How to Start an Art Consulting Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
If you love art and want to make a career out of it, starting an art consulting business can be an amazing path to take. As an art consultant, you get to merge your passion for art with helping clients curate art collections, decorate their spaces, and more.
It takes work to start any business, but with the right prep and knowledge, you can get your art consulting company up and running smoothly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on launching a successful art consulting firm.
Learn All About Art Consulting
Before jumping in, make sure you fully understand what art consultants do day-to-day. At its core, art consulting involves advising clients on buying art, building art collections, integrating art into interior design, and providing other specialized art services.
But art consultants wear many hats beyond just selecting art. You may help clients display and install artwork, appraise pieces, facilitate framing and restoration, assist with museum loans, and much more. Do thorough research on everything art consultants can do.
Get Proper Education and Training
While no specific education is required to be an art consultant, having a strong background can give you credibility with clients. Many consultants have degrees in art history, fine arts, business, interior design or related fields.
Look into certificate programs specifically for aspiring art consultants. Organizations like the New York Institute of Art and Design offer certificates covering topics like appraisal, collections management, and the business side of consulting.
You should also consider getting certified in art appraisal so you can provide that service. The Appraisers Association of America offers an Accredited Member (AM) designation.
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Network and Build Connections
Like any service business, an art consultant’s success depends on relationships. Start building connections early on with gallery owners, auction houses, designers, collectors, fellow consultants, and more.
Join professional groups like the Association of Professional Art Advisors and Appraisers Association of America. Attend industry events, gallery openings, art fairs, and auctions to grow your network. Those connections will be invaluable when starting your biz.
Secure Funding and Financing
Starting a business requires capital. Determine your start-up costs, including expenses like:
- Licensing and permits
- Office space and equipment
- Marketing and advertising
- Website development
- Legal and accounting fees
- Insurance
Your start-up costs depend on what scale you want your new business to initially be. Make sure you have a solid business plan when seeking loans or investors.
Pick a Business Structure
Decide whether to set up your consulting firm as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC. Each structure has pros and cons in terms of liability protection, taxes, and regulations.
Many small business owners form LLCs to get the pass-through taxes of a partnership plus the liability protection of a corporation — often the best of both worlds. Consult advisors to pick the right structure.
Get Necessary Licenses and Permits
While art consulting is generally unregulated, you still need basic business licenses and permits based on your location, including:
- Business license
- Fictitious name filing for a DBA
- Sales tax permit
- Occupational tax certificate
- Zoning permit
If providing appraisal services, you may need an appraisal license. Check with your state and local government to find out exactly what you need.
Set Up Your Office
Your office doesn’t need to be huge, especially at first. Focus on finding a professional space convenient for meeting clients. Location is key.
Set up your office tech — phone, computer, printer, filing system, website, inventory software if handling art sales. You may want a gallery to display art too.
Get Business Insurance
Protect yourself and your new business with the right insurance:
- General liability — Covers property damage and bodily injury
- Errors and omissions — Protects against professional liability claims
- Valuable items insurance — For artworks in your care
- Appraiser’s liability — If providing appraisals
Work with an insurance agent to get adequate coverage.
Create Your Brand
Define your art consulting brand, which will guide your marketing. Come up with a memorable business name and have a logo designed.
Develop your brand identity consistently across your website, business cards, brochures, etc. Make sure your brand conveys your niche, expertise, and value proposition.
Set Your Fees
Establish your fee structure for the services you’ll offer. Common art consultant fee models include:
- Hourly fees — Typically $100-$500+ per hour
- Retainer fees — Negotiated monthly or annual amount
- Commissions — Percentage of the artwork’s price
- Flat project fees — For an entire collection installation, for example
Base your rates on your experience, services, and local market rates. You can offer package deals too.
Market and Promote Your Business
Start spreading the word! Effective tactics include:
- Creating a website showcasing your services, credentials, and gallery. Optimize for SEO.
- Sending announcements about your launch.
- Networking for referrals from your contacts.
- Joining relevant professional associations.
- Attending industry events and distributing promotional materials.
- Running targeted online and print ads.
- Offering free consultations or lectures to build your reputation.
The key is making sure potential clients know about your services and expertise. Focus on where high net worth art collectors spend their time.
Guiding clients in building remarkable art collections or designing beautiful, art-filled spaces takes skill, passion and knowledge. But with proper preparation and business basics, you can successfully launch an art consulting career and connect clients to the art world they love. Use this step-by-step guide to start your new consulting business off right!
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Art Consulting Financial Forecasts
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Frequently Asked Questions
What education and background do I need to be an art consultant?
Most have a degree in art history, fine arts, business, interior design, or related fields, which provides credibility. Art consulting training programs and certifications are extremely valuable too.
What licenses or certifications are required?
You need basic business licenses and permits. Art consulting is largely unregulated. Popular optional certifications are the APP and AM. Appraiser certifications are required for appraisal services.
How much can art consultants earn?
Art consultants have widely varying salaries from $50,000-$150,000+ per year. Your income depends on reputation, expertise, services, and location. Many earn hourly, retainer, commission, and project fees.
What types of clients do consultants work with?
Typical clients include private collectors, corporations, museums, hospitals, banks, law firms, designers, architects, and more. Some specialize in certain industries or building types. High net worth individuals are common.
How do I find clients as a new consultant?
Networking in the art world and related industries is key for referrals and leads. Promoting your services through marketing like your website, advertising, writing, and public speaking is also vital. Offering free initial consultations can help secure new clients.
Should I get office space when starting out?
You don’t need a large office at first. Focus on finding professional, convenient space to meet clients in. Many consultants work from home offices initially. As you grow, you may want more formal workspace.
What insurance should art consultants have?
Carry general business insurance like liability, errors and omissions, valuables, and appraiser’s liability if providing appraisals. Protect yourself from potential liabilities.
How much does it cost to start an art consulting business?
Start-up costs vary but expect to spend $15,000 — $25,000+ when starting out. Costs include licensing, office space, equipment, marketing, website, legal fees, insurance, and more. Sufficient capital is required to launch any business.
What are ethical guidelines for art consultants?
Maintain confidentiality, disclose any conflicts of interest, be transparent about compensation, avoid inappropriate guarantees, and remain objective. Focus on providing honest, expert guidance to best serve clients’ interests.
