Etsy's Handmade Blog
Shop Makeover Series: Gallery Go-getter (Part 1)
Story by DonFriedlich
Published on January 16, 2009 in How-To 		Photo by

margauxlange

During our focus on art this week, we welcome three professional development specialists who will be discussing the role of the gallery as a venue for artists. First up we have Don Friedlich, who will be hosting the Professional Development Seminar (PDS) at the SNAG conference this year. Etsy is sponsoring the event and support its mission to help artists and crafters make a living from what they make.

Since receiving his BFA from Rhode Island School of Design in 1982, Donald Friedlich has been a full time studio jeweler showing in museums and galleries throughout the United States and abroad. His jewelry is in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and others. He served a term as President of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG).

Don poses the fundamental question: Are galleries right for you?

When times are tough economically, as they are right now, they are often especially hard for artists. That said, hard times could also be viewed as opportunities to explore new ways to market your work. Supplementing your efforts on Etsy by also showing your work in a brick and mortar gallery is one area to consider.

A relationship with a gallery is not right for everyone. The culture of the gallery is very different from that of Etsy. The gallery environment can be very critical and much less supportive. That said, a gallery focuses on just one or two art form, rather than including all categories of handmade objects. Some go even further, specializing in a specific aesthetic style or point of view, such as narrative work or outsider art.

Most galleries expect that the work they show will speak with a clear and unique voice, one that is not seen in the work of any other artist; this we might call your artist's vision. While many galleries show both one of a kind and production work, one of a kind work is usually dominant. Most work in this category retails over $1000.

If you do wish to expand your market to galleries (or anywhere else) you need to first do your research and answer some critical questions. Will this move advance your career goals? Will this venue help push you to grow as an artist? Is this the right market for your work? Who are the gallery’s ideal customers and how does the gallery market to them? Can you meet the gallery’s expectations?

There are many ways of acquiring this information. One way is to network with fellow artists. Some of this can be done online through blogs and social networking sites. That said, in-person networking still has great value. Attending craft and gallery shows offers many opportunities to talk to your peers. So does attending a conference of your media specific organization, such as the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) or Glass Art Society (GAS). SNAG is an international educational organization based in the U.S. They publish Metalsmith magazine, a newsletter, and host an annual conference. The next conference is May 20-23, 2009, in Philadelphia. You can learn more at SNAGmetalsmith.org. Many medium-specific organizations provide similar support.

[one of Don's pieces, made from blue glass, pictured above]

At the next SNAG conference, for instance, Harriete Estel Berman, Andy Cooperman and I will be presenting a four-hour program: the Professional Development Seminar (PDS), on the afternoon of May 20, 2009 (sponsored this year by Etsy). There is a modest fee for the PDS, but you don’t need to attend the full conference to go to the PDS. While the PDS is a SNAG event focusing on metalsmithing, it is always our goal that the program’s content apply well to all sorts of art. 2009 PDS topics include “Improving Website Performance and Design,” “Using Social Networking and Virtual Communities to Drive Business,” and “The Evolving Role of the Gallery in a Virtual World of Commerce.” For more information check out http://snagmetalsmith.org/Events/Professional_Development_Seminar/ Other conferences often include resources and talks such as these, as they're in high demand from artists.

The craft magazines like Metalsmith, American Craft, and Ornament offer a wealth of information about galleries. I learn more about the market by looking at the advertisements than the articles: which artists are represented by specific galleries; how those galleries market their artists; and something about the aesthetic of the gallery. I can also find their websites, which offer a whole host of additional information.

While an ad generally focuses on the work of only one or two of the gallery’s artists, reviewing gallery websites really shows the full range of work they are showing, the background of their artists, how many artists they represent, and the price range (if they list prices) of the work. Note that I said showing, not selling. Most galleries work on consignment. Most have much more work in drawers than they do out on display. Hopefully, they rotate work into the showcases but from long distance, without a visit to the gallery, it is impossible to know. For this and other reasons, in-person visits to galleries are also valuable. You can get a feel for the temperament of the staff and owner, the quality of display, and the effectiveness of the location.

