I did it! I had my first exhibition last weekend in Knokke-Heist (Belgium) at the Grand Casino, and what a rollercoaster it was… a pivotal moment in my career as an artist.
Even though I didn’t sell anything, the venue and experience were amazing. Meeting fellow artists, collectors, gallery owners, friends, and family was so heartwarming. It felt like it was my birthday and everybody was joining my party! 😀
Each contact was so nice. I received so many compliments, and yes, some were brutally honest! But hey, I want to learn, so those were extremely valuable too.
What went well?
- I prepared my exhibition extremely well. I used a planning and a to-do list to track all items into the tiniest details.
- I had a nice collection of paintings (framed and signed).
- I used reusable labels with QR codes and prices.
- I had pre-printed certificates of authenticity and digital invoices (in case I would sell 😃).
- I had lots of goodies as giveaways (flyers, business cards, and postcards), which I placed in my handmade pedestal (hollow and could be opened).
- I took a lot of care of my brand (adding logos on top of all my printed material).
- My spot at the exhibition was perfect (didn’t have a say in it).
- The Airbnb stay was near the casino and perfect.
- Four best friends supported me greatly during the event, which helped me in not losing any interested guests
What could I have done better?
- Next exhibition, I will work with a price list instead of adding the prices already on the labels. This will help in starting a conversation (not to bargain, because I don’t believe in that).
- Maybe show more smaller works, which are less costly, and people are more likely to buy.
- As an A/B test, I showed multiple figurative works and a series of three abstract paintings. Some really liked it, but one gallery owner said: ‘it’s better to show one style’.
- Giving away postcards of my artwork worked really well. However, I tried to catch email addresses but somehow didn’t dare to ask for them.
- Also, having a clear Instagram QR code printed on paper helps in gaining more followers and tracking your visitors.
Next steps
- Work on smaller pieces to keep the flow going, but also to take a bit of rest.
- With the leftover flyers, I will go to a new build area in my village and see if they might be interested in my art.
- Check out online auctions to see what people are willing to pay for my work.
- Do some research on Saatchi. Heard quite some positive feedback about that platform.
- Check out if there are more local events to attend.
- Update my website and take it to a higher level.
- Visit local shops, hotels, and/or restaurants to see if they are interested in hanging my work.
- Write to/visit galleries.
Looking back on Thursday evening. The opening night came to an end, and I was standing on the balcony, watching the fireworks. Then I became quite emotional.
Remembering all the countless hours of preparing, painting, framing, and planning, and saying no to multiple occasions, like my son asking: “Dad, can we play tennis?” Especially that last one was quite tough to say no to…
Nevertheless, this personal journey was really worth it. I had to prove to myself that I can do this, and now I can finally say confidently that I am an artist and that I do earn this spot among other artists. It really makes me want to pursue this endeavor even further.
My tip to you, whatever dream or hobby you have, take a jump! Start believing in yourself. Carry on and never give up! You’re worth it!
Cheers,
Roman
