I keep reading that you should just walk into a gallery with your portfolio, and honestly the thought makes me want to lie down. But I also suspect the email gets deleted more often than the person at the desk says no to your face.

My one real attempt: I sent an email with a very careful, very long letter, and got nothing back, not even a no. So the careful letter did not work, in case you were wondering.

Did anyone here actually get their first yes from walking in unannounced? And if so, what did you say at the desk, because I would probably just say hello three times and leave.