How to Get Your Art in Front of Galleries: The Ultimate Guide for Rising Artists

Gallery representation is the holy grail for many artists. It signals that your work is recognised and respected in the art world. It opens doors to new opportunities, wider exposure, and a curated network of collectors and curators. I can attest to this because in the past I’ve had the privilege to participate in a couple exhibitions. I know firsthand how important it is to approach galleries professionally. If you want to get your work displayed, there are a few key things you need to consider to make sure you’re ready. In this guide, I’ll break down the essential steps to working with galleries and how you can best position yourself for success.

Portfolio Power: Curating Your Visual Identity

Your portfolio is your ticket into the gallery world. As an emerging artist, it’s important to have a portfolio that represents both your technical skill and your creative vision. A solid portfolio should include at least 25 to 30 finished pieces. This is enough to show your abilities, but not too many that it feels overwhelming. The work should reflect a cohesive theme or concept, so galleries can easily understand your artistic voice.

When I put together my art portfolio, I always ensure the photographs of the artwork are high quality. It sounds obvious, but bad photos can undermine your work. High-quality images allow gallery owners to appreciate the details and impact of the art, so don’t skimp on this. Along with your images, you should also include an artist bio, artist statement, and CV. Your bio should briefly tell your story—where you’re from, your background, and how you got to where you are. The artist statement should explain what drives you to create and what you want viewers to experience when they see your work. If you’ve exhibited before or have notable achievements, don’t forget to include them on your CV.

First Impressions: Why Presentation Makes or Breaks You

Presentation is key. Whether it’s a digital portfolio or a physical one, you need to make sure your work looks polished and professional. Let’s be honest, Instagram and social media just don’t cut it when it comes to the level of professionalism needed for gallery submissions. While these platforms are great for visibility, they’re not the place to showcase your work for serious consideration.

Having a personal website is nearly essential for today’s artists. A well-designed site allows galleries, collectors, and curators to view your work at any time, in a professional format. It’s a dynamic portfolio that you can update regularly with new work, upcoming exhibitions, or press features. Not only does a personal website give you control over how your work is presented, but it also makes you appear organized, dedicated, and serious about your career.

Along with a professional website, one of the best things you can do is to secure a professional email address. Instead of using something like “artlover123@gmail.com,” opt for a domain-specific email like “yourname@yourwebsite.com.” This adds an extra layer of integrity and shows that you’re committed to managing your career with attention to detail.

I know it can feel overwhelming to build a website from scratch, but the good news is it’s easier than you think. If you don’t have a website yet its also fine, just make sure your PDF submission is clear, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Galleries are very busy, and they appreciate straightforward, well-organized presentations. When you submit my own work, galleries always look for that level of professionalism because it shows them that the artist takes their craft seriously.

Show Me the Track Record: Proven Success Equals Trust

Having a proven track record is important for an artist looking to work with galleries. That doesn’t mean you need to have exhibited at major venues right away, but it does help to have experience. Participating in group exhibitions, local shows, and even online art events shows that you’re committed to your craft and gaining exposure.

For example, when I was starting out, I focused on smaller, local exhibitions. Even though I didn’t have a solo show at a major gallery, I still built up my exhibition history by showing in smaller spaces and community events. That track record helped me build confidence as an artist and also made gallery owners more comfortable considering me for exhibitions.

If you haven’t exhibited yet, it’s important to seek out those opportunities. Look for open calls and art competitions to get your foot in the door. In South Africa, there are some excellent art competitions and open calls that can give you a platform to showcase your work. Some key competitions include:

• Sasol New Signatures Art Competition: This prestigious competition searches for new artistic talent across South Africa and offers winners a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum.
• Absa L’Atelier Art Competition: One of the most well-known art competitions in Africa, offering young artists a chance to gain international recognition and exhibit their work globally.
• Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Award; is a prestigious South African art competition that celebrates excellence in portraiture, offering a top prize of R150,000. As an artist, entering provides incredible exposure, with the chance to have your work showcased in a highly respected exhibition. It’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself, gain recognition, and connect with the local art community
• VANSA (Visual Arts Network of South Africa: is an amazing resource for artists like me who are looking for opportunities, funding, and connections in the art world. They regularly share calls for exhibitions, residencies, and grants, making it easier to find ways to grow my career. If you’re an artist, I highly recommend checking them out—it’s a game-changer for getting involved in the creative community and discovering exciting new opportunities.