Of course, visiting galleries may not always be possible, as the galleries are spread out all over the world. Many of the best galleries from all over the world show at the three Sculpture, Objects and Functional Art (SOFA) exhibitions in Chicago, Illinois, New York City, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. I see more great jewelry in my three days at SOFA Chicago (the largest of the three) than I do the rest of the year combined. By attending SOFA, you can find answers to many of your questions in one place.

Over the next couple weeks, we will post the next three Gallery Go-getter installments.

Give a shout-out in the comments if you've been to SNAG or if you've shown your art in a gallery setting. 

Below you'll find Don's favorite studio jewelry and applied art pieces.

Tags art, Don Friedlich, fine art, galleries, gallery, Gallery Go-getter, jewelry, professional development, Seller Handbook, selling, Shop Makeover series, SNAG, venues
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67 comments     Login to add your own!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11 a.m. Sinta

What a good informative article :) Thanks for this. I always wondered about galleries.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. LizardoArt

Great info! This is exactly the kind of information we need. Thanks!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. sonyarasi

I would like to explore this more. Great collection!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. lovejujube

Hum, the article tells things I never think about it.
Thank you!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. katieblairdesigns

this is fascinating.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. sagittariusgallery

I've shown in a few galleries and yes, it isn't for the faint of heart. I stepped away from them actually to pursue Etsy. There are pros and cons. I like being able to talk to and deal with my patrons directly. I like being in complete control of my success. I'm a control freak when it comes to my art :P I've showed in a number of venues, from a little restaurant in Newburyport, MA to an exclusive gallery in Sag Harbor, NY, and I've found every gallery and area has it's own feel. Galleries of course are not one size fits all. I wouldn't submit my work to a gallery I have not been able to visit. I wouldn't enter into a contract with a gallery owner whom I have never met. But that's just my preferences. Be cautious and do your research.

One other thing? Never enter into a vanity gallery. It devalues your work if you truly want to make it in the gallery scene. Vanity galleries take your money and you get the "privilege" (for a few thousand out of your own pocket easy). You want to find galleries that have incentive to sell your work. A vanity gallery makes money either way, through you. They have no incentive past recruiting you. Selling your work is not their priority. Please keep that in mind.

Looking forward to reading more in this series. Am so happy to see art in the spotlight! Thanks Don for sharing your expertise!

~Aja

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. FrucciDesign

Thank you Don, I really want to make it to the PDS

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. daniellejewelry

Interesting article! I find that the term "gallery" is used more loosely in the craft world than in the fine art world. I sell to "galleries" all across the country and they all pay me Net 30...not consignment. But they could be more accurately defined as "gallery shops." The "galleries" Don is referring to are more closely related to that of the "fine art gallery"...where the work is high brow, catered to a collector (rather than consumer) and therefore consigned. Both of these types of "galleries" are viable markets and I recommend doing the research Don suggested to find the correct marketplace for your work.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. lauraprentice

Thanks for some great info, this is going to be a good series, thanks for featuring fine art on etsy!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. beachhouseblues

Great Food for Thought!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. jewelrybyjackie

Thanks for this! What a view on galleries. Gives us all a lot to think about for the future of avenues to pursue.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. BluCille

There is some neat stuff here!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 12:35 p.m. slidesideways

Great article! Another thing to think about!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. christinececelia

Great article!
Thank you!!!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. LittleCritters00

I have also shown in a few galleries with my other work, which is ceramic sculpture, and it's is for the faint of heart. While I like to try to venture out to galleries and see myself as that fine artist that I grew up believing I could be, but it is hard because if you are a upcoming and emerging young artist many galleries won't take a chance on you. I also have gotten ripped off and paid so much money out of pocket. So this is a great article and I need to be more cautious.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. dedeetsyshop

Great! Very interesting!!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. zombuki

Great, info! Thanks for sharing :3

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. juliebcreative

FANTASTIC article! I am currently in the process of approaching galleries and boy is it stressful!!!! I spoke to an artist friend of mine, and he said it's wise to have a book made of your work, so when you do approach galleries, you look professional, and can go over your range of works.

it's a frustrating process, but slowly but surely I am making headway

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Wonderful read, awesome finds, such beauty, look forward to more of this shop makeover series. Enjoy your weekends everyone~!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. dragonhouseofyuen

Thanks Don for your advice, and etsy for tackling the subject of 'fine-art'.

