Art consignment is a common way for artists to sell their artwork through a gallery or other art dealer. In a consignment arrangement, the artist retains ownership of the artwork until it is sold, and the gallery or dealer takes a percentage of the sale as commission. In this blog post, we will explore how art consignment works and how to prepare for it.
Find the right gallery or dealer: The first step in preparing for art consignment is to find the right gallery or dealer to work with. Research different galleries and dealers to find ones that specialize in the type of art you create and that have a good reputation in the art world.
Understand the consignment agreement: Before you agree to consign your artwork, make sure to carefully review and understand the consignment agreement. The agreement should outline the commission rate, the duration of the consignment period, and any other terms and conditions.
Price your artwork appropriately: When consigning your artwork, it's important to price it appropriately. Consider factors such as the size of the piece, the materials used, and your level of experience as an artist. Work with the gallery or dealer to determine a fair price that takes into account their commission rate.
Prepare your artwork for display: Once you have agreed to consign your artwork, you will need to prepare it for display. This may include framing or mounting the artwork, as well as ensuring that it is clean and in good condition.
Stay in communication with the gallery or dealer: During the consignment period, it's important to stay in communication with the gallery or dealer. Keep them informed about any updates or changes to your artwork, and check in regularly to see how sales are going.
Retrieve unsold artwork at the end of the consignment period: At the end of the consignment period, any unsold artwork should be returned to you. Make sure to communicate with the gallery or dealer about the timeline for returning your artwork and any necessary paperwork or documentation.
Art consignment can be a great way for artists to sell their artwork through a gallery or dealer. By finding the right partner, understanding the consignment agreement, pricing your artwork appropriately, preparing your artwork for display, staying in communication, and retrieving unsold artwork at the end of the consignment period, you can ensure a successful consignment experience.