Art world etiquette really is the worst. It’s a set of unspoken rules about how and when you’re supposed to invite people to your studio and when and how you’re allowed to ask for things.

For the most part, it seems like you’re supposed to wait for shows to drop in your lap, but that categorically doesn’t work.

The fix for this state of affairs is to invite that curator or gallerist to your studio—an action that requires you send an email timed and phrased in just the right way.

And that’s an email you’re just not sure how to write. 

HERE'S THE THING:

You CAN ask for what you need without breaking art world etiquette. 

You just need the language. 

Let me help you. 

Here's the thing:

You CAN ask for what you need without risking your career.

You just need the language.

Let me help you.

✅ Leverage your career success into bigger and better opportunities. 

✅ Secure the studio visits you need, so you can turn interest into show opportunities 

✅ Finally feel at ease about all written communication.

✅ Understand that you’re in control of your career and give you agency in that process.

✅ Craft clear and concise language for any common request you need to make

ABOUT PADDY JOHNSON

Paddy Johnson is the founder and CEO of Netvvrk, a membership for mid-career artists that helps them get the shows, residencies, and grants of their dreams. Prior to founding Netvvrk, she founded the blog Art F City and the public art initiative PARADE. Netvvrk has been written about in publications like The New York Times, Hyperallergic and Artnet. Johnson has been published in CNN, The New York Times, New York Magazine and Hyperallergic. Johnson is best known for her ability to help artists produce their best work.

SUCCESS STORIES

Emily Clare, Artist

"I sent out an email and secured a studio visit from a curator after being stuck for months. Seeing how to construct, changing the wording from beginning to end has given me a plan on how to approach other curators. I am excited!! Watch out curators." 

Claire Beckett, Artist

"I emailed a curator I lost touch with and secured an in-person meeting next week! It was fairly easy to do once I had the confidence to do so thanks to the email scripts"  

Susan Rowe Harrison, Artist

"I got these emails at just the right time for a couple of emails I needed to refine and send. Disaster averted!!!" 

Art world etiquitte is the worst.

Stop putting off asking for what you need with proven, expert-crafted email templates that help artists land museum shows, gallery representation, and solo exhibitions.

✅ Ask gallerists for studio visits

✅ Reach out to curators

✅ Negotiate for travel fees

✅ Present a museum acquisition

Every artist knows that sinking feeling.

You've got incredible work, but it's sitting unseen in your studio. The art world says "wait your turn" – but that's a recipe for obscurity. You wonder if you should be reaching out to galleries and curators, but one wrong move feels like it could ruin your chances forever. So you sit, stuck between wanting to be proactive and terrified of looking unprofessional.

My email templates will help you: