The Professional Guidelines have been developed as a reference to help everyone in the arts and crafts community learn how to handle common but important situations that may arise. These documents are basic tools for improved and equitable business practices, leading toward more standard professional practices.

The Professional Guidelines are an on-going project and new topics will be added throughout time. Here is a one-page overview of what is available. Please distribute it freely to fellow artists, craftspeople or students to increase awareness of the Professional Guidelines.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

"I was astonished when I downloaded the Inventory Records - it is thorough and helpful and available to all. What generosity! Thank you so much. I will do all I can to let other artists know about your site and the good work you are doing for the arts community."

"Thank you so much for sharing your consignment agreement! I am...just starting to establish relationships with galleries. Neither of the first two galleries I am working with uses written agreements and I have been uncomfortable but consented.  ...Your sample document has been valuable affirmation of my intuition."

• GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL QUALITY IMAGES
  PDF
   
• WORKING WITH DIGITAL IMAGES EFFECTIVELY
  PDF
   
• TOP TEN TIPS for Getting Into a...Juried Exhibition, Craft Show, Book or Magazine
  PDF

• INVENTORY RECORDS: Documentation & Provenance of your Work
  PDF  |  Word

• INVENTORY RECORDS FORM: Documentation & Provenance
  PDF  |  Excel

• JURIED EXHIBITIONS
  PDF

• EXHIBITIONS: ARTIST CHECKLIST
  PDF 
   
• CONDITION REPORT [referred to in Exhibition Contract]
  PDF 

• ARTIST'S CHECKLIST: CLAIMS FOR DAMAGED WORK
  PDF

• DISCOUNTS
  PDF

• USEFUL RESOURCES FOR LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
  PDF
   

• CONTRACTS:
• • CONSIGNMENT CONTRACT
    PDF  |  Word
     
  • EXHIBITION CONTRACT (for non-commercial exhibitions)
    PDF  |  Word  
• • MODEL RELEASE
    PDF  |  Word
     

• FUNDRAISING AUCTIONS:
• • FUNDRAISING AUCTIONS: Issues and Checklist for Artists
    PDF
     
  • FUNDRAISING AUCTIONS: Issues and Recommendations for Collectors
    PDF
     
  • FUNDRAISING AUCTIONS: Issues and Impact for Galleries
    PDF
     
  • FUNDRAISING AUCTIONS: Issues and Alternatives for Art Organizations
    PDF

• OPEN STUDIOS:
• • OPEN STUDIOS: A guide for organizations sponsoring an Open Studios event
    PDF
     
  • OPEN STUDIOS: Artist Checklist
    PDF
    
  •  

For more information contact:
Harriete Estel Berman,
Author and Professional Guidelines Committee Chair
650-571-7726
Content of the Professional Guidelines reviewed and edited by:
Professional Guidelines Committee members