Hiring an art advisor is a deciding step in the life of every art collector. With the help of a trained and experienced specialist, you can set attainable goals and build a coherent strategy for achieving them. However, not every art advisor can be considered a professional. To spot an amateur or liar at first blush, you need to know four things that specialist art advisors never do. Here they are.
Top 4 things art advisors never do and why
1. They never try to criticize your tastes
When you start working with an art advisory firm, you should be honest about your preferences and tastes in art. By no means should they be subject to criticism. There is no accounting for tastes, meaning that an advisor is obliged to find an individual approach to each client.
2. They never preach you
Remember that art advisors should educate you, not preach to you. All that you need is bare facts and in-depth analysis. In the worst-case scenario, you would be lectured about what you are supposed to do. Such a strategy won’t bring you far.
3. They never avoid talking about money
Despite its cultural, historical, and spiritual value, art is overly commercialized, especially when it comes to starting an art collection. Talking about money is normal and should not feel uncomfortable.
4. They never give you illusions
Art collecting is not a piece of cake, so you will most certainly have ups and downs in your career. However, if you work with art advisors who have only a vested interest in cooperation, the chances are that you will end up being fed on illusions. And the sooner you understand it, the better.
If you notice that your newly-hired art advisor does something of those four things, you might want to rethink your choice. As they say, it is better to prevent disaster before it strikes.