Someone who has a good eye for interior design, and more specifically a knack for selecting the best artwork to occupy a space, should consider a career as an art consultant. Consultants are hired by corporations, hotels, health care facilities, smaller businesses and private art collectors. Anyone who is looking for that perfect artwork to spice up a room can look to an art consultant for assistance. Each client has different preferences and environments to work with, which presents a new challenge with each project for a consultant.
Duties
An art consultant meets with the client to discuss what area of the building needs artwork to make it more appealing to customers, visitors or family. The consultant uses her knowledge of art and design to select pieces of art that will create the overall mood the client desires to achieve. The consultant installs the artwork or places artistic sculptures in such a way that they will be effective additions to the building's decor. Most consultant firms also offer custom framