How do I submit digital art to a gallery?

As a digital illustrator, I used to face rejection from traditional galleries when seeking exhibitions. However, the rise of digital art it has opened up opportunities for non-traditional galleries and communities to showcase digital artwork.

• This  blog post is for a digital artist that seeks to exhibit their artwork nationally and internationally at conferences and also digital non-traditional galleries

• In this post, we’ll explain how to network to exhibit your digital art and provide 8 suggestions for you to land your first gallery show.

Why Does it Matter to Exhibit as a Digital Artist?

What makes exhibiting digital artwork in digital galleries, conferences, and community events so crucial for digital artists? Well, from my personal experience, it helps me establish myself as a brand and position myself as a Latina artist every time I showcase my work on an international stage. These are just some of the reasons why I believe it’s essential for digital illustrators to exhibit their art: 

• Exhibiting as an Artist can help you to build your brand: When you exhibit your work in public, you are essentially putting your name and your art out there for the world to see. This can help you to build your brand and establish yourself as a professional artist.

• Opportunity to network and connect with other artists: Exhibiting your work in digital galleries, conferences, and community events is a great way to meet other artists and learn more about the art world. This can be a valuable resource for networking and collaboration.

• Seeing your Art Displayed can keep you motivated: Seeing the work of other artists can be a great way to stay inspired and motivated in your own work. It can also help you to learn new techniques and ideas.

How to exhibit your Digital Artwork in a Gallery?

During the month of April, I had the honor of showcasing my digital illustrations in multiple cities. First on the list was the Una Canción community event in Ciudad de Mexico, organized by artist Max Pretends. It was a fantastic platform for Latin American artists and musicians to exhibit and perform. I showcased my Mujeres collection, which included Marisol Nastasia, Marya, and Pati, all of whom have Mexican roots.

I was very purposeful in my selection process and made sure to feature more Latina artists in this event. Sharing this information doesn’t diminish my opportunity in any way; instead, it helps uplift my community and opens up more opportunities for me. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqvKrhpASoY/

Just a few weeks later, I showcased my digital illustrations at an international conference in New York City. Big shout out to WHIM Canvas and exhibited at the Artist Pavilion located at the Javits Center. Typically, I reach out to conferences that exhibit artists a year in advance to inquire about opportunities to showcase my digital artwork. I advise artists to be cautious of anyone who tries to push them into becoming a vendor and instead expresses interest in being a part of an exhibiting artist.

If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at other artists’ CVs and websites to see where they have exhibited in the past. If you’re interested in exhibiting your digital artwork at conferences, I recommend reaching out through the conference website’s contact forms or via social media direct messages.

Bonus Tip: As an artist, you can also apply to speak at major conferences. For instance, I hosted a panel on Latinas in Technology, where community builders, artists, and founders came together to share their perspectives. Don’t underestimate your ability to be a speaker, even if you primarily identify as an artist.

I’m grateful to be part of an artist community like Searchlight, which provided me with the opportunity to showcase my work at imnotArt, a digital gallery in Chicago. To find artist groups, you can browse social media and search for digital galleries and exhibition openings. Attending events is also helpful – it’s a chance to introduce yourself to gallery owners and other artists and learn about their past and upcoming exhibits. This way, you can explore potential opportunities to apply for the next exhibition.

8 Tips to land your first digital gallery exhibition

Reaching out to digital galleries to showcase your work can provide valuable exposure and sales opportunities to a broader audience. However, it is crucial to ensure that your artwork is not based solely on trends or replicated from artists selling the galleries you approach. Here are some recommended steps to follow when contacting digital galleries for exhibition opportunities:

• Research digital galleries: Look for digital galleries that showcase art that is similar to yours. Check out their websites, social media pages, and reviews to get an idea of their aesthetic, reputation, and audience.
• Prepare your portfolio: Create a portfolio of your best work that showcases your artistic style and range. Make sure your portfolio is well-curated, organized, and easy to navigate. You may also want to prepare an artist statement and bio.
• Contact the gallery: Look for the gallery’s contact information on their website or social media pages. You can email them, send a direct message, or fill out a contact form. Introduce yourself, briefly explain why you are interested in exhibiting your work at their gallery, and attach your portfolio.
• Follow up: Give the gallery some time to respond, but if you don’t hear back within a week or two, follow up with a polite reminder. If they are interested in your work, they may ask for more information or schedule a meeting to discuss the details.
• Negotiate the terms: If the gallery is interested in exhibiting your work, you’ll need to negotiate the terms of the exhibition, including the commission rate, pricing, and handling. Make sure you understand the terms and ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
• Promote the exhibition: Once the details are finalized, promote the exhibition on your social media, website, and other channels to drive traffic to the gallery and increase your visibility.

Closing

If you are new to digital art, it is essential to begin networking and dreaming big by setting achievable goals. When I began, I exhibited my digital art at a comic shop, and eventually, I was able to showcase my work at conferences and digital galleries. However, it is important not to compare your journey with that of other artists, as the comparison trap will not lead you anywhere productive.

Allow yourself the time to grow and find your unique voice by exploring your craft. It took me 26 years to get where I am today, and I started with a mouse and Microsoft Paint. So, take your time to grow and trust that you have what it takes to exhibit your work. Remember, ¡Tú eres capaz!