Posted by Rob Greebon on November 1, 2009 at 4:51 PM
I'm coming to this board for some wisdom. I've lurked here for a while enjoying the great photographers and learning from everyone. Now, I have been invited to place ~ 20 photos into a gallery.
Initially, I was very excited, but when I start to look at costs, plus the fact that the gallery expects a 50/50 split on commission, my profits go way down to where I'm barely breaking even. The gallery suggested raising my prices, but I think those prices would be unrealistic in today's ecomony unless your last name was Fielder.
Is it worth it to start getting my name out there? Or is it better to go another route? I currently place photos in Starbucks and various cafes and always get 100% of the sales (yes, that is great). I do realize galleries expect commission. No problem there. But what do you guys do that don't have your own gallery? Is this a necessary evil to getting started and getting your name out there?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks!
Roger
Posted by Joe Rogers on November 1, 2009 at 9:55 PM
If you are trying to establish yourself consider this as part of the promotion cost instead of a money making venture. Also, what would it hurt to raise your prices? Maybe they know their customers better than you and you might even be surprised to find your work worth more than you think......it sometimes can be very hard to realisticly evaluate your own work.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Rob Greebon on November 1, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Thanks, Joe. I appreciate your input. Good things to consider.
Posted by Howard Cheek on November 2, 2009 at 8:51 AM
It's worth it if you let go of the idea of making much money at.
I was also recently invited to exhibit my work. It's costly, yes.
But the experience overall was very positive.
I will have to market the left-overs at local galleries when the exhibit ends, so it can be a bit of a pain..
No pain, no gain
Posted by Chris Rice on November 2, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Roger;
As a gallery owner I can tell you that if you want to get your name out there, you must 'pay to play', and most galleries' commissions are equivalent with split revenue. A few things to consider are: hours of operation, reputation of gallery from a sales perspective, is it in an 'art district' where there is some event like a First Friday? Knowing this information may help you decided if its worth doing. In my opinion, its worth doing simply for the experience -- and the opportunity to get your work in front of faces. You never know until you try! Good luck! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a note!
Discussion
4 repliesInitially, I was very excited, but when I start to look at costs, plus the fact that the gallery expects a 50/50 split on commission, my profits go way down to where I'm barely breaking even. The gallery suggested raising my prices, but I think those prices would be unrealistic in today's ecomony unless your last name was Fielder.
Is it worth it to start getting my name out there? Or is it better to go another route? I currently place photos in Starbucks and various cafes and always get 100% of the sales (yes, that is great). I do realize galleries expect commission. No problem there. But what do you guys do that don't have your own gallery? Is this a necessary evil to getting started and getting your name out there?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks!
Roger
Joe Rogers
I was also recently invited to exhibit my work. It's costly, yes.
But the experience overall was very positive.
I will have to market the left-overs at local galleries when the exhibit ends, so it can be a bit of a pain..
No pain, no gain
As a gallery owner I can tell you that if you want to get your name out there, you must 'pay to play', and most galleries' commissions are equivalent with split revenue. A few things to consider are: hours of operation, reputation of gallery from a sales perspective, is it in an 'art district' where there is some event like a First Friday? Knowing this information may help you decided if its worth doing. In my opinion, its worth doing simply for the experience -- and the opportunity to get your work in front of faces. You never know until you try! Good luck! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a note!