conclusion: A show is always a chance to enter a scene and make an advance. The most important thing to succeed is to define your objectives: