Dear Artist,

The values, the curation process, the communication, the strategy and my engagement.

How I esteem your work, why I stay away from other online galleries and what the future holds for us.

I hope this page answers all your questions regarding how the platform operates.

I would be honoured should you consider The Blue Neon the right place for you and your artworks.

For more details, you can check the General Terms of Use and specifically the Seller Terms and Conditions here.

Anything else, email me at blue@theblueneon.com

Yours Sincerely,

BLUE

AN HYBRID PLATFORM

gallery & marketplace

A gallery proposes a few curated artworks, but sometimes feels too niche, restrictive or even elitist.
A marketplace has an accessible and flexible vibe, but overall quality suffers from the chaos and artworks are often dismissed by visitors.

Could The Blue Neon reconcile these two worlds?

There is a curation process - which isn’t the case for a marketplace - but I select you rather than your artworks specifically.

Once you are approved - more artists are onboarded than in a traditional gallery -, I then fully trust you to select your best artworks to be displayed on the platform.

In order to keep the catalogue attractive and diverse, I limit at 10 the number of artworks you can upload.

At each connection, 10 artworks from 5 different mediums are randomly selected for exhibition, this provides a sense of fairness among you all.

It also allows visitors to discover new works without the ambush of a endless scrolling marketplace and to avoid the echo chamber trap.

That constraint, coupled with the slow looking feature, offers the perfect environment to immerse in an artwork and ultimately acquire it.

Let consider this postulate first: spirituality - as in the recognition of something greater than oneself - is of paramount importance for human beings.

For long, art and spirituality were one, then religion claimed the exclusive right on the latter, while still acknowledging their deep connection.

Could The Blue Neon restore art as an independent medium to express one's spirituality?

(note that the platform doesn't consider/advocate for art as a replacement for religion, obviously)

To be genuinely appreciated, an artwork requires three conditions: a proper setting, some time and an absence of distraction.

The minimalist component of this place - a limited yet diverse number of artworks at each connection - is a fundamental pillar in that extent.

The slow looking feature offers an immersion that allows visitors to engage fully with an artwork and to let their minds wander, ready to be awestruck.

The platform is designed so anyone - irrespective of their knowledge, background or artistic preferences - can connect with any artwork.

A viewing is deemed successful when visitors leave the session with more questions than answers, yet with a feeling of completeness.

Discovering works in a slow manner is an effective way for visitors to reclaim their attention.

art & spirituality

THE
MAIN
FEATURES

free*

free to join, free to leave, no contract, no monthly subscription

fair commission*

80% sales commission for you (on the whole order), no hidden fees

high engagement

with a slow looking feature and a limited number of artworks on display

UK artists only

contemporary, and no galleries or intermediates

equal chance

10 artworks, randomly selected, displayed at each connection

forced diversity*

each selection displays a well balanced mix of mediums

the Wheel of Art

+ non-exclusive (market your work anywhere else)
+ personalised description* (next to your artwork, illustrative or not: a statement, a quote, a poem...)
+ no algorithm (to decipher, to coax and to feed constantly in order to stay visible)
+ curated collection (a qualitative and accessible collection for all interests and budgets)

*IN DETAIL

ARTIST HANDBOOK

- I welcome all contemporary artists, from amateurs to emerging and established ones.
You simply need to be based in the UK and eager to take part in this slow looking, minimalist online gallery.

- I welcome visual art from these mediums: painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, mixed-media and print.
(no videos, NFTs, digital and AI-generated artworks)

- I welcome all styles: abstract, figurative, surrealist…

- In order to keep The Blue Neon accessible while still presenting valuable creations, the maximum price for an artwork is set at £10,000.
There is a filter (the only one available on the platform) for visitors to adjust the selection according to their preference and/or budget.

- The Blue Neon is also a non-exclusive gallery, you can market your work anywhere else, I won’t be jealous; as long as the availability status of each of your artwork is up-to-date.
On the other hand, as I only collaborate with artists, if you are already represented by a gallery, please make sure the contract you signed allows you to exhibit yourself directly on here.

- Send an email to blue@theblueneon.com with object ‘Application – your name’ and include the following info:
*your artist name and your phone number (if possible)
*photos of your original artwork(s) you would like to see exhibited
*all the necessary information for each artwork, such as medium, title, dimension (in cm), weight (in kg) and price or price range
*all the material you deem relevant to support your application; the more, the better: a short presentation, your website or social media, your experience, a general statement…

- The in-house curation team will then review your work(s) and contact you within a week to inform you of their decision.
Note that the criteria are at their discretion, based on their artistic line and an unfavourable feedback reflects neither the quality of your work, nor your status as an artist.

- I assure you that all applications are seen and reviewed.

- I may also contact an artist directly based on a recommendation or following a visit to an exhibition or a fair.
If you have already received an email from me reaching out to you, the curation process is as below:
*send an email to blue@theblueneon.com with object ‘Application – your name’
*simply include your name and a photo of the artwork(s) you would like to see exhibited

- Once approved, I send you an email containing the next steps of the process and all the info I require in order to create your profile.
This includes, among others, the need for:
*your legal info (name, ID, address, bank account number)
*high-quality photos of all the artworks you would like to exhibit in The Blue Neon (if different from the one you already sent)
*the material you would like to see on your profile page and artist page

- On your profile page, where all your artworks are displayed at once, you have the possibility to add a biography that presents you as an artist, what inspires you, your experience, past/current/future exhibitions…
I would recommend to keep things classic so visitors get to learn more about you in a straightforward manner.

- On each of your artwork page though, apart from the standard info: title, medium, dimensions/weight and year, your are encouraged to include something less conventional like a quote, a statement (non-political) or a poem; relevant to the artwork or not.
The idea is to stand out from the conservative presentation of an artwork as done in a gallery/museum and to forge an emotional connection with the visitor.

- I create and maintain your profile page as well as each of your artwork page on your behalf.
Contact me if you need to update your profile, add/remove an artwork/photo or modify a price.

- Note that you can only upload a maximum of 10 artworks (preferably no series) with 5 photos for each (no video).

- Your artworks should be original ones and of your own creation.

- The maximum number of artworks you can upload is set to 10 (preferably no series).
This cap is to ensure equality among artists so everyone stands the same chance of seeing one of their artwork being picked up and displayed on the Wheel of Art.

- Each artwork page can accommodate up to 5 photos (no video).
This is your call to decide which ones to present: different angles, close-ups, back of the canvas…

- Mention if the artwork is sold framed or not.
I suggest to show photos of your artwork both framed and unframed (that one will be the main photo, as displayed on the Wheel of Art).

- I encourage you to add an unusual written description (within the limits of ethical and political correctness) next to each artwork, as a way to stand out.
It could take the form of a statement, a short story, a poem…

- Each artwork of the catalogue has the exact same chance of being shown.
A fair process based on chance: no algorithm, no specific promotion, no nepotism.

- Please ensure that all the artworks you present are available for sale.
Should it no longer be the case, send me an en email so I can update the status or remove it from the catalogue.
You are free to remove or add an artwork at any time.

- Your are informed by email when one of your artwork sparks interest (a visitor clicking on the ‘purchase artwork’ button on the artwork page).
You then have 5 days to acknowledge the interest and an extra 5 days to start the shipping process (selecting the courrier, packaging the artwork, building the crate etc etc).

- Monitor your emails regularly in order to ensure a smooth transaction and create a climate of trust with the buyer.

- Include in the package, all provided by you:
*the invoice
*the certificate of authenticity
*anything else you consider relevant (thank you note, business card…)

- You are responsible for the costs of packaging & shipping, please bear that in mind when setting the sale price.

- Select a premium carrier and follow closely the packing recommendations.
I strongly advice you to insure your work in case of any damage during the shipping process.**

- Share with me the tracking number of the parcel, so I can be kept up to date on the shipping and paid you accordingly once delivered to the buyer.

**The Blue Neon cannot be held responsible for any issue arising at that time.

- You will be paid by wire transfer 14 days after reception of the artwork by the buyer.

- You get 80% of the final sale price (shipping costs included).
I value your work and hence try to propose the fairest commission on the market.

- If you haven’t been paid after 14 days, send me an email with object ‘Payment – your name’.

- Given The Blue Neon company is not registered for VAT (yet), I unfortunately cannot accept artists who are VAT registered.

- The platform operates within the UK only and therefore custom tax is not applicable.

- The price displayed on each artwork page reflects the true amount payable by the customer, no hidden fees or taxes.

- For more details, you can check the General Terms of Use here.

- If you can’t find the answers to your question(s), feel free to contact me via email at blue@theblueneon.com

THE ROADMAP

What does the future hold for us?

the Slow Looking feature

Adding a new medium, implementing a secondary market or developing a commissioning feature

The Blue Neon is dedicated to propose visitors a better immersion and artists a fairer platform

Artists first

I value artists and consider them to be pillars of the civilization, as no society can thrive or even sustain itself without a robust art world.

You should hence be rewarded fairly for your creations, as a reflection of your status.
But you probably heard all that before.

That is why I commit to keeping your commission high, at 80% (of the whole order).
I even work towards reimbursing you the shipping fees - which you are currently accountable for - so the 80% you get applies to your artwork only.
An extra step would be for you to have the option to let me manage the whole distribution process, so you can focus on your art.

I further commit to cultivate a sense of fairness among you:
-by maintaining, on the Wheel of Art, the number of artworks at 10 from 5 different mediums
-by keeping at bay the biased algorithms and all the AI generated sections such as 'recommended for you' or 'new this week'
-by focusing on artwork immersion rather than overall time spent scrolling on the platform.

