Professional Guidelines for Artists

The Society of North American Goldsmiths is developing a series of guidelines for artists. These guidelines cover a wide variety of topics and address situations common to all art professionals. They include:
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Top Ten Tips for Getting into a.....Juried Exhibition, Craft Show, Book or Magazine - 19 pages
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/.docs/_sid/3356289404f968d3ca39137c188a84a9/pg/400/rid/10017/f/Top_Ten_Tips.pdf

"This Professional Guidelines document provides
information that can improve an artist’s or
craftsperson’s chances of being accepted into
exhibitions, craft shows, books and magazines—
anywhere that inclusion is decided by a jury. "

Inventory Records: Documentation and Provenance of Your Work - 10 pages
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/.docs/_sid/3356289404f968d3ca39137c188a84a9/pg/400/rid/10018/f/Inventory_Records.pdf

"It is critically important to keep accurate and
complete records of your work, regardless of
whether that work is production, limited edition,
commission, or one-of-a-kind work. The value of
this information cannot be overstated. The artist’s
INVENTORY RECORD serves as documentation for
the future, establishing the provenance (origins,
exhibition and publishing history) of a particular
piece. This is especially important in the case of
one-of-a kind work which is the work most likely
to be acquired by museums in the future."

Inventory Records Form: Documentation and Provenance
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/.docs/_sid/3356289404f968d3ca39137c188a84a9/pg/400/rid/10019/f/Inventory_Record_Form.pdf
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Artist Checklist: Exhibitions - 5 pages
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/.docs/_sid/3356289404f968d3ca39137c188a84a9/pg/400/rid/10022/f/Artist_Checklist_Exhibitions.pdf

"When artwork is exhibited, what are the
responsibilities of the exhibitor? What
are the responsibilities of the artist? What
is fixed and what is negotiable? An artist
should know the answers to certain questions
regarding an exhibition before agreeing to
participate."

Artist Checklist: Claims for Damaged Work - 4 pages
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/.docs/_sid/3356289404f968d3ca39137c188a84a9/pg/400/rid/10024/f/Claims_for_Damaged_Work.pdf

"Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts,
artworks are occasionally damaged or destroyed
during shipping or an exhibition. Artists are then
confronted with the process of making an insurance
claim. Who processes the claim depends on who
bought the insurance and when the damage occurred."

Discounts - 7 pages
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/.docs/_sid/3356289404f968d3ca39137c188a84a9/pg/400/rid/10025/f/Discounts.pdf

"In our society, price establishes worth and value.
For better or worse, the common denominator in
the marketplace is the dollar, and worth is
measured by what people will pay. It is the job of
both the artist and the gallery to establish the
value of the artist’s work (by virtue of its uniqueness,
craftsmanship, reputation and quality), and remind
people that this worth is reflected in its price. The
price confirms this value. If the selling price is negotiable,
then the discounted price will be the true value, not
the retail price. As a result, it’s in every artist’s interest
to maintain close control over the selling prices of
his or her work."

Fundraising Auctions: Issues & Checklists for Artists - 12 pages
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/.docs/_sid/3356289404f968d3ca39137c188a84a9/pg/400/rid/10053/f/Fundraising_Artist_Checklist.pdf

"This Professional Guidelines topic is intended to more fully
inform artists about the impact of fundraising auctions on
their work and careers, what questions need to be asked prior
to and after donating work, and to recommend how artists
can maximize the benefits when participating in auctions.
Ultimately, we believe, the behavior of the artists can and
should change the way fundraising auctions are conceived
and conducted. "

Open Studios: Artist Checklist - 12 pages
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/.docs/_sid/3356289404f968d3ca39137c188a84a9/pg/400/rid/10031/f/Open_Studios_Artist_Checklist.pdf

"An Open Studio event brings the artist and the public
together, it is an opportunity to exposea broad portion
of the community to what it is we do and make. We can
educate them on how and why we build what we do. We
can answer technical questions and address issues
of price and materials. We can even dispel a few myths
and misconceptions. And, of course, we can open the
door to new markets...The following checklist will
help you decide if taking part in such an event would be
personally advantageous and then to help guide you
through the process. These guidelines should be
considered and tailored to the specific needs and
situations of each individual artist or craftsman."