How to choose an art advisor

Most people buying art for the first time worry about paying too much or choosing badly. A good advisor takes most of that worry away. Here is how to tell if you need one, and how to choose.

What an art advisor does

An advisor listens to what draws you to a work, then researches, shortlists and introduces you to the right artists and galleries. They guide the purchase, from condition and paperwork to shipping and installation, and help your collection hold together as it grows.

When an advisor makes a difference

• You are buying your first original work and want a trusted guide
• You want to find emerging artists early
• You are choosing art for a new home, an office or a hotel
• You want a collection with a clear direction, not a series of separate purchases

Five questions to ask before you choose

1. Where do you find artists? Look for an advisor who spends time in studios, graduate shows and smaller galleries, not only at major fairs.
2. How are you paid? A fee, an hourly rate, a retainer or a percentage. Ask whether they receive anything from galleries, so you understand how their advice is shaped.
3. Who have you worked with? Ask for examples of collections built for people with a similar budget and taste.
4. How do you judge an artist? Good advisors talk about the work, the practice and the artist’s path, never about guaranteed returns.
5. What happens after the purchase? Shipping, framing, installation and documentation should all be part of the service.

A word on value

Buying from emerging artists is one of the real pleasures of collecting. Prices may rise as an artist’s career grows, but they are never guaranteed. Buy what you love, from artists you believe in, and let any increase in value be a bonus rather than the reason.

Questions collectors ask