Many artists have a desire to open their own gallery, but few know how much work and thought actually goes into it. In today’s episode, artist and gallerist Tracy Miller shares her experience of running the Tracy Miller Gallery for the last 7 years. Tracy discusses the journey from Fine Artist, to working in a Gallery, then opening her own gallery in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She talks about what type of artists she chose to work with, why she chose the specific location of Manitou Springs, the style of Art of the New West, challenges she overcame when running the business, how to still paint and have time for your own art when running a business, and advice she would give to others looking to open their own gallery. Tracy also talks about her decision to close down her gallery and focus more on her own work as an artist. In this interview, you will hear Tracy talk about:
Her background as a fine artist, and how her experience with wholesale helped her later with becoming well versed in retail.
Her experience working 5 years at an art gallery in downtown Denver, and why she feels working at a gallery before opening one is crucial.
How Tracy Miller Fine Art came to be in 1994, and then evolved into Tracy Miller Gallery in 2011.
Why Tracy chose Manitou Springs, Colorado as the gallery location, and how the mix of tourists and locals was a smart choice for her business.
Why 70% of her sales ship out of state, and the importance of running a good virtual business on social media and your website.
The importance of maintaining studio hours when you are an artist-gallerist.
What Art of the New West means stylistically, and how the wildlife, landscape and Western themes are brought to life in a contemporary and colorful manner.
The vision that Tracy brought to curating a cohesive gallery that some say fits perfectly together like a jigsaw puzzle.
How Tracy chose specific artists for her gallery, and why she recommends working with artists that have tested their art before, engage with their clients and fans, and are active in their own business.
Why gallery owners should know the price points of not only the art in their region, but the city or community as a whole. Crunch the numbers, and know the numbers.
The success principles of “acting as if” and getting involved with your local community to network.
How the internet has changed the way gallerists and artists interact as a collaborative effort rather than separate entities.
Overcoming major business challenges, including two fires, floods and road construction projects around her gallery.
Why Tracy has decided to close the gallery.
Why her profit margin was at least 10% higher than a normal profit margin for retail.
The different types of galleries that artists can open, and the choice they have to feature only their work, or create a space featuring both themselves and others.
Resources:
Tracy Miller Gallery - Facebook
Tracy Miller Fine Art - Instagram
Quotes:
“I wanted to bring the finest in this genre that I could to our region.”
“Little did my artists know how long I stalked them!”
“If you want to be financially successful and sell art, I knew I would have to pick people that had a following and a track record already.”
“It’s a long term career, not a fast overnight career.”
“Do your research and know your market.”
“It comes down to a lot of organization and discipline to paint while you run a gallery.”
“Never turn down the opportunity to promote yourself and meet new people.”
*** This episode is brought to you by the Art Biz Inner Circle. This is a group of unapologetically ambitious artists that my team and I worked with for a year. We help our members with goals, mindset, business strategies, and focus. See ArtBizInnerCircle.com ***
Meg’s commissioned pieces are wins for the community, as they employ local vendors, and simultaneously showcase the beauty and romance of Topsfield.
In this interview, you will hear Meg talk about:
The pivotal experience 20 years back where Meg was commissioned to do a painting for the Topsfield town library.
The story behind the special preserved and protected road that was recommended by locals to Meg as a great subject to paint. Meg called upon her “galaxy of artists” and decided to leave some of the windy road landscape to the viewer’s imagination.
How Meg’s idea of the Topsfield Town Hall addition project presented a challenge with no patron and no donor, and how she enlisted the perfect patron for this project.
The “10 Million Dollar” problem of the town hall project, and the feeling that Meg had of not wanting the beauty of the piece to become tainted by community politics.
The homework Meg did to fully understand and articulate the process of tax exemption when writing a letter to her potential donor.
The interesting release schedule Meg activated for her installation, which kept the town aware of the work but not completely in the know about who the donor was.
Meg’s dedication to seeing that the entirety of this project was kept local, including the printer, photographer, and the framer.
How the sales of the prints are divided up both in labor and earnings.
Why networking on LinkedIn is important for any artist looking for the next commercial opportunity.
What we can expect next from Meg, and a peek into the new commission she is very excited about.
Resources:
Quotes:
“I was afraid someone else would beat me to making the art. That’s what did it and got myself out there.” - Meg
“We need to speak the language of lay people, especially when we ask them for big sums of money.” - Meg
“When you find a donor for your artwork, the entity has to take care of that work and agree to take it on.” - Alyson
“I probably put about 500 hours for that painting. I was waking up at 3:30am every day.” - Meg
“Everything was in town.” - Meg
*** This episode is brought to you by the Art Biz Inner Circle. This is a group of unapologetically ambitious artists that my team and I work with for a year. We help our members with goals, mindset, business strategies, and focus. See ArtBizInnerCircle.com ***
After witnessing artist groups from the outside and within over nearly 3 decades, I’ve been thinking a lot about artist group dynamics. In this podcast, I share with you my thoughts on this topic. It’s just me talking, so it’s shorter than most of my episodes.
Here’s what I share:
Take notes because this could save you a lot of frustration when you’re trying to find your tribe.
*** This episode is brought to you by the Art Biz Inner Circle. This is a group of unapologetically ambitious artists that my team and I work with for a year. We help our members with goals, mindset, business strategies, and focus. See ArtBizInnerCircle.com ***
Mary says she paints so that she can buy real estate so that she can collect art - paintings by other artists. You’ll hear all about it in this episode. You’ll also hear about:
I hope Mary’s story inspires you to become wise with your finances.
See Mary’s art at MaryEricksonArt.com
*** This episode is brought to you by the Art Career Success System: a step-by-step system to implement for growth no matter where you are in your art business. See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com***
In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Helen and I discuss:
See Helen’s art at HelenHiebertStudio.com and subscribe to her podcast, Paper Talk.
See images of what was discussed on the podcast and leave a comment at https://artbizblog.com/hh-income-streams-podcast.
*** This episode is brought to you by Art Biz Coach mastermind workshops that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com***
In this episode, Alyson talks with Dianna about the steps she took to make sure that her first year back as a full-time artist was going to be a successful one. She reveals:
See Dianna’s art at DFritzlerArt.com
*** This episode is brought to you by the Art Career Success System: a step-by-step system to implement for growth no matter where you are in your art business. See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com***
While many artists would have given up when faced with the trials Annie had, she met the challenge and continues to challenge herself.
This is the story of a true artist - an artist who has something to say and is committed to making sure her voice is heard … her art seen.
See Annie’s art at AnnieSalness.com
*** This episode is brought to you by Art Biz Coach mastermind workshops that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com***
See David’s work at DavidPaulBayles.com
*** This episode is brought to you by Big Table Art Retreats - exclusive artist mastermind retreats that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com***
See Elaine’s art at ElaineKehew.com.
*** This episode is brought to you by Big Table Art Retreats - exclusive artist mastermind retreats that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com ***
Kiffanie, who owns theartistsjd.com has developed the Creative Business Model Canvas to help you home in on legal priorities. Find it here: