Why hire an art consultant?
Maybe you’re a novice collector and a little intimidated by walking into an art gallery. I’ve seen it many times. I, myself, have walked in where the gallerist is a little aloof and unfriendly. Perhaps you just don’t have the time to source out original artworks, but have a general idea of what you’re looking for or have a particular artist in mind. That’s where an art consultant comes in.
What does an art consultant do?
An art consultant spends many hours touring artists’ studios, fairs and galleries. He or she works closely with galleries, artists and other reliable art sources in order to provide the best and widest range of art possible for clients. They may commission artwork specifically tailored to your needs and help negotiate the best price. Offering custom framing can also be part of an art consultant’s duties. If not, they should be able to recommend a great framer. Looking for framing do’s and don’ts in a future blog.
Where to begin?
A good art consultant will have a discussion with you ahead of time to determine your taste and budget. This could be a visit to your space or virtually, done through photos and email, a fast and economical way to get expert advice. Any work that has been collected or works that may be on your bucket list of acquisitions should be discussed. Images of works that speak to you, may also be helpful. Let your art consultant know what you like and be as detailed as you can. This is serious business, but needn’t be such a serious discussion. It should be relaxed, open and enjoyable, and let’s get away from that stigma of art snobbery. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure that he or she is ‘getting’ your vision. Most importantly, make sure that you are comfortable with his/her personality. After all, you’ll hopefully be working together for a while. If the fit isn’t natural, it may be time to work with another art consultant.
Basically, an art consultant will do all the grunt work ahead of time, making your acquisition as uncomplicated and as painless an experience as possible, bringing your vision to life.
Have questions, please feel free to contact me.
