Susan Washington

Studio visits are essential for many reasons, and it's important to understand the nature and expectations of each visit and plan accordingly. Studio visits provide opportunities to build relationships that can last throughout an artist's entire career. They create professional opportunities and, depending on who the visitor is, can provide valuable feedback on an artist's work.

I am always surprised when a visitor first walks into my studio. Sometimes, they just stand speechless, taking in the scale of the work, the tools, and the overall energy of the space. Because we're so used to being in our studios, it's easy to forget how magical the space can seem, especially to people who may not frequently visit an artist's space. It's important to appreciate these opportunities and prepare to welcome visitors by creating an experience that is both memorable and reflective of your practice.

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### Types of Studio Visits

##### Nonprofit Curator Studio Visit

Typically, these visits involve curators from museums or other cultural institutions with a primary focus on the conceptual elements of your work.   

**Key topics**: Production details, artist biography, artistic motivation, current projects, portfolio overview, and may include feedback and critique.  

**Goal**: Establishing a relationship for future exhibition opportunities. This visit is about fostering a dialogue between the curator and the artist to explore possibilities for collaboration.

##### Gallery Studio Visit

This visit will have a business component, with a discussion around the logistics of representing or selling your art.

**Key topics**: Artist background and career history, artistic practice and process, sales and market potential, and pricing.

**Goal**: Establish a relationship with a gallery for representation, sales, or exhibition opportunities.

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##### Collector Studio Visit

When a collector visits, whether new or returning, the conversation often revolves around personal connections to your work and potential sales.

**Key topics**: Specific artworks, their inspiration, your artistic journey, and pricing.

**Goal**: Preparing for a potential sale and deepening relationships with collectors, whether they are first-time buyers or long-time supporters of your work.

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### Preparing and conducting a studio visit

Once you understand the purpose of the visit, you can set clear goals and expectations. I’ve hosted many visits with gallery owners and curators, and I’ve found they love to explore unexpected corners of my studio, turning around paintings I had leaned against walls or flipping through stacks of works on paper. Though I do let them explore,  I always prepare the studio by curating the space to highlight cohesive works and making sure everything I need is on hand.  This helps me stay confident and relaxed during the visit, even if it’s with a high-profile curator.

Make sure your studio is well-lit and organized for any visit, allowing the visitor to walk around freely without the risk of getting dirty or bumping into things. I typically have a section of my studio dedicated to at least two in-progress paintings, and since I work with mixed media, it can be a mess. I tidy up enough so visitors can easily move around, but I also know people enjoy seeing works in progress and the materials I use.

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### Tailoring the Visit to Your Visitor

**Museum Curators**: During a visit with a museum curator, they’ll likely want to see a range of work demonstrating your artistic development. Be prepared to share both early pieces and more recent work to highlight your artistic evolution. Displaying a work in progress can provide insight into your creative process and thinking. Be ready to discuss your exhibition history, awards, achievements, and artist statement. This helps the curator grasp the concepts that drive your work.

**Gallerists**: Gallerists expect to see a cohesive body of work reflecting your current style and focus. Be ready to discuss your pricing structure and have a printed list available that includes details like mediums and prices. A professional and well-organized presentation demonstrates your commitment to your career, and the gallery may be interested in your future goals, upcoming exhibitions, or other opportunities that can increase your marketability.

**Collectors**: Collector visits are usually more relaxed. Many collectors aren’t as accustomed to studio visits as curators or gallerists, so it’s often a treat for them to see your personal space where art magic happens.  They’ll usually gravitate toward certain pieces and ask about the inspiration behind works they’re drawn to. Sharing the story behind a particular work can help create a deeper connection between the collector and the piece.  Be sure to have all your artwork on your Cohart storefront so you are prepared to make a sale.  If you’re selling large artwork, ensure you have the necessary materials to pack and protect the piece for transport.

**Follow up**: After the visit, follow-up is crucial for maintaining relationships. I always emphasize the importance of building and nurturing connections. A simple thank-you note can go a long way in showing appreciation for their time and interest in your work.

When following up with collectors, invite them to join your Cohart circle and become part of your community. Through Cohart, they can receive digital Certificates of Authenticity when purchasing your work, which they can share with other collectors, helping grow your network and keeping them updated with early access to new art.

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Studio visits are crucial for artists, serving multiple purposes such as building relationships and providing professional opportunities.

Successful Studio Visits

Successful Studio Visits

Source: abstractted (Instagram)

Source: Manuela Karin Knaut

Source: berlinartinstitute.com

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