My first job out of college was working in the office of a small craft/jewelry gallery. One of my responsibilties was shipping and receiving all the artwork and jewelry pieces that came in and out of the gallery. It was there that I learned some of the in and outs of shipping artwork. And also where I witnessed some terrible packing/shipping mistakes made by some of the artists.

 

In this global economy, it is entirely likely that you will find it necessary at some point to ship some of your artwork to a customer or to a gallery. Shipping artwork requires a special skillset that many of us don't have and very few of us are lucky enough to have someone show us the ropes.

 

It's been a long time since I've shipped work for a gallery so I thought I'd point you to someone who is still in the gallery biz and has recently published his own very comprehensive tutorial outlining how he ships 2d artwork, Jason Horejs of Xanadu Gallery in Scottdale Arizona. He's got all sorts of tips and tricks for safely packing artwork and the experience to back it up.

 

Up next, how to ship 3D artwork.

When you apply to a gallery or art show, make sure you follow the instructions on the prospectus.

 

Not doing so is disrespectful and may result in your submission being thrown out.

 

Pay attention to the following:

 

• How to apply (direct submission, Zapp etc)
• Eligibilty requirements such as residency/location, age, experience
• media/style accepted
• image requirements (number of images, file type and image size, labeling/file name)
• required jury/booth fees
• submission deadlines

 

 

Fill out your form completely and honestly. Don't leave any required fields blank (or heaven forbid lie) - and if you don't understand something, ask for clarification.

 

More about Applying to Art Shows:

Oops! You're Insured Right?

You Want to Ship What?

How Will it Hang?

Don't Split Your Personality

Give Us Your Best Shot(s)

Get the Right Fit

Do a Background Check

When you show your artwork, you need to think about insurance. Unfortunately, sometimes items can get broken/damaged during install or evenwhile on display.

 

Some galleries/venues provide insurance for artwork while it is in their possession, but many do not. Make sure you are clear on the insurance policies of the venue.

 

If you need to provide your own insurance speak to a company/agent that is familiar with insuring artist's work and make sure they cover work that is out of your possession for display purposes.

 

Many assume that their homeowner's policy will cover their artwork - it won't. Your standard business policy may apply - but don't count on it.

 

Work that is covered in your studio may not be covered outside of it. You may need a special rider on your policy.

 

There are some policies that provide "wall to wall" coverage. They cover your studio, in transit and in the gallery/venue.

 

Above all, do your research and make sure you are clear on what is and what is not covered.

 

More about Applying to Art Shows

Previous:

You Want to Ship What?

How Will it Hang?

Don't Split Your Personality

Give Us Your Best Shot(s)

Get the Right Fit

Do a Background Check

 

Next: Follow the Instructions

 

If you are applying to a gallery show out of town, chances are you will need to ship your work to them.

 

Shipping artwork has it's own set of challenges. There are several facors you'll need to take into account. Most major carriers have pretty good info on their websites. Do a little research online so you can be a bit more prepared.

 

First there's the cost - shipping can be really expensive: weight = $, additionally oversize often costs more. Check out the online rate charts and see what size limitations may apply. Keep in mind that your packing materials will add to both the final weight and final size of your items.

 

Think about insurance - some carriers won't insure "Art". You may choose to go without freight insurance, but then you'll need to decide whether you can tolerate not being compensated if your work is lost or damaged in transit. If you need to insure your work, make sure that the shipping company will actually pay damages on the type of work you are sending.

 

Learn how to package your work properly. Most carriers have guidelines for how things should be packed. I used to receive pieces for a craft gallery and believe me I've seen some pretty funky stuff in regards to improperly packed artwork. Here's the deal - if you pack it improperly and it is damaged in transit, it's your problem - not the shipping company's - regardless of whether it's insured or not. Make sure you follow the carrier's requirements for shipping regarding packing materials, double-boxing, etc.

 

Think about the fragility of the items you wish to send. Some pieces are extremely fragile and may be more subject to damage in transit, no matter how carefully you pack them.

 

Also, keep in mind that in the event that your piece does not sell at the show, it will have to be shipped back to you. You will probably have to foot the bill for the return shipping costs. Check with the venue regarding their policies for return shipments.

 

Some venues do not have storage space for packing materials - this may cause issues. If they are willing to store and re-use your packing, make sure it is sturdy enough for a return trip. It's also not a bad idea to mark your name on it somewhere so your artwork actually has a chance of being returned in your packaging. You may also have to provide a preprinted and/or prepaid return label.

 

Make sure repacking your artwork for return is a fairly straight forward job. If it is difficult to repack, the gallery staff may have trouble with it and you may not be happy with the results.

 

Thinking about shipping before applying to a show may save you from scrambling at the last minute to properly pack your work or being surprised by an exhorbitant freight charge when you go to ship it.

 

More About Applying to Art Shows

Previous:

How Will it Hang?

Don't Split Your Personality

Give Us Your Best Shot(s)

Get the Right Fit

Do a Background Check

 

Next: Oops! You're Insured Right?