Art advisors and art consultants have played a key part for generations in helping private collectors, interior designers and property developers source the best pieces for their project. Art advisors often play a key role in acquiring art to expand a private collection, negotiating on their client's behalf. Art consultants, on the other hand, can understand the complex needs of interior designers and architects sourcing the best art for their needs. Here we will discuss our perspective on the differences and overlap between these two seemingly interchangeable professions.
What is an art advisor?
An art advisor provides expert advice to a private individual in order to build and manage their collection of art over time. They will often advise on the best pieces to source for investment purposes and will have expert knowledge of a specific art form such as impressionist, post-war or classical. Art advisors will perform extensive research on their client's behalf and will attend auctions and private viewings in order to acquire new works for the collector.
What is an art consultant?
An art consultant is someone who deals primarily in contemporary art, commissioning artists to produce work for the private or public sector. Art consultants will likely be specialised in the following; public art, hotel art, cruise ships or residential projects. Art consultants advise their clients, research and commission bespoke art and may also oversee the final installation of the piece.
The difference between art advisors and art consultants
While an art consultant is primarily focused on contemporary art and commissioning works for specific projects whether private or public. An art advisor will work closely with a private individual to build their collection over time for both aesthetic and investment purposes. Art advisors are also often specialised in a specific period or genre of art.
Education and Required Job Skill
Though there are no specific qualifications in order to become an art consultant or advisor, they will be expected to be an expert in their field. Most will hold either a bachelors or masters degree in fine art, art history or a related subject. Many art consultants will have had years of experience in the art industry, perhaps working for a gallery or another art consultant. Over time they will develop an expertise in a specific art form or industry that requires their services.
Art consultants and advisors need to have a great eye and be good at curating art into cohesive collections. They also need to have strong sales and negotiation skills in order to generate new business and negotiate on their client's behalf. They must also have great attention to detail, as well as project management skills.
Artelier Art Consultancy
At Artelier we are an art consultancy that has worked in private contexts – delivering art for interiors, yachts, aircraft and gardens – as well as in the public realm, curating art for hotels, corporate art collections and public art. We have specialised expertise in developing art strategies and provide a turnkey art consultancy service, including: art advisory, art investment advice, market research, sourcing contemporary art, commissioning artists and overseeing artwork development, and art handling and installation.
Our approach to art consultancy
1. Understanding the client's vision
Consult private clients, developers and designers on themes for artworks, and suggest ideas for art in interiors & outdoors.
2. Contextual art research
Extensively research the artworks' context, curating themes for art and sourcing options for the art collection.
3. Identifying key locations for art
Survey design plans to establish key locations for art outdoors and in interiors, and curate art placement.
4. Develop an artwork strategy
Create a detailed proposal for the artworks, including creating concepts for custom art commissions.
5. Commissioning artists
Source and collaborate with contemporary artists on custom commissions, tailored specially for the art project.
6. Art project management
Oversee all aspects of delivering the art collection, including managing art commissions, art shipment and team liaison.
7. Art installation, presentation & art framing
Devise art presentation solutions, including fixings for artworks, integrated lighting for art, and custom art framing.
Whether you require an art consultant or art advisor depends ultimately on your end goal. If you need contemporary art commissioned for a private or public project, then an art consultant with a finger on the pulse of the art world is ideal. If however, you are interested in a particular genre of art say 19th-century impressionist landscape, then finding the right art advisor who is specialised in this particular time period is a better solution.
Ultimately each consultant or advisor will have their own area of expertise, you simply need to find one that resonates with your own personal taste or project. You can find out more about our art consultancy services by visiting this page or simply get in touch today so that we can discuss your project.