Promotion of an artwork relies on the purest of factor - chance - and on an higher engagement from the visitor thanks to the slow looking feature, the minimalist design and the diverse catalogue of the platform.

New medium

The Blue Neon challenges the conservative notion of a gallery and of an art marketplace by displaying only 10 artworks at each connection from at least 5 different mediums.

It currently focuses on traditional visual arts (painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print and mixed-media) and the main objectives for the future are twofold:
-include literature, most likely poetry
-include videos, most likely performances

Expanding the number of mediums available constitutes a way to widen the range of possibilities for visitors to stimulate their curiosity.
This functions as a tool against (unproductive) boredom, thus preventing mindless scrolling and being trapped in an artistic echo chamber by seeing the same type of content over and over.
The greater the chances are for a visitor to acquire an artwork if they can engage and perhaps even bond with it; that being only possible by slowing down.

Digital art has been under the spotlight lately and the progress in terms of technology & quality, simply staggering.
I definitely keep the door open for such a medium, even if it would require a significant development of the platform to accommodate properly such creations.

Account management

This is one of the most obvious component that requires improvement: the possibility for you to manage your own profile (artist page + artwork pages).

At this stage, I create your account and maintain all your information on your behalf. This is prone to errors and time-consuming for all the parties involved.

Applying to the gallery, adding artworks, changing photos and biography... with just a couple of clicks.

I added this development on the roadmap and hope to streamline the process in the near future.

Commissioning

No art platform is complete without the possibility to commission an artwork.

The interaction between a future collector (seasoned or first-timer) and an artist requires a balanced dynamic where the former respects the creative process and the latter understands the pitch.

The Blue Neon plans to introduce in the near future a feature, where you have the option to set their status as 'commissionable' and visitors could ask them via a simple form (including price range, expectations, medium...) to create a curated artwork for them.

Once both parties agreed on the details, the contract is set, the visitor pays upfront and you proceed with the creation.

Secondary market

I aim at developing a secondary market that allows a collector to sell an artwork directly to another individual.
The idea behind such a platform is to circumvent the need for an intermediate and alleviate the apprehension that an artwork is a definitive purchase.

No to artworks as consumer goods or financial investments, but yes to artworks as staples in our lives.

To further confirm your predominant role as an artist and reinforce the need for a proper redistribution of wealth, I am advocating for a fairer secondary market.
I believe that, when your reputation develops and hence the value of your work on the primary and secondary markets, so should your commission on the latter.

The current Artist's Resale Right (ARR) entitles creators of original works of art to a royalty each time one of their works - that exceeds £1,000 - is resold through an auction house or art market professional.
Yet you cannot request payment directly and must go to collecting societies instead.

Despite The Blue Neon being technically a marketplace, it abides by the above principle and will push it even further by making it a default setting for all the artworks displayed on our secondary platform, no matter their values, and therefore guaranteeing royalties for all of you.

Payment process

The Blue Neon only allows payment by wire transfer at this stage and I recognise the obvious limitation of this system.

The implementation of a smoother transaction process, with a credit card payment option, is a mandatory requirement that I am actively working on.

This goes without saying that it will bring an added sense of professionalism and trust for all parties involved.

Bear with me while I am improving this feature.

Slow looking feature

The Blue Neon defines itself as the antithesis of the current 'always-scrolling, never-ending choice, recommended for you' marketplaces that prevent visitors from genuinely discover and immerse in an artwork.

The slow looking feature intends to provide a recess from the frenzy of our lives; the online ones as well.

Even though I consider the efforts made to replicate a brick and mortar experience quite counterproductive, as online art viewing will never replace a visit to a gallery or a museum;
I am a firm believer that developing an innovative slow looking feature would offer an easy access to a world at the intersection of meditation & art.

I plan to make it more mesmerising and more user friendly, so visitors could really reclaim their attention and form a bond with an artwork, making them more likely to purchase it and thus support you.

Shipping & VAT

SHIPPING

At this stage, you are in charge of the whole shipping process, from selecting a carrier to packaging the artwork according to the recommendations and following-up on the delivery.

The shipping fees are included in the price displayed on each artwork page and you should keep that in mind when setting the price.

First, I acknowledge that this is an extra workload and am developing an option that would permit The Blue Neon to manage this task for you (as an option only, not mandatory).

Second, I consider excluding the shipping costs from your commission, so the 80% you get would only be on the artwork you sold.

VAT

For the time being, The Blue Neon is not yet registered for VAT in the UK, meaning that only non-VAT artists are allowed to exhibit here.
Otherwise this would require us to collect the VAT on your behalf, which could only be feasible with a VAT number.

The obvious benefits of not charging VAT is that it keeps the price of artworks 20% lower compared to other marketplaces.

Yet I recognise that this positioning deprives us of some outstanding artists and for them the possibility to reach out to a new audience, so the option to become a VAT registered company is in discussion.