Considerations When Planning to Exhibit at Red Dot Miami or Any Art Show
I exhibited at Red Dot Miami a few years ago, and at the time, it was the largest art fair I had participated in. It was also my first experience attending Art Basel and showcasing my work in Miami, coming all the way from New York. You can read more about that experience here: How I Exhibited in Red Dot Miami During Art Basel
Since then, I’ve participated in several additional shows and gained far more experience exhibiting my work. With time and perspective, I’ve been able to reflect on that initial investment and identify key considerations I would weigh before committing to a large-scale art fair like Red Dot Miami again.
I am a fine-art photographer focusing on landscapes, nature, and architecture, but these principles apply to artists across all mediums.
What Do You Hope to Gain From the Exhibit?
Before committing to a large exhibit, it’s essential to define your ultimate goal. Once your objective is clear, it becomes much easier to create a plan and measure success.
For some artists, selling work is the primary goal, and when that happens, it’s a huge accomplishment. For others, the goal may be to:
Build relationships with gallery owners
Show work in new locations
Create long-term connections
Collaborate with other artists
Increase visibility and credibility within the art world
None of these goals is better than the others, but knowing your goal will shape how you approach the show.
Selling Your Work
There is never a guarantee that your work will sell. Selling art requires finesse, resilience, and a thick skin, and rejection, no matter what form, always stings.
If possible, I highly recommend attending the show for its full duration. No one knows your work better than you, and collectors appreciate hearing directly from the artist. Be welcoming, engage genuinely, and invite conversation.
Simple conversation starters work best:
“Are you enjoying the show so far?”
“Have you found any pieces that really stood out to you?”
“Are you collecting for yourself or on behalf of someone else?”
From there, let the conversation flow naturally and gently introduce your work. Before visitors leave your booth, make sure they leave with information on how to find you and your work later.
Connecting With Gallery Owners & Other Artists
Bring business cards, but don’t rely on them alone. Everyone leaves these events with information overload. I’ve found it far more effective to exchange contact information directly and make a quick note in my phone about the conversation so I can personalize my follow-up email later.
Walking the show can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to see, a lot of noise, and constant stimulation. But it’s also one of the best opportunities to meet gallery owners, assistants, and artists from around the country and internationally.
You may discover an artist whose work truly resonates with you and sparks the idea for a future collaboration. Make the connection, exchange details, and follow up when the show slows down or a few days later.
And most importantly, take breaks. These days are long, and it’s easy to forget to eat, hydrate, or rest.