The ideal contract between an art dealer, let's call them a savvy producer, seller, manager, or curator, and an artist looks something like this.
The art dealer says, and the artist does quickly and correctly, on time. Without disputes and ambitions, but by enhancing the proposed. With all their novelties at the level of good nonsense, they first come to the art dealer. Often these are quite workable ideas. The themes, style, technique, and other attributes of the works are monitored by the art dealer. What and how to present to the public is also up to them. Prices too. And now the most interesting part. In case of attempted dumping and cheating on the part of the artist, draconian fines and penalties come into play.
Let me explain what's going on here. Sometimes, due to their narrow-mindedness, the artist thinks they're the smartest. They believe that they've come from scratch and are already a master of selling art, while the art dealer just came to stroll around the art business territory. And the artist decides that they'll negotiate a high price with the art dealer, and the art dealer will exhibit the paintings on good platforms at a decent price. And not just publish them for sale but also promote them. And they'll also set the price, write descriptions for each piece, and find the top tags themselves, which they'll add to the title and all the texts.
And the artist will show links to lots and listings, and quietly offer to buy directly from them at a low price. Then they'll come with complaints that they were bought directly from them, but not from the dealer. They'll shift the responsibility and present themselves as innocent fluffy bunnies. Ignoring prices and backstage games. Well, what can I say. It's interesting how some people's brains work.
That's why the art dealer takes money for everything, including the mere fact of publication. And adds their commission to all of that. Artists, blinded by their uniqueness and incomparability, overlook the most important thing. The art dealer has plenty of artists to choose from. Pick any. And the customer base also belongs to the dealer.
Many artists, especially beginners, look at this ideal contract and say, "Yuck, I don't want that. I want to be a star of auction houses, I want to focus on creativity!" And then they list a dozen objections and grievances. Because they're attracted not by real professional activities but by external romanticized attributes.
And you forget or don't suspect because of your naivety, stereotypes, or the illusion of genius. You don't know that along with creativity, you need to apply skills in effective communication. The ability to persuade and influence. Sales and promotion skills. The ability to organize people and situations. You asked for it harshly, without reverence. But it clears out the garbage from your brain. What do you think?