An art consultant serves as a link between a buyer and an artist or artwork. You may merge art and business as an art consultant, advising customers on various forms of art and how they can fit into their collections. From hotels and hospitals to museums and individual collectors, you can work for a wide range of clientele. We’ll go over what an art consultant does, how much they make, and how to become one in this post.
What is the role of an art consultant?
An art consultant, sometimes known as an art advisor, is a specialist who advises corporations and people on what art to buy. Whether they are trying to beautify a place, invest in art, or establish a collection, an art consultant serves as a representation for their client, advising on pricing and artwork that meet their aims. Art consultants generally specialize in one area, such as business counseling or functioning as an expert on a specific artist, era, or kind of art.
What does an art consultant do?
From their intended budget to the aesthetic and quality they want from their purchase, an art consultant develops a full grasp of what their customer wants. The consultant employs their broad understanding of both art and business to pick acceptable artwork and determine a reasonable price for it. They may develop a visual identity for a collection that delivers an intended message or sets a mood using curatorial abilities and a good aesthetic sense.
Other parts of art ownership, such as keeping inventory and coordinating transit, may be handled by certain consultants. They can help you decide how to best exhibit the art so that it reflects the subject and complements the environment. An art consultant for an institution, such as a museum, may assess the quality or authenticity of a piece of art or provide advice on how to best incorporate it into a present collection. An art consultant keeps a close eye on the art world and business in order to spot fresh talent and negotiate the best bargains for their clients.
What are the steps to become an art consultant?
A successful career as an art consultant might come from a variety of possibilities or experiences. The following are some steps to becoming an art consultant:
Get a degree in art.
Art advisors should be well-versed in different elements of art, including methods, genres, mediums, and epochs. Majors in art history or fine art at the university level can give this knowledge. Curatorial studies, art management, and art business are some of the other degrees that might offer you the business skills needed to be a consultant. You may expect to study about art trends, distinct schools, methodologies and chronologies of art-making technology, and art’s cultural impact during your art studies.
Work in a gallery or museum to gain experience in the art world.
Try to begin obtaining relevant experience while in college or after graduation. Working at a gallery may provide you with valuable insight into the sales process as well as the logistics of packaging, shipping, and presenting art. Working in a gallery may allow you to form ties with new artists and observe how they achieve success.
Working in a museum may provide you with a unique perspective on the art world and teach you how to handle vast art collections. You can learn how to move and show pieces that are older or more delicate than those in a gallery in a safe manner. You could also learn about the most up-to-date preservation and restoration procedures, depending on the institution. Leading tours may help you become more comfortable talking to a wide range of individuals and have a better understanding of how the general public views art.
Establish commercial relationships
As you gain experience, carefully build your business network. You can acquire a career as a consultant by networking with dealers and collectors at galleries. You may also contact with other artists to discover more about their work and how it can fit into different collections. Using social media may also help you establish a reputation and connect with new artists.
Work for a firm, a museum, a consulting firm, or an auction house.
Seek opportunities as a consultant once you’ve gained some expertise in the creative sector. Many companies and NGOs, including as museums, auction houses, and consultancy agencies, use art consultants on a regular basis. Some private enterprises, particularly those with several locations or franchises, may hire their own art advisors. You may establish a name for art consulting and start collecting references and recommendations in these roles. You may also learn about the latest developments in legislation, business ethics, and pricing.
Work on your own
Decide what type of art you’d want to work with and who you’d prefer as clients if you want to operate as an independent art consultant. If you have a passion for a certain era or artist, you may be able to find employment with institutions and collectors that specialize in that period or artist. You may search for longer-term partnerships with hotels or hospitals if you prefer choosing art that portrays a specific vibe. Consider what additional abilities you have that client could find useful, such as exhibition experience or knowledge of art as an investment.
Once you’ve developed a strategy, tap into your network to find your first clients. Then, by remaining involved in the art scene, ask for referrals from business contacts or previous clients, and take advantage of word-of-mouth marketing.
Final words
Now you have a good overall understanding on who an art consultant is all about. Keep these details in mind and seek the assistance of an art consultant whenever you need assistance. Or else, you may even think about becoming an art consultant on your own.