Working with Art Consultants: A Guide for Artists | Artsume
Guide10 min read
Working with Art Consultants: A Guide for Artists
Sell your art through consultants and advisors. How corporate and private art consulting works, what consultants look for, and how to build these relationships.
Art consultant reviewing artwork in a modern corporate office setting
Working with Art Consultants: A Guide for Artists#
Description: Sell your art through consultants and advisors. How corporate and private art consulting works, what consultants look for, and how to build these relationships.
Tags: art consultants, corporate art sales, art advisors, selling to corporations, artist representation, art consulting, commercial art sales, art for offices
Working with Art Consultants: A Guide for Artists#
Art consultants connect artists with collectors, corporations, and institutions. They represent a significant sales channel outside the traditional gallery system. This guide explains how consulting works and how to build relationships in this market.
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Quick Answer
Art consultants buy for corporate clients, hotels, hospitals, and private collectors
They look for reliable artists who deliver quality work on time
Larger editions and reproducible work fits consulting projects better
Relationships build slowly through professionalism and consistent output
Consulting sales are often volume-based at lower margins than gallery sales
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Key Takeaways
Different market than galleries: Consultants prioritize reliability, availability, and fit over cutting-edge concepts
Corporate work has constraints: Size, color, subject matter, and timeline requirements are common
Higher volume, lower margins: Per-piece prices may be lower but quantities higher
Professional behavior matters: Consultants work with artists who meet deadlines and communicate clearly
Long-term relationships pay off: One good project leads to referrals and repeat work
One missed deadline can end a relationship. Consultants answer to clients with construction schedules and grand openings. They cannot afford unreliable artists.
Subject: Artist portfolio - [Your Name], [Your Medium]
Dear [Consultant Name],
I saw your recent project at [Building/Client] and thought my
work might fit your upcoming projects. I create [brief description]
and have experience with [relevant experience - corporate commissions,
editions, large scale work, etc.].
Portfolio: [link]
Available inventory: [link or PDF]
I'm based in [city] and available for studio visits if helpful.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Website]
Most consultants charge clients a markup on artist prices (20-40%) or a project fee. Some work on retainer with private collectors. As the artist, you typically negotiate with the consultant based on your wholesale or discounted price. The consultant then marks up to the client.