These competitions are such a fantastic way to gain exposure, connect with other artists, and take your career to the next level—I highly recommend checking them out and applying! Plus, we also host our own annual in-house watercolour competition, where winners receive an exciting hamper filled with art materials to fuel creativity and inspire new ideas. If you love working with watercolours (or want to give it a try), this is the perfect chance to showcase your talent and have some fun.

Network Like a Pro: The Art of Building Relationships

Networking is critical. The art world is all about relationships—both with other artists and with galleries. I’ve learned from personal experience that being active in the art community is just as important as creating your work. Attending gallery openings, art fairs, and exhibitions—even if you’re not exhibiting yourself—helps you make connections that can lead to future opportunities. Sign up to their mailing list be in the loop know what’s happening on the ground.

Social media is also a great tool for networking. Instagram, for example, has been a huge platform for me to connect with curators, other artists, and galleries. But it’s not just about posting your work; it’s about engaging with others, commenting on their work, and starting conversations. The more visible you are in the community, the more likely it is that a gallery will take notice of you.

In my own career, some of the best opportunities came from networking at events or through online connections. Sometimes, a simple conversation at a gallery opening or an online message can lead to bigger things. Networking isn’t about trying to sell yourself immediately; it’s about building long-term relationships and being part of the art world’s ongoing dialogue.

Materials Matter: Why Cheap Art Supplies Don’t Cut It

As an artist, the materials you use matter the most. This is the most important part and I cannot stress this enough. It will make or break your career as an artist. Investing in quality materials is crucial for creating artwork that stands the test of time. When I started out, I used whatever I could afford, but I quickly realized that materials matter more than I initially thought. Low-quality paints, canvases, or papers can lead to fading or cracking over time, which not only diminishes the value of your work but can also affect its longevity. Rest assured, at our store, we stock some of the finest quality materials—sourced internationally to meet the highest standards. Whether you’re looking for premium paints, canvases, or framing options, our friendly and knowledgeable sales team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you have the right materials to bring your vision to life and present your work professionally.

From a gallery’s perspective, when they considering an artist’s work, they want to know that it’s made with archival-quality materials that will last. High-quality materials also make a noticeable difference in the presentation of the work—rich pigments, smooth surfaces, and professional finishes all contribute to the piece’s overall impact. You s Also. But it’s not just about what you use to create the artwork—it’s also about how you present it. Framing is often an overlooked aspect, but it makes a huge difference in how the work is viewed. When it comes to works on paper, framing is essential. A well-chosen frame not only protects the piece from environmental factors like dust, light, and humidity, but it also elevates the overall presentation. It gives the work a professional look and enhances its visual impact, drawing attention to the artwork itself rather than distracting from it.

For works on paper, consider using museum-quality framing with UV-protective glass to prevent fading over time. The frame should complement the artwork without overshadowing it—neutral tones like black, white, or natural wood are often a safe choice, but the style can depend on the aesthetic of the work. As an artist, framing shows that you care about your work and how it’s presented. It’s a small investment that can make a significant difference, especially when you’re presenting to galleries.

I know that quality materials can be expensive, especially for emerging artists, but even on a budget, it’s better to focus on fewer, well-made pieces than to produce a larger volume of work with subpar materials. Over time, investing in quality will pay off—not only in the longevity of your work but also in your reputation as a serious artist. Remember galleries are in the business of making money so its in their best interest to sell high quality work.

In Conclusion: Making Your Mark in the Art World

When it comes to working with galleries, the process isn’t always straightforward, but there are clear steps you can take to improve your chances. Building a strong portfolio, maintaining a proven track record of exhibitions, networking with other artists and curators, and investing in quality materials all contribute to a successful career in the gallery world.

Remember, galleries want to work with artists who are dedicated, professional, and serious about their practice. It’s a competitive space, but when you approach your career with these things in mind, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. Whether you’re just starting or already have some experience, keep pushing forward. The gallery opportunities you’re working toward are closer than you think.