Expert: DJ Murphy - 7/30/2005

Question
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Dear DJ Murphy,

Thanks for the advice. I know there isnt a magic answer, but i think you're probably right that i am going through some mid-career blues.

I've tried most of the ideas you've mentioned. I live in brighton, UK. This year i've gone back to square one and done a few shows in brighton, where i rarely show as    the market is very haphazard. My work is quite large, and my costs are higher what with transporting work from place to place. This is reflected in my prices, although very cheap by comparison to a lot of other artists work, its still high, ie averaging £600 to £1100 per painting, without commision. I tested the water again at a few venues, no success sales-wise but a lot of good feedback which is always great.

I'll continue this policy for a while as its a good way to get instant feedback from the local people, plus its very cheap to show work as fees and commisions are low, and so is transportation. I'm still trying to get a foot in on the london galleries, with mild success mainly through art fairs etc. I'm going the whole hog now and trying as many galleries in the country, just to see what sort of response i get. Transportation is a big money devourer, which has prevented me showing anywhere beyond london, but i need to take this step to widen my chances of success. I'm actively seeking the same from galleries abroad, more really to see how my work is seen and appreciated, more than getting a show, but obviously with the intention of getting a show.

The problem with shows abroad is i have no idea what galleries are good or bad apart from what i read in the art papers and magazines. Unless you have some support from people who do know, its a very tricky and potentially costly experience. I have had offers from galleries in america and canada, all of which ask for fees to show, which along with transportation, will be costly. Art fairs seem to be a good way to show work to a lot of people, especially other gallery owners who are on the lookout for new talent. I had some success with selling work in the affordable art fair in london last year, but nothing from galleries. I had a disasterous time at the new york art expo, which cost me nearly £2000 and no sales. I know it was a gamble, it was one of the biggest art fairs in the world so exposure was huge, but i became pretty disillusioned with this experience. I will try again, a lot of it down to luck and being in the right place at the right time, which is why it pays to show in as many places and venues as possible, but its still tricky.

The arts council have been useful in opening up new areas of dialogue and support, but they too have no magic answers. They did say a mentor may be appropriate for me, which i'm very interested in pursuing, i'm currently trying to arrange something for next year.

One thing i have learnt is to persever, too many of my friends have given up because they couldnt handle the constant rejection, but i've always know n it'll be difficult, and i love what i do too much to give up. I hope i haven't rambled on too much and bored you to death ! The web is an awesome tool for communcating to like-minded people from all over the world.

I dont know what type of work you produce, if you have time i would be interested to know what you think about my work, especially at the moment where my work is going through a bit of a transition !

regards

dipesh



Followup To
Question -
Dear DJ Murphy,

I've been a professional artist for the past 10-11 years. I've regularly shown in exhibitions, opens, competitions, galleries etc, mostly in the UK, but also in the U.S. I do sell work but not enough to make a living from, like many artists my income fluctuates greatly so i've got another job to help pay for the boring things in life, ie mortgages, bills etc. Anyway, i just wanted to ask you if you had any tips for me in my development. Its always a constant struggle and time-consuming to finding the right galleries or locations and spaces to show and sell work. I've never managed to make it to the next stage where further shows arise from shows i've completed, so i'm always searching for the next show, never feeling as if i have any continuity and direction. Every 3-6 months i apply to the same galleries list i have built up over the years, in the mean time applying to new galleries, also internet sites, agencies etc. I have quite a good web presence, which have led to sales. My website is www.dipesh.co.uk, soon to be changed to www.dipeshparmar.com, designed by myself.

I've always been self-funded, getting money out of the arts council, even with help from them, or anyone else is so difficult. I have no desire to work in community projects, workshops, or have any ideas which are not solely representative, so i've very little chance of getting funding just simply to continue developing my work, though i will hope to branch out into printmaking through courses and possibly digial as well, though this is dependant on funding.

I suppose like most artists i find the daily slog a bit wearing, but once you're in the studio working all problems soon dissolve. If you have any tips, ideas, or even galleries and anything else which may be of benefit to me, i'd be most grateful for any knowledge.

regards

dipesh parmar  
Answer -
Dear Mr. Parmar,

Here is what I think you need an answer to "If you have any tips, ideas, or even galleries and anything else which may be of benefit to me, i'd be most grateful for any knowledge."

It sounds as if you hit a mid career plateau and need a new direction or infusion of positive energy.  I wish there was a magic answer to your challenge, but there isn't one that I can think of....except double your efforts in contacting galleries in your area.  You could also begin to plan and execute your own shows in a variety of venues.  Not knowing your location, I would think that the owners of an empty store might rent it to you for a week long exhibition of your work....in which you plan, promote, invite the press, hold an open house reception, etc., to launch a new direction in your career.  There are also bank lobbies, library community rooms, church community rooms, corporate lobbies that you might exhibit your work, if the gallery route doesn't pay off for you (and you get 100%) of the sales.

That is about all I can offer..........other than putting together a CD of your works and sending it to as many galleries as you can follow up with a personal phone call, to discuss getting an interview with the gallery principals.

All the best,

dj murphy  

Answer
Hello once again,

There is a magazine published in the U.S. called Art Calendar (they have a website artcalendar.com) which publishes articles on various aspects of the art world, including marketing for artists.  You might see if you can get a copy, and perhaps write a letter to the editor and explain the same thing to them as you did to me. Perhaps you might get additional insight from their readers.

dj murphy

p.s. Also check galleryguide.com  a website of galleries in the U.S.  I believe they publish an international edition also.