When it comes to commissioning and collecting fine art, many people are understandably unsure of where to start, this comprehensive guide will help you find just the right art professional for your needs.
Artelier is a world-class, independent fine art consultancy that provides tailored services for discerning collectors, our international clientele includes interior designers, property developers and art collectors. Having worked with many types of clients and projects over the years, we have put together our top tips on how to find the right art consultant for your needs.
Choosing the right artistic consultant can seem like a daunting task, but it is far less challenging than navigating the choppy waters of the art world on your own. Finding the right person means having a reliable, trustworthy partner who can do extensive research, tap into their existing network and represent you while negotiating with art dealers, artists and attending art fairs. Working with the right art professional means that your best interest are kept at heart, and that final decisions on purchasing expensive pieces will have been carefully considered by an expert, helping you create a bespoke collection that reflects your personal style or meets your business' needs within budget. Discover in this article the benefits and top tips on how to find the right person for the job.
1. The Benefits of Working With a Fine Art Consultant
In order to find the right art consultant it is important to first understand the benefits to be gained, working with a consultant is a great solution if you are new to the art world and need help navigating it. Art consulting firms have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can be invaluable in helping you to make an informed decision about your purchase, while educating you along the way about the type of art you are looking to acquire.
Art consultants can also benefit those who are looking for access to an established network of contacts in the art world. More importantly, fine art consultant services will be there to find the best deals, negotiating on your behalf and can therefore help you to avoid making costly mistakes that can jeopardise your investment, guiding you towards the best option for your desired outcome and budget.
Finally if you are working on a large scale project such as an entire collection for a hotel or corporate space, a trusted artist expert can help you find the correct artworks by researching local artists and crafts, followed by the development of a bespoke solution. A good art consultant firm will be with you from initial consultation to final procurement and installation, simplifying a process which can be very complex and time consuming.
2. What To Look For in a Fine Art Consultant
Art consultancy firms offer a range of services to their clients, from sourcing and selecting artworks to providing advice on display and lighting. When choosing a private art consultant, it is important to consider their experience, specialism and approach.
Experience is important when choosing an art professional, as they will possess an expert understanding of the market and the artists working within it. They should also have a good network of contacts, which they can tap into to source works of art on your behalf. Look for a fine art consultant who has worked with clients similar to yourself in terms of budget, taste and objectives.
Expertise is another key consideration when choosing an art consultant. They should have in-depth knowledge of their particular area of the fine art market and be able to advise you on current trends and artists to look out for. They should also be able to provide you with guidance on how to care for your art collection, as well as advice on framing and displaying your artwork.
Finally their approach is important, some art consultants may take a more hands-off approach, allowing you to make your own decisions about which artworks to buy and how to display them, simply facilitating the process. Others may take a more active role in curating your collection down to digital mock-ups in rooms for complex interior design projects, make sure to find someone whose approach will meet your expectations.
3. Finding the right person
The first thing you need to be sure of, is that your art consultant works in the same type of art genre and projects that you're looking for. There are many specialisations within art consulting, if you are looking for a specific art genre, do checkout our comprehensive list of art consultants by genre. While some consultants work with individuals, others work with corporate clients or museums.
The role of a fine art consultant is to help clients make informed decisions about which artists to collect and how to care for their collections. When choosing a fine art consultant, it is important to consider your specific needs. For example, if you are interested in purchasing fine art for investment purposes, you will need a dealer with expertise in the art market. If you are looking to build a collection of works by a particular artist, you will need a consultant who is familiar with that artist's work having ideally an established relationship with the artist or their representative.
It is also important to choose a fine art consultant who you can trust and who has your best interests at heart. A good fine art consultant will be happy to answer any questions you have and provide unbiased advice, this is because unlike a gallery they do not have prior commitments to any particular artist.
4. Questions to ask before hiring your art consultant
Art consultants can be a great asset when it comes to building or expanding your art collection, but with so many fine art consultants to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few questions to ask before hiring an art consultant:
-What is your area of expertise?
-How many years of experience do you have?
- How big is your team?
-How many clients do you currently have?
-How would you describe your approach to fine art consulting?
-Can you provide examples of successful projects you've worked on?
-What are your rates and do you have payment schedules?
By asking these questions, you'll get a better sense of each fine art consultant's qualifications and experience as well as how much time they'll be able to devote to you. You'll also be able to gauge whether or not they're a good fit for your specific needs. So take your time in finding the right fine art consultant for you - it could make all the difference in building the art collection of your dreams.
5. How to work with your fine art consultant
A fine art consultant can play an important role in helping you to develop or expand your art collection. However, it is important to choose the right consultant for your needs. Here are some tips on how to work with your fine art consultant:
1. Be clear about your goals. What are you hoping to achieve by working with a consultant? Do you want help identifying specific artists or styles of interest? Are you looking for guidance on how to build a well-rounded collection? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you choose the right consultant for your needs.
2. Ask for recommendations. You can look at our handy guide here to find a comprehensive list of recommended art consultants by region. Alternatively talk to friends, family, and other collectors to see if they have any recommendations for fine art consultants. Once you've compiled a list of potential consultants, take some time to research each one, look at their website and read any available reviews.
3. Set up an initial consultation, once you've narrowed down your choices, contact each consultant to set up a consultation. This initial meeting will give you a chance to get to know the consultant and determine whether they're a good fit for your needs. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and express any concerns you may have.
6. Tips for getting the most out of your art advisor
The most import thing when choosing your art consultant is to make sure you are working with someone whose company you enjoy. Selecting art can be a detailed and sometimes long-term process and so having a good partner you trust, enjoy working with and find easy to communicate with can make it a lot easier.
Clarify from the very beginning your art buying budget with your consultant, this will avoid being shown pieces which are out of your budget. It is much easier to find appropriate works within your budget from the beginning than to try and find alternatives to pieces outside of your budget later.
Finally simply be clear about your goals and what you want out of your consultant from the beginning, the clearer you are and the better the communication, the more you will get out of the process.
Still looking for a consultant?
Here at Artelier we love working with new clients from private residential projects to complex hotel projects. Our team of curators will work with you to ensure a completely bespoke curatorial solution adapted to your needs and budget. If you're interested in finding out more visit our website or simply get in touch.