I show in galleries and exhibitions. My (fine art watercolours) work is well defined and I know my market and the galleries showing my work were chosen by me because of the style of work they carry. I also make my choices to show in a gallery based on the attitude of the owner - not all owners are 'nice' and there must be common ground.

Galleries are just a business - they need to sell work to pay their rates remember - and this is a business transaction which must be treated as such - contracts studied and signed, prices, commission and terms agreed all before hand.

Art, though it may be seen as high brow (maybe because of the price or 'struggle to create it') is just another commercial material for sale. Don't be scared if you want to show (sell) in a gallery - check them out first, then talk to them. Always be upfront, never namby-pamby and get your figures right beforehand.

Lastly - artwork does not always sell. Put only a tiny percentage of hope in a gallery at first.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. SASSYspaces

very thoughtful article & wonderful ART featured! i love them all! FABU, FABU, FABU!!!!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. discomedusa

thanks for this series! i am really hoping to make it the SNAG conference this year!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. AutumnLeavesJewelry

Interesting article, thank you. For now I have found my niche selling on Etsy. Etsy is my virutal gallery and I am my own promoter. Wow I have admired margauxlange's work for some time, I'm glad she's on Etsy!!!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. SASessories

very nice jewelry displayed here! any way you try to sell your products, it's going to cost you somehow! i really like to display in galleries associated with 'non-profit' org's, when you sell something you know the commission goes to support the arts or another worthy cause!
i do have to say, however, that doing private showings (in people's homes/business) can be a very successful route with minimal investment (postcard invites mostly) and i recommend it to anyone that can fit it into their marketing scheme. it's also a really great way to sell 'one of a kind'. you do however, usually end up giving a gift/credit to the host, so it can cost you in that way. but most everyone that attends leaves with something of yours and it's totally worth it! i wish more artists would go this route so as to compete with some of the big 'catalog' companies and their mass production of items! plus, anytime you 'give' it comes back to you somehow!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 2:02 p.m. LoriCitsay

I did volunteer work in a local, non-profit art gallery for a couple of years and it is true that "showing" in a gallery definitely isn't for everyone but as "daniellejewelry" pointed out, most galleries have a gallery gift shop. They usually sell a wide range of things, not just fine art.

The one I was associated with frequently received mailings from artists all over the country and, though the director preferred to carry work from local artists in the gift shop, there were times when inventory was low or needed a "boost". Then we would pull out the file of artists' mailings and contact them.

So it might be worth the effort (and cost) to develop a marketing package that you can send out to galleries.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. twigsandheather

This is all very interesting. I think that there is nothing like showing and and seeing art in a gallery setting.

There also seems to be new galleries opening around the country that are owned and operated by people that are artists themselves. They are more willing to give artists the opportunity to show their work even if they have never worked in a gallery setting before.

Etsy has so much diversity...art, craft, high end, low end. This can be an eye opener for not only the sellers here but also the galleries that are searching for new works to display. Etsy has reached many, many people. There is a whole new generation of people who make and appreciate art and craft. It's very exciting!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 2:57 p.m. TashaHussey

Very interesting article.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. hanginmoon

Thank you for the tip

Jan. 16, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. Lunaricsales

I think I may be one of the few that has actually had an INCREASE in sales

Jan. 16, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. sheenajewellery

Thanks for the great article. I was wondering when SNAG would be this year, maybe I will try to make a trip. I have also shown my work in galleries, usually as part of a group exhibition when there was a juried call for entries. I find it a great opportunity to give me incentive to keep creating more involved, thought provoking, one of a kind pieces that I don't make as often these days.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. littlepancakes

wow, that necklace. gorgeous but VERY pricey

Jan. 16, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Beautiful items and a very interesting article

Jan. 16, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. sucree

Thanks for sharing. Lots of helpful info in the comments as well... see a few posts up- SASessories and LoriCitsay. I have been exploring other options for my jewelry and recently booked a private show at a friend's house. A lot of my jewelry is customized, so this seemed like the best fit for me, an initmate gathering. I'll let you know how it goes!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 5:38 p.m. burningimpressions

