What could be better than working with artists, selling art, and making money on it? Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? De facto, however, the life of an art dealer is way more complicated and requires much more effort than it may seem at first sight. If you are about to start your artwork dealer career but don’t know how to take the first steps of your journey to success, below are four beginner tips that might well prove to be useful in the future.
How to become a successful art dealer: 5 tips for beginners
1. Get a degree to acquire knowledge
Even genuine passion for art is not enough to become a dealer. You need to have some background knowledge to feel confident. As a rule, art & antique dealers study the history of art before pursuing a career.
2. Study the market and learn the basics of the industry
Like any other market, the art market is subject to oscillations. Contemporary art trends are changing all the time, so you need to have a clear understanding of how the industry operates and what makes it change.
3. Take your time and gain experience
Not every art dealer has an art gallery. It is a mere generalization that many amateurs tend to spread. It doesn’t mean that you won’t have your own gallery either. However, before creating your brand, it is better to work for other art organizations to gain experience that you will need later.
4. Establish your art gallery
When you feel like you know how to pick, buy, exhibit, and sell art, you can try to establish a gallery – for a start, a small one. It would be your valuable first-hand experience that you will never forget.
It is time for you to put your hand to the plow. With these beginner tips, you have all the chances to become a successful art dealer. Just do not hurry and keep your head cool whenever you face problems.