How to Become an Artist Representative

There is a demand for artist representatives or artist managers to market and sell artists' works. The word "artist" can refer to any of the creative arts, from fine arts to music. While many of the same concepts apply to those representing creative artists, this article will focus on steps to becoming a representative to the fine artist. This includes learning the art market, finding artists to represent, providing general marketing for the artist and his work, arranging potential buyers to visit the artist's studio, securing commissions, and organizing gallery and museum exhibits.

Instructions

1. Educate yourself in the field of fine art. Generally, those interested in becoming an artist representative enjoy the art world and have educated themselves in the subject of fine art. This can be obtained through informal training such as visits to local galleries and museums. Also, attending art seminars and reading art history books, art catalogues and industry magazines provides exposure to major art concepts. A bachelor degree in business, marketing or sales is an ideal background for an artist representative.

2. Find fine artists to represent. Visit galleries and start maintaining a professional journal with artists of interest. Do not be afraid to ask gallery owners about the artist and how the art work sells. If the artist maintains a website, visit it and find out if he is represented. Develop and send a pitch letter and service brochure to the artist with an invitation to have lunch or coffee at a local establishment.

3. Believe in the artist's work. An artist representative must be able to convince others why her client's work is important or marketable. This is easiest to do when the artist representative believes in the artwork.

4. Market the artist and her work. Many fine artists focus on creating art and not marketing it. Build a professional website for the artist. A professional artist brochure should include the artist bio, past exhibits and a sample reprint of her work. Secure a publicist or make calls to local publications to encourage feature stories about the artist.

5. Arrange buyers for the artist's works. Endeavor to establish quantifiable sales leads. Talk with the artist about where he has sold his art in the past. A list of past buyers is a great resource. Find opportunities for commissions where applicable for the artist's style of work.

6. Organize gallery and museum exhibits for the artist. If a meeting is secured, have an impressive portable presentation that makes the gallery owner or museum curator want to visit the studio and the artist. This dealer or curator was chosen for what reasons? Know enough about the art they are interested in to customize your presentation.

7. Secure the business essentials for performing your work. In starting an artist representative company a computer, Internet access, phone service with professional outgoing message, a filing system, website, business cards and a positive attitude are essential start-up needs.

8. Understand the finances of art representation. Compensation is typically commission based, with a percentage payable from gross sales. Enter into a written contract with the artist.

References

• Demand for Artist Representatives or Artist Managers
• Degree in Marketing or Sales

Resources

• Careers for Culture Lovers & Other Artsy Types; Marjorie Eberts and Margaret Gisler; 2006