Cold email or walk in, what actually worked for you?
Okay I need to settle something because I've been going back and forth on this for weeks. For a small local gallery you've never worked with, do you email first with a proper intro and images, or do you just walk in with a portfolio and say hi? I'm a chronic email-er, I like the paper trail, but my one friend who's actually gotten into galleries swears walking in is the only way because "they remember a face, not an inbox." And honestly the thought of walking into a gallery cold makes me want to disappear into the floor, but she's got three shows under her belt so maybe she's onto something. Which one got you your first yes? Or did it happen some totally weird third way?
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walking in cold is terrifying but it genuinely does work for small places. i've had way more luck dropping in at a quiet tuesday when the owner is bored and wants someone to talk to than i ever did with emails that probably got opened and closed in two seconds. but also your friend is right about the face thing in a way that's less cynical than it sounds, galleries get a hundred emails a week and they genuinely can't keep them straight, but they'll remember "that guy who came in and talked about color for twenty minutes" for months.
that said i've never walked in with a portfolio. i bring like three small pieces and just start talking. feels less like a pitch and more like hanging out. and if they're not interested you can read it immediately and dip without the awkward "just following up on my email" follow-up dance.
do both though honestly. email first so there's a trail, then walk in a week later and mention it. "saw you got my email" is a way easier opener than "hi i have never spoken to you and i want you to look at my paintings."