The Difference between Art Advisors and Art Consultants
- Océane
- Dec 1, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 16, 2024
Art advisors and art consultants have played a key part for generations in helping both private collectors, interior designers and property developers source the best pieces for their project. Art advisors often play an important role in acquiring art to expand a private art collection or negotiating on their client's behalf. They often have specialist knowledge of the art market and work closely with private clients and art dealers to acquire exceptional art.
Art consultants, on the other hand, can understand the complex needs of interior designers and architects sourcing the best art for their needs. Their staff may have a background as an art curator or interior designer and can work at scale to deliver complex art solutions at a fair price. Here we will discuss our perspective on the differences and the overlaps between these two seemingly interchangeable professions.
What is an art advisor?
An art advisor provides expert advice to a private individual or institution 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 movement such as Impressionist, Post-War or Classical. Art advisors will be key players in the art world and will perform extensive research on their client's behalf. They will keep a close eye on the art market by attending auctions, art fairs, galleries and private viewings in order to acquire new works.
What is an art consultant?
An art consultant is someone who deals primarily in contemporary art, commissioning living artists to produce work for the private or public sector. Art consultants will likely be specialised in the following; emerging artists, public art, corporate art, hotel art, yacht or cruise ships as well as residential projects. An art consultant is a good listener and can provide advice to their client. They will conduct research for the client's specific needs and interest and commission bespoke art, while often offering turnkey art consultancy services, including supervision of the final installation.
The difference between art advisors and art consultants:
Art consultants specialise in curating and commissioning contemporary art for specific projects, both private and public, focusing on immediate needs and project objectives. On the other hand, art advisors work with private individuals to build and manage art collections over time, often emphasising personal tastes, investment goals, and specialisation in specific art periods or genres of artists from the past.
Education and Required Job Skills:
While there are no specific formal qualifications mandated to pursue a career as an art consultant or art advisor, expertise in the field is paramount. Typically, individuals in these roles hold either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in fine art, art history, or a related field. They may also consider further education at specialist institutions such as Sothebys Institute or Christies Education. Many art consultants garner extensive industry experience, often beginning their careers in galleries or under the mentorship of established consultants. Over time, they cultivate expertise in specific art forms or sectors of the art world that require their services.
Art consultants and advisors are distinguished by their discerning eye and talent for curating art into cohesive collections. Additionally, they must possess robust sales and negotiation acumen to please art buyers and collectors, generate new business opportunities and negotiate on their client's behalf. An unwavering attention to detail and adept project management skills further underscore their role in orchestrating successful art endeavours.
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 market 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, all the way to art handling and installation. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to have a free consultation if you have a project in mind.
Our Approach to Art Consultancy:
Curating Contemporary Art Collections
For each art consultancy project, we take our time to evaluate the space and identify key opportunities for art. Through in-depth art market research, our curators source contemporary artists and develop a detailed proposal based on the unique context of the project.
The selection of contemporary artworks are in a range of mediums, and will often be from emerging artists with promising art investment potential. We then work with our team of curators and interior designers to recommend locations for potential artworks before committing to a purchase. This allows the client to fully see the vision of how the art will work in the context of the interior.
Commissioning an Artist
We have an extensive database of artists with whom we have built relationships over a decade. Commissioning bespoke artwork as opposed to ready-made work is our specialty, ensuring that the art is uniquely tailored to the project and that it leaves a lasting impact. As art consultants, we have expert knowledge in art commissioning, overseeing the process, and developing a tailor-made artwork package.
Art Installation & Logistics
With technical expertise in art shipping and installation, our logistics team provides end-to-end project management. This includes specialist knowledge of large-scale art installation, and complying with safety standards.
As part of our offering, we can provide custom fixings and bespoke framing, ensuring premium presentation. We offer a unique fine art framing consultancy with an extensive range of custom art frames, including solid metal frames and oak frames with natural finishes.
Strategies for success in the art world
The most important skill to have in order to succeed as an art advisor or art consultant is the ability to forge meaningful connections and relationships. From artists to collectors, dealers and gallerists there are a lot of people you may have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. An art advisor or consultant is often the key player that connects all of these different stakeholders.
Another important aspect is the need for continuous learning and education, a genuine passion for the arts means that even in your spare time you will be visiting galleries, reading art news, or attending biennales. Staying informed about art history, current trends, and market dynamics while participating in seminars or being a guest speaker at lectures and conferences will help you to constantly see the art world from new angles.
Finally over the years both art advisors and art consultants will develop their craft and be known in the industry for having their own particular style or flair. This is not something that can be taught, rather something that will develop naturally throughout the course of a career. Developing a strong perspective is a natural consequence of years of working with artists, years of education and building relationships with diverse clients and briefs.
In Conclusion...
Whether you require an art consultant or art advisor will depend 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, for example 19th-century impressionist landscape, then finding the right art advisor who is specialised in acquiring art in this particular time period is a more suitable 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.
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