Did you know that there are invisible "go-betweens" in the art world? They're called Art Consultants and Artist Reps.
They can have a huge influence on how much art you sell, and they don't even need a "bricks and mortar" retail store to do it.
If these arts professionals choose you and your art, you enter a unique and often mysterious world that exists between traditional and alternative venues.
But first, you have to know how to attract their interest.
Art Consultants and Artist Representatives are constantly busy creating connections with buyers of all kinds.
They are not looking for you unless your accomplishments and your art suit their clientele.
If they like your work, they'll come and find you.
Art Consultants are often large-scale buyers.
They acquire art for businesses that have bare walls and a suitable budget.
Art Consultants handle every kind of art imaginable for corporations, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and resorts.
Artist Representatives are a mix of agent, private dealer, gallery dealer, interior designer, curator, and business advisor.
They sell art, sometimes a lot of it.
And you've probably never heard of most of them.
Artist reps don't advertise nationally and they don't all have shows of artists' work.
I met with "alternative space" expert and author Margaret Danielak.
Here is how she describes her role: "An effective art rep is like a film agent; each performs a similar function.
If you were an aspiring movie star, rather than a visual artist, one of your greatest assets would be your agent.
Your agent would be contacting people on your behalf who could help advance your career, and to gain you opportunities that you would never otherwise enjoy.
Your agent would introduce you to important people in the film business, to up-and-coming directors and producers, and would be aware of the "behind the scenes" goings-on in that business.
Each and every day, your agent would be attempting to make you - your face and your work, the focus of the entire world.
Art reps, like agents, attempt to do the same - only they operate in the ArtWorld to promote their artists.
Unlike a gallery, art reps usually represent a small group of artists.
I represent only seven, including Toni Scott and my late father.
" In order to work with an art rep and/or art consultant:
They can have a huge influence on how much art you sell, and they don't even need a "bricks and mortar" retail store to do it.
If these arts professionals choose you and your art, you enter a unique and often mysterious world that exists between traditional and alternative venues.
But first, you have to know how to attract their interest.
Art Consultants and Artist Representatives are constantly busy creating connections with buyers of all kinds.
They are not looking for you unless your accomplishments and your art suit their clientele.
If they like your work, they'll come and find you.
Art Consultants are often large-scale buyers.
They acquire art for businesses that have bare walls and a suitable budget.
Art Consultants handle every kind of art imaginable for corporations, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and resorts.
Artist Representatives are a mix of agent, private dealer, gallery dealer, interior designer, curator, and business advisor.
They sell art, sometimes a lot of it.
And you've probably never heard of most of them.
Artist reps don't advertise nationally and they don't all have shows of artists' work.
I met with "alternative space" expert and author Margaret Danielak.
Here is how she describes her role: "An effective art rep is like a film agent; each performs a similar function.
If you were an aspiring movie star, rather than a visual artist, one of your greatest assets would be your agent.
Your agent would be contacting people on your behalf who could help advance your career, and to gain you opportunities that you would never otherwise enjoy.
Your agent would introduce you to important people in the film business, to up-and-coming directors and producers, and would be aware of the "behind the scenes" goings-on in that business.
Each and every day, your agent would be attempting to make you - your face and your work, the focus of the entire world.
Art reps, like agents, attempt to do the same - only they operate in the ArtWorld to promote their artists.
Unlike a gallery, art reps usually represent a small group of artists.
I represent only seven, including Toni Scott and my late father.
" In order to work with an art rep and/or art consultant:
- you will need to produce artwork that has broad appeal;
- your prices will need to be competitive;
- and you will need to be well organized and professional.
Source...