Art Blog - Corporate Art Advice

Over the next several weeks I will be writing about a variety of topics that pertain to art consultants and artists--how they find each other, what tools and/or materials artists need when approaching and/or dealing with consultants, what NOT to do, and other useful business pointers. There's nothing magical about all this, but you will need to remember to do what you do best--be creative! For starters, let's look at "where can I find art consultants?"

Unfortunately, there is no central data base for art consultants. They spend so much of their time being organized with all details keeping their clients happy and searching for you that they don't even think about organizing themselves. That and the fact that many of them are very territorial and don't want to share any of their information or stock of artists with other consultants. But the single most successful method of finding art consultants is to speak with other artists who have worked with them. In other words, use the old-fashioned "word-of-mouth" approach.

An important point to remember is that art consultants represent a range of clients from small hotels to health care organizations to corporations large and small. Unlike art reps who work for or represent the artists, art consultants are a bit more elusive, simply because, as I've already mentioned, they are busy serving the needs of their clients. Some of the larger Fortune 500 corporations and hospitals employ in-house consultants, but most rely on freelancers to get the job done. So the next time you happen to be in a health care facility, or visit the doctor's office, or go into your bank, and you notice all that artwork hanging on the walls, instead of just wondering where it all came from, inquire for the name of whoever buys their art. That person will most certainly have the name of an art consultant.

Get connected to, and stay connected to your local art scene whether it's through art leagues, guilds or co-op galleries. Names of consultants are bound to emerge. Interior designers, who are much easier to find since they are normally listed in the yellow pages, are another means to linking up with freelance art consultants. You may get lucky and discover a designer that does their own art purchasing, but if they don't search for their client's art, they will more than likely know someone who does.

Very successful artists have an entrepreneurial attitude. They spend lots of time painting but they also spend time schmoozing. They are not afraid to self-promote. Art consultants will find you and you will find them if your name, your work, and you are out there. Be tenacious about learning all that you can about the art of self-promotion. If you're uncomfortable with it, practice it, force yourself out there, take along another artist for support so you can have some fun. Once you get more comfortable, the networking process will begin to take on a life of its own. Establishing relationships is what it is all about. Networking is crucial.

COMMENTS

 

1

  Raleigh Heating ( homepage )

12/08/2012 * 08:54:25

Thanks for information. It help me in entering in art work. I am sharing your information.

 

2

  Alondra ( homepage )

04/28/2012 * 13:31:46

Well, the bigger qesution is what are his skills. If he's going to be a plumber, repair guy, roofer, sales consultant, logistics consultant, then he needs some talent.It's actually a lot easier than it sounds. Just start offering your services. Let's say he's going to be a gardener. Again, we have no idea what he's good at since you didn't tell us. He can make up a few fliers on the computer. Print them out at Kinkos or at home, and then walk around the neighborhood and pass them out. People will call. Eventually it starts slow but people aren't that discriminatory against new businesses. If you say you can do it some of them will just trust that you can and give you the opportunity. Before you know it you have some credentials to back up your claim and you're off the ground. Just takes hard work and persistence.

 

3

  Barbara Markoff ( homepage )

06/21/2010 * 19:37:22

I have a new book out on the subject of corporate art consultation. It discusses the stages of the process and materials needed to orchestrate a corporate art program. It is not about investment art, but art that helps with corporate identify and branding. The title is, "Becoming A Corporate Art Consultant, The Handbook for Corporate Art Consultation," and it is available on Amazon.com

I wrote the book because a resource does not exist on this subject. After almost 30 years of being a corporate art consultant I have amassed a great deal of knowledge and experience for the those interested in learning about the profession.

 

4

  Amber Trueblood ( homepage )

11/01/2009 * 23:03:14

Thanks for the information! I'm also "new" to the art world and, although I'm not afraid of the business-side of the art world, I have a TON to learn about the process involved.

I've put together a few shows now and sold most of my pieces. People keep telling me that my work is perfect for corporate art and now I'm trying to figure out what to do next.

I'll keep up with your blog and any info or additional advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Amber

 

5

  janki raval ( homepage )

09/21/2008 * 13:27:52

Hello,

I am a new bee in art work. N really impressed with your comments for getting consultants for art work. I will surely work out on it. Thanks for such good knowledge share. Please check out my art gallery also and give comments so that I can improve my work. My site art.letnurture.co.cc.

Thanks
Regards,
Janki Raval

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