There are few professions out there as exciting, mysterious and different as being a professional art dealer. Not the kind of industry that one can just get into easily, it can still be immensely rewarding, especially considering the high level of commissions one can get from pulling off a big sale. If you are interested in becoming or working as a professional art dealer then you are in the right place, as this guide has been created in order to tell you absolutely everything that you need to know. If you want to know more, then it is essential to read this overview today.
1. Know the Right People
The art dealer industry is all about who you know and how you can communicate with them in the right way. This is true whether it’s your first job or your 100th job. This is why you should be doing everything in your power in order to build your network in the best manner possible. Add as many contacts as you can on LinkedIn and make sure that you are seen in all of the usual locations, stretching from Monaco to Basel to Dubai, in order to situate yourself as one of the top art dealers in the business.
2. Keep the Artworks Safe
When people are buying a priceless artwork, especially one that is worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, it comes with the fair expectation that it will arrive to them in good condition. This means that you need to make sure that it is transported in as safe a condition as possible. To ensure that this is possible, it’s worth taking a look around for a great Fragile Goods Transport system, courtesy of Shiply.
3. Know Your Art
It’s a simple recommendation, but one that it is absolutely crucial to follow nevertheless. If you want to become an art dealer, then you should know as much about the art that you are selling as possible. You can learn a lot by constantly going to museums and exhibitions, but it’s worth undergoing some formal training as well, meaning that you should definitely look to get a degree in art history. As a minor, it’s never a bad idea to look into business and sales courses in order to have some interdisciplinary knowledge.
4. Work in a Gallery First
Before you set out on your own as a professional art dealer, it is highly recommended that you learn the ins and outs of the industry first. One of the best ways in order to get to grips with the art world and what it demands, as well as understanding what potential customers look for in a particular piece of art, you should definitely make sure that you have some work experience from working in a gallery. You can start in any position: just being around this kind of culture is essential if you want to be a success. Take a look around you for a local gallery that you can apply for a position at.