Love that you are introducing profiles in recent videos so that audience could see which profile they are closer to and make choices based on them. Great work Mo.
Hey 👋 Taaye, thanks for your message 😇 I will try a few different things and find what brings most value for the viewers. It’s like hit or miss, until I try, I never know 😉
Thanks for making a video on the topic! Also I feel honored/shy that my question sparked an idea for a video! I had no idea vanity galleries existed until one approached me and I did my research on it. This will be great for others to start thinking about, because maybe they had no idea too!
Thanks for the idea! There is another thing very common - paid to enter competitions. It's such a prospering business (legal and legit though). Have you participated in one of them? How was your experience?
@@VeryPrivateGallery I've only entered one for $50. (1st place being $1,000 prize) I made it to the 2nd round of judging (of 3). I just saw another competition today, but it's $100 to enter. But the rewards are extreme, like $100,000. Honestly I don't like the idea of paying to enter when it's open to all skill levels. How do you even stand a chance? Or is it just for exposure? If you win a prize, they usually keep your artwork. How do I feel about that? Unsure. Especially if the prize is very small. I hope this information helps!
This is a really interesting video because here in Australia it's completely normal for the artist to pay for the space, so the vanity gallery concept isn't so much of a thing- it's just what artists do, even really established ones.
Hi Jodie, Thanks for sharing! I lived in Sydney briefly back when I was in my early 20s - almost two decades ago! I went to a biannual once with my prof. That was like my very limited experience with the art world in Australia. Would love to come back and visit one day.
Hi Maiyaki, thanks for watching! As I was uploading this video, I received some 'open calls for artists' emails from some 'international gallery'. Have you received those open calls (paid to enter)? Have you participated in one of them?
Thank you for this video! The vanity art gallery model seems to be very predatory to me, especially since these sort of spaces have the tendency to target unexperienced emerging artist who have no framework or vast past experience with other exhibiting spaces to compare it to. In my opinion, it would be a more worthwhile investment to take the money these galleries charge (provided you have said expendable funds) and put it towards an established, well known art fair in a major metropolitan city near you. This way you get much more foot traffic, exposure and potential clients. And even if you don't sell much, it's still a great way to network and and see your work in context with other practicing artists, which might help you forge a way to better opportunities.
Yes, it's very likely that vanity galleries are charging excessive prices and catering to artists who may not be familiar with market rates. While art fairs can be a great option, it's worth noting that many only permit galleries to participate, with only a select few allowing individual artists to showcase their work. An alternative option for artists could be to rent a pop-up space and exhibit their artwork independently nearby a concurrent art fair. This would be a great idea for artists who have permits to work as self-employed. Otherwise the artist would have legal issues regarding employment - at least that's the case in Europe and China. Life is so complicated! That's why those vanity galleries exist, to provide one stop shop for artists to get into the market.
@@VeryPrivateGallery Yes that's true regarding most fairs, though not all. I dont know the workaround in other countries, but here in Canada we have several avenues for independent artists without representation to exhibit in large art fairs that draw very substantial crowds every year that are catered specifically towards artists without representation. All the ones I know of take place in major cities. I know of several art fairs like that in the States as well, though I am less familiar with the scene down there. Very interesting to hear about the work permit issue on top of everything. Definitely something to consider that I did not think about. Too many hurdles to maneuver to get into the art market as an emerging artist!
I have a question regarding licence to sell art in Europe. Do you mean people who live outside Europe would need a licence or everyone needs it, including residents of EU countries?
There are lots of pages on instagram that offer exposure for a fee. quality varies; some will take anybody with cash, some have curators who aren't afraid to say no. In some cases, you can get 20K quality views for 30 bucks.
The term VANITY GALLERY is sort of made fun of . I've never gone that route but it may work for someone that wants to test the waters of a certain area of a city or town they are not to familiar with. It is another land mine artists must look out for . Thank you for this subject.
Hi David! Yes when I first heard of this term, I was like… vanity fair, bathroom vanities… many words just came to my mind. If you think of it, all art fairs are “vanity fairs” (paid to show), like many other businesses in general. I don’t think it’s “bad” or “evil”, but there are so many scams going around, making the whole thing seem skittish.
I received an invite from a gallery vanity and now I'm sad because i feel like my art must be junk 😂 i have been in 3 local galleries though.....but still 🥺
Hi, thank for sharing about the art world with us. I have a question ; I have an invitation from 2 galleries to exhibit my work 1) AN established gallery in the heart of Rome since 2009, they asked for fees based in the duration of the exhibition in their gallery. 20% commission. In the agreement, it's stated that my art will be displayed throughout the duration and have the flexibiliy to exchange the art with another before d end of the exhibition or is the art is sold before the end the exhibition. My heart tells me that they are genuine and very established. The 2nd invitation came from Madrid. A new gallery established in 2021. They asked for 1.2k to sign a 1 year contract. This included my dream of having my paintings exhibited in Paris Art Fair and I can also attend. Also, a 15 days group exhibition in their gallery, in the heart of Madrid. And that's it. The rest of the months, 300 over days, my paintings will be in their storage, or if I am lucky that they remember my paintings, if someone walks in to their gallery and ask for advise for their home art , they will recommend mine. Extra promotion will be that the paintings will be on ARTSY and ARTSPER. Their asked commission is 30%. My heart is drawn to this only because for the Paris Art Fair honestly. Its really everyone's dream yo exhibit. I appreciate your comments. Thank you.
