HELP DESK is where I answer your queries about making, exhibiting, finding, marketing, buying, selling — or any other activity related to — contemporary art. All submissions are strictly confidential and become the property of Daily Serving. Email helpdesk@dailyserving.com with your dilemma. HELP DESK spreads the love on twitter: @ArtHelpDesk
I’m wanting to know more about standards for art consultant/artist relationships that develop without a gallery being involved. I tried to look it up online and everything of course was all over the place and contradictory. I wouldn’t want to be named in a post but I am interested in knowing more. Specifically I was just approached by an art consultant who asked me ‘how I normally work with art consultants.’ I think what they wanted to know is how I want to divide sales, like a percentage ratio and I just don’t know what is normal.
For readers who aren’t acquainted with this particular niche of the art market, let’s start with what an art consultant does: she selects, acquires, and helps present artworks for clients. She might collaborate with architects and designers to create spaces congenial to the display and conservation of artworks. If she is working for a client with an extensive art collection, she may additionally curate and design exhibitions.
Just as there are differences in the ways in which various gallerists might work with an artist, art consultants also vary in their method — that’s why you have come across contradictory information online. For example, most consultants I know select from the already-completed works made available by artists and galleries, while San Diego consultant Barbara Markoff says, “For me the perfect artist partner is an artist that does not mind taking art direction for my projects. Often the art decisions are based on color and size. Knowing that my artist partner will happily create work for me based on my recommendations makes my job much easier.”