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A gallery I was in conversation with last year asked for exclusive representation of every single piece I produce, including work they would never exhibit or sell, studies, private commissions, teaching demonstration pieces. I told them no, and the conversation ended rather quickly. Has anyone else run into this kind of exclusivity clause? Where do you draw the line? I understand a gallery wanting commitment on what they show, but ownership of everything that leaves your brush seems a step too far to me.

just got offered representation from a gallery that i've admired for ages. feels huge. but then they hit me with the 'artist pays for framing' clause. i've never encountered that. what's the weirdest or most surprising thing you've been asked to pay for by a gallery, or a condition that just made you go 'huh?' mine's the framing, obvs. feels like a bit of a red flag, no?

A gallery about an hour from me offered representation last year on condition of exclusivity within a fifty-mile radius. I turned it down. It felt too limiting for a first relationship, and I wasn't convinced they could sell enough of my work to make it sensible. I still wonder whether that was the right call. Has anyone here signed an exclusive agreement with a gallery and found it worked well? Or regretted it? I would be interested to hear how you decided.

My first real gallery took a 50% cut and I was so relieved to have the representation I didn't question it. Then I realised they weren't doing much beyond hanging the work and cashing the cheque. No marketing, no collector outreach, no press. I was bringing them my own audience. I've heard worse. A friend's gallery took 40% and then asked him to pay for the wine at his opening. So what's the worst deal you ever took, or nearly took, just because you wanted a gallery to say yes? And when did you finally walk?

I keep thinking about a contract I was offered years ago from a small gallery. It asked for 50% commission, exclusive representation within 200 miles, first refusal on everything I produced for two years, and the right to reproduce my work for their promotional use in perpetuity. I did not sign it. The owner seemed genuinely surprised. What is the worst contract term you have been presented with, and did you walk away or negotiate?

Had a gallery offer representation but wanted me to front the cost of their promotional materials. Anyone else run into this? Seemed off to me.

I've heard so many stories about the struggle to get representation, which is real, bof. But I'm curious about what happens after. What's the strangest or most unexpected thing that happened once a gallery actually agreed to show your work? Was it a difficult client, a weird promotion, something totally bizarre? Tell me something that happened after the 'yes'. For me, it was being asked to paint a portrait of the owner's poodle for their birthday. C'est ça.