Vanity galleries… they are generally not worth it unless you have the money. If you have the money, why not making pop ups? My concern is the control - it sounds like during the time you don’t have much say about what happens to your art. What are the things you don’t have - among money, time, energy, connections (networks)? Pay for the things you lack the most, that you can’t reach on your own. The rest you can do it by yourself, you get more control.
The 2nd invitation is written on my 1st message to you. The only thing that attracts me is Paris Art Fair! It's every artist's dream. But it's a 1 year contact with an additional 15 days group exhibition in their Gallery in Madrid. D rest, it wl be in the storage besides being promoted on their Artsy. What is your opinion on this? Netherlands is a country that the galleries are extremely narrow minded when comes to inviting mid rise artist like myself. We don't have such opportunity where galleries do open call to artist without a neverending long resume. Hence, I cross the border to expose my work. Pop Up store came across my mind. Thanks.
@@leemegan619 I just met a group of art and culture dealers based in the Netherland. They told me about the business situation - to he honest, Spain is way worse. To even become an artist, legally you need to register just like a dentist or a lawyer. There are so much red tapes for emerging artists. The art business environment is harsh in Madrid. If you are okay with showing your art and not be able to sell any - then go for it! Especially if you have the budget. But I would not opt for any of the options if I were you. I would invest in other things.
@@leemegan619 If you can get into some artist communities or associations, you can participate in group shows. That should help build your résumé until the next big thing.
Love that you are introducing profiles in recent videos so that audience could see which profile they are closer to and make choices based on them. Great work Mo.
Hey 👋 Taaye, thanks for your message 😇 I will try a few different things and find what brings most value for the viewers. It’s like hit or miss, until I try, I never know 😉
Thanks for making a video on the topic! Also I feel honored/shy that my question sparked an idea for a video!
I had no idea vanity galleries existed until one approached me and I did my research on it. This will be great for others to start thinking about, because maybe they had no idea too!
Good topic to pick!
Thanks for the idea! There is another thing very common - paid to enter competitions. It's such a prospering business (legal and legit though). Have you participated in one of them? How was your experience?
@@VeryPrivateGallery I've only entered one for $50. (1st place being $1,000 prize) I made it to the 2nd round of judging (of 3). I just saw another competition today, but it's $100 to enter. But the rewards are extreme, like $100,000. Honestly I don't like the idea of paying to enter when it's open to all skill levels. How do you even stand a chance? Or is it just for exposure? If you win a prize, they usually keep your artwork. How do I feel about that? Unsure. Especially if the prize is very small. I hope this information helps!
This is a really interesting video because here in Australia it's completely normal for the artist to pay for the space, so the vanity gallery concept isn't so much of a thing- it's just what artists do, even really established ones.
Hi Jodie, Thanks for sharing! I lived in Sydney briefly back when I was in my early 20s - almost two decades ago! I went to a biannual once with my prof. That was like my very limited experience with the art world in Australia. Would love to come back and visit one day.
@@VeryPrivateGallery I hope you get to. :) If you do, make sure you head to Tasmania to check out MONA. It's a mindblowing space, truly.
That's pretty sad
This will definitely be an eye opener for me
Hi Maiyaki, thanks for watching! As I was uploading this video, I received some 'open calls for artists' emails from some 'international gallery'. Have you received those open calls (paid to enter)? Have you participated in one of them?
Thank you for this video! The vanity art gallery model seems to be very predatory to me, especially since these sort of spaces have the tendency to target unexperienced emerging artist who have no framework or vast past experience with other exhibiting spaces to compare it to. In my opinion, it would be a more worthwhile investment to take the money these galleries charge (provided you have said expendable funds) and put it towards an established, well known art fair in a major metropolitan city near you. This way you get much more foot traffic, exposure and potential clients. And even if you don't sell much, it's still a great way to network and and see your work in context with other practicing artists, which might help you forge a way to better opportunities.
Yes, it's very likely that vanity galleries are charging excessive prices and catering to artists who may not be familiar with market rates. While art fairs can be a great option, it's worth noting that many only permit galleries to participate, with only a select few allowing individual artists to showcase their work. An alternative option for artists could be to rent a pop-up space and exhibit their artwork independently nearby a concurrent art fair. This would be a great idea for artists who have permits to work as self-employed. Otherwise the artist would have legal issues regarding employment - at least that's the case in Europe and China. Life is so complicated! That's why those vanity galleries exist, to provide one stop shop for artists to get into the market.
