Should I cold-call or walk into businesses to ask if I can display my art?

Yes, absolutely. Reach out to restaurants, real estate companies, coffee shops, any business with wall space. Ask if you can use their space for a pop-up gallery or display your work. You will get told no many times, but when you get that yes, you’ve earned it. One artist reached out to every real estate company in their city and got one yes—on the condition they clean the property and allow showings. That one yes led to significant opportunities. The key is building the confidence to make the ask and being comfortable with rejection. Most people are terrified of this kind of door-to-door approach, but it’s one of the most effective ways to build momentum early in your career.

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Asked by an artist seeking advice on getting their work shown · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-02-28