Thanks for the gallery info. I have just moved to an area between chicago and milwaukee and it seems like they want your money and go on promoting their own art and use the beginner for filling the spaces on their walls. I am a very confident award winning artist and I combine Native American History among other subjects for my inspiration. I am new to etsy and am looking for all the help I can get with this. So if any one has suggestions on promotion please let me know. Thanks hope we chat in the future....Sharon

Jan. 16, 2009 at 6:07 p.m. Krystyna81

The gallery debate is a vital one to every artist.

One aspect that has not been brought up yet is the debate on pricing your work. For example, if you hang an oil painting at a gallery that takes 50%, you need to price accordingly so you get what you want after commission.

But then what do you do when you sell the same piece directly to the buyer? Do you keep your gallery pricing, or offer it "wholesale" because you don't have to pay the 50%?

Some things need to factor in -

If your gallery requires you to frame your work, but does not re-imburse you for framing, then you have to DOUBLE the cost of framing to the buyer (ex - spend $75 framing, add $150 to the price to recoup the cost)

This could put your work out of the buyer's price range.
(That is one reason why I have loved selling on Etsy. If I were to bring my pastels to a gallery, I would have to invest hundreds of dollars in framing (and hope that the patron likes the frame I chose!) On Etsy, I can sell just the art! Saving myself and the buyer some money.)

Also...if you want to cultivate a long-term relationship with buyers, be sure to ask up front if the gallery shares client info. I sell SO much more to clients who have dealt with me directly.

I do appreciate B&M galleries. But I LOVE selling on-line - the personal relationships that I am allowed to develop with my customers, the fact that I can accomodate all of their requests directly, that I can produce great work at a fair price, is all a thrill for me.

PS...next time you have a fine art article...please consider ALL fine art...including painting and drawing. Thank you!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. lsad

Thank you so much for sharing your info.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 6:28 p.m. sarahfburns

I'm very glad to see Etsy addressing art this week. I love using Etsy, it's positive, easy to use, and I love buying the handmade items, purses, jewelry etc, but art seemed to have been on the periphery. I'm grateful for the attention the Etsy admins are giving to the subject.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 6:29 p.m. jamieribisi

It would be nice if an "art" article included visual art and not applied arts.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. VedaArts

i once ran this little gallery with a bunch of my friends from college called Test Pattern. my favorite show (although I'm a painter) was a sculpture show of raw ceramic art.
and the most famous contemporary fine artist damien hirst sold his collection of pickled animals for over 100 million!
i think the we are redefining the term fine art.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. gretchenmist

great topic! i have to say that i love etsy because i can make art and sell it and feel part of a community :)

pre-etsy i was looking into the gallery option and found that it would have been a huge financial investment/risk. on top of all the costs already mentioned {commission, set up costs, marketing etc} is the actual fee that most galleries charge for an exhibition. and there is generally a waiting period of 6-12 months . . . not an easy way to start out! but it is something that i'd love to do down the track tho, a nice dream!
thanks Don and Etsy for this article, am looking forward to the next lot :)

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:07 p.m. RetroLane

great article! Thanks for sharing!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. simplylovlee

thanks for the tips too!!!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:38 p.m. DonFriedlich

I'm so pleased you have found the article helpful. Your comments have made this a very gratifying experience. Thank you all. Stay tuned for the next installments.

It's late and I'm off to sleep shortly, so I won't go into great detail, but I do want to respond to Danielle, who made some great points. In hindsight I should have defined the term gallery at the beginning of the article. It is such a vague term with different meanings to different people. Thanks Danielle, for raising this subject and addressing it so well.

Jan. 17, 2009 at 12:23 a.m. ArtbyElizabethBauman

Great article and I look forward to seeing more. I agree with gretchenmist that the gallery option for an artist who is not established in their community is very challenging. Sites like Etsy (and Flickr, blogs, etc.) have made it much easier to get your work out to the public and I am so grateful!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 1:30 a.m. ShanaAstrachan

Thanks Don. Happy to see this article!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 2:02 a.m. jainesplace

Just goes to show you never stop learning! Good information to have...

Jan. 17, 2009 at 3:11 a.m. Iammie

nice article, thanks

Jan. 17, 2009 at 3:46 a.m. AlienBacon

art vs commerce - the eternal struggle...

Jan. 17, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. thebestvintage

I really appreciate these articles!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. katesbeads828

I'm really looking for any idea I can help to boost my sales in my store..(I don't even have one) and this article was very informative.

Jan. 17, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. beautifulbridget

Great article! Thanks for the info!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. AngelaGerhard

Don, thanks so much for the article. I didn't know that you would be involved with the next SNAG PDS. This is a great article, and it is refreshing to see this topic being discussed here on Etsy. I had some work at SOFA Chicago this past year. It is most certainly a different venue, but each gallery owner and situation is unique in terms of how they work with artists. The best will help support your growth as an artist and partner with you to build exposure and, of course, sales.

I also find that the pertinent craft magazines, as you mentioned, are an excellent starting point for those looking to become more acquainted with the types of work different galleries represent. Thanks so much for the article Don, and for including my bracelet too.

Jan. 17, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. kjeporsk

Working part time in a gallery for jewelry I see how many jewelers approach the gallery with postcards, catalogues and such, most of which go straight into the bin! It is heartbreaking! Could you talk a little bit about the way to successfully approach a gallery with your work, or if you would let them find you instead at craft shows, maybe online, or any other way. This probably varies a lot from gallery to gallery, and also depends on hte media the gallery represents.
Many thnkas,
Katja

Jan. 17, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. foru

I agree with sagittariusgallery about not showing at Vanity galleries. It will destroy your reputation if you have to pay someone to show your work in a gallery. Right now most galleries are not looking for new little knows or for unique art. They are going with what they know will sell, due to the economic climate. So don't despair and think that's it's your work. Try to enter well known juried shows to build up your reputation.
good luck to all

until . . .
foru

Jan. 17, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. foru

oh and thanks for the article. I pick up some good info

until . . .
foru

Jan. 17, 2009 at 10:02 p.m. TheCeremonialHome

I very much appreciated this article. I am emerging from showing exclusively through galleries and fine art shows such as the American Craft Council shows. My transistion is from there to here, wishing to expand a more user-friendly, functional, affordable approach to making artful things. I am still a novice at how to make my shop successful on Etsy as this type of retail exposure is brand new for me. From what I have seen here, there are a good many very, very talented artists who, if they are not already, would be excellent "gallery" material. I agree with other writers denouncing vanity galleries. They tend to be predatory and will generally carry far too many artists without much regard as to the quality of the work. Always at some point a saturation level will be reached where there are too many paying artists and not enough slots for all the artists to show their work. That is, unless those who have paid find it was not worth the expense and leave, bitter for the experience.

Jan. 17, 2009 at 11:18 p.m. dac616

Don's article is most timely and raises many questions I encounter each day as a gallery owner. Yes all of you are not gallery material and all galleries are not right for all makers. There were points made in some of the preceeeding posts that I feel need to be expanded on.

I would emphasize the importance of knowing the difference between a gallery and a shop whatever a business calls itself. Galleries do not buy work shops do. One of the most important reasons to be in a relationship with a gallery is the work we do to build a career not just sell work. Career building is typically not a part of a shop's activities and it's something you can't do well with only online representation.

Another post touched on a very touchy subject, pricing. Galleries invest significant time and money promoting their artists, or at least the galleries you would want you work in do. Part of career building is working to increase the prices we can get for an artist's work. So if we can sell your painting or sculpture for 2K you should also be able to sell it for that amount. If in fact you continue to sell you work yourself, not necessarily a good idea, your prices must match those of your galleries. Nothing will end an artist/gallery relationship faster than underselling your gallery.

I think it is important for a gallery to use all its resources to promote their artist. Conversely it is also essential that you as artists go to work for your galleries. Gallery directors need great images of your work to show clients, we need clear communication about your work, and artist statements to help us and our clients understand what you are working on.