@@VeryPrivateGallery Yes that's true regarding most fairs, though not all. I dont know the workaround in other countries, but here in Canada we have several avenues for independent artists without representation to exhibit in large art fairs that draw very substantial crowds every year that are catered specifically towards artists without representation. All the ones I know of take place in major cities. I know of several art fairs like that in the States as well, though I am less familiar with the scene down there.
Very interesting to hear about the work permit issue on top of everything. Definitely something to consider that I did not think about. Too many hurdles to maneuver to get into the art market as an emerging artist!
Thanks for that, you have enriched my knowledge!
Hi Keren, Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this video, super helpful!
Pop up show is such a great idea... there are a lot of national (US) initiatives to fill empty store fronts w working artists 🎨
Fantastic video. Thanks
Thank you, that's really helpful to clear the mind.
Best wishes and all my appreciations :)
Thanks for watching!
very good info..👍😊
TY 🔮✨️💗✨️🔮
I have a question regarding licence to sell art in Europe. Do you mean people who live outside Europe would need a licence or everyone needs it, including residents of EU countries?
There are lots of pages on instagram that offer exposure for a fee. quality varies; some will take anybody with cash, some have curators who aren't afraid to say no. In some cases, you can get 20K quality views for 30 bucks.
The term VANITY GALLERY is sort of made fun of . I've never gone that route but it may work for someone that wants to test the waters of a certain area of a city or town they are not to familiar with. It is another land mine artists must look out for . Thank you for this subject.
Hi David! Yes when I first heard of this term, I was like… vanity fair, bathroom vanities… many words just came to my mind. If you think of it, all art fairs are “vanity fairs” (paid to show), like many other businesses in general. I don’t think it’s “bad” or “evil”, but there are so many scams going around, making the whole thing seem skittish.
Land mine is right
I received an invite from a gallery vanity and now I'm sad because i feel like my art must be junk 😂 i have been in 3 local galleries though.....but still 🥺
Don't waste your time, money and expectations on them. It's soul crushing.
Just remember, famous artists in the 1800s did not pay anyone to hang their art. Neither should you.
Many of these 1800s artists right now have their work sold and resold while they're not getting their cut. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Hi, thank for sharing about the art world with us. I have a question ; I have an invitation from 2 galleries to exhibit my work 1) AN established gallery in the heart of Rome since 2009, they asked for fees based in the duration of the exhibition in their gallery. 20% commission. In the agreement, it's stated that my art will be displayed throughout the duration and have the flexibiliy to exchange the art with another before d end of the exhibition or is the art is sold before the end the exhibition. My heart tells me that they are genuine and very established. The 2nd invitation came from Madrid. A new gallery established in 2021. They asked for 1.2k to sign a 1 year contract. This included my dream of having my paintings exhibited in Paris Art Fair and I can also attend. Also, a 15 days group exhibition in their gallery, in the heart of Madrid. And that's it. The rest of the months, 300 over days, my paintings will be in their storage, or if I am lucky that they remember my paintings, if someone walks in to their gallery and ask for advise for their home art , they will recommend mine. Extra promotion will be that the paintings will be on ARTSY and ARTSPER. Their asked commission is 30%. My heart is drawn to this only because for the Paris Art Fair honestly. Its really everyone's dream yo exhibit. I appreciate your comments. Thank you.
Vanity galleries… they are generally not worth it unless you have the money. If you have the money, why not making pop ups? My concern is the control - it sounds like during the time you don’t have much say about what happens to your art.
What are the things you don’t have - among money, time, energy, connections (networks)? Pay for the things you lack the most, that you can’t reach on your own. The rest you can do it by yourself, you get more control.
The 2nd invitation is written on my 1st message to you. The only thing that attracts me is Paris Art Fair! It's every artist's dream. But it's a 1 year contact with an additional 15 days group exhibition in their Gallery in Madrid. D rest, it wl be in the storage besides being promoted on their Artsy. What is your opinion on this? Netherlands is a country that the galleries are extremely narrow minded when comes to inviting mid rise artist like myself. We don't have such opportunity where galleries do open call to artist without a neverending long resume. Hence, I cross the border to expose my work. Pop Up store came across my mind. Thanks.
@@leemegan619 I just met a group of art and culture dealers based in the Netherland. They told me about the business situation - to he honest, Spain is way worse. To even become an artist, legally you need to register just like a dentist or a lawyer. There are so much red tapes for emerging artists. The art business environment is harsh in Madrid. If you are okay with showing your art and not be able to sell any - then go for it! Especially if you have the budget. But I would not opt for any of the options if I were you. I would invest in other things.
@@VeryPrivateGallery thank you...
@@leemegan619 If you can get into some artist communities or associations, you can participate in group shows. That should help build your résumé until the next big thing.