As we go forward into the uncharted economic territory ahead it is essential for all of us to underestand and respect the points of view of all parties in the creative process. Your suppliers, galleries/stores, customers and you are all parts of a team and the team can only work for all the players if all the players work together.

Jan. 18, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. fatcrowpress

Thanks for this article. This is always a topic that comes up with any artist. I worked for years in the gallery world and my advice to artists is always to cultivate a local gallery to start with and always stay in touch by dropping by to see how things are going and to get feedback from the owners and staff. This communication will help you with pricing and the best and most effective way to show your work, all of this will help prepare you for Galleries that are out of town. I just know from my experience that artists that called me to say hi and see how their work was doing was never a bother and it bulit a better relationship with the gallery. Feedback is so important. I look for galleries that show work that I enjoy and then I do my homework, how long they have been in bussiness, the artists that they have carried, how many shows they have a year. A lot of galleries have stores that show a variety of work and that is also a good way to start. Always keep your eyes open and keep on top of it, it is possible to have a good experience with a gallery.

Jan. 19, 2009 at 3:41 a.m. galita

Thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts.

waiting for part 2...:)

Jan. 19, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. LacySorbet

I can't wait for part 2!

Jan. 19, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. Perceptions

Great article Don, thank you!

We've shown our work in juried gallery shows in California, Baltimore, Boston, and Pennsylvania. It's a great way to get your work out there, and most juried shows don't charge a big entry fee (watch out for those!)

Nice curated picks, I saw margauxlange's work in the Oct/Nov issue of Bust! Fabulous!

Jan. 20, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. unicajewelry

One of the things that I'm struggling with is pricing and galleries vs. Etsy. I find that many things on Etsy are priced lower than you would find in a gallery & shop. Now, I sell my work at both galleries & shops and feel my work has to carry the same prices on Etsy. Some say that my etsy prices could be a little high. Not sure. If I lower prices on etsy, will I offend gallery, store owners and especially customers who bought something not on etsy & now see my work alot less expensive. Any comments, thoughts?

Jan. 21, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. ValsArtStudio

I don't know if I am going into "taboo territory", but the issue of pricing on etsy is a major one for me, as brought up by unicajewelry. I am involved in a co-op gallery where I pay a monthly rent, and the gallery doesn't take any portion of my sales. Needless to say, I get so many more shoppers in the gallery who can view my product close up and personal, and my gallery sales are huge compared to my etsy sales. I refuse to lower my prices in my etsy shop, and as a result, have very few etsy sales. My husband actually refers to etsy as the sales place for artists who grossly undervalue their work, because, for the most part, the prices are so low. But I do love etsy, all the artistic and craft creativity, and all the support and articles such as this one, so I will keep my etsy shop open. I have to realize that someone might see an item in my shop, and might buy a similar item in another shop for less money, however, few can match my attention to detail in regards to the items I produce. Sadly, there's no way to convey that in my online shop. So, I will definitely stay with my local co-op gallery, and my etsy shop will be on the sidelines, at least for now...

Jan. 21, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. LJNixonartist

Thanks for the article and addressing the needs of fine artists.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. kathleenkrucoff

Very helpful and informative article. Thank you for the insights.

Currently, I am represented by a local gallery and I enjoy the relationship a great deal. In 2009, I have to goal to become represented by several more galleries. I am also working at making my Etsy presence known and increase sales here too.

Feb. 9, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. michon

I show my work in one gallery, and one gallery's gift shop. It is very hard to find a gallery that is a good fit, but if you can find one, it is SO nice to have work in a brick and mortar setting, with someone else doing your marketing for you. I'd love to sell in more galleries, if I can find a few more that really work for my style and price points.

Feb. 13, 2009 at 9:56 p.m. MakeMeOver

Thanks so much for sharing your insights with all of us. I do appreciate the thought of looking further at possible gallery options & such. It is something to think about. Yes, I agree with several who left comments previously, it is often difficult to price items - especially in this economy when many possible clients or customers are all seeking a "good deal". For now, we all have to keep doing the best we can & like you stated - be creative about our marketing & sales options. Keep the ariticles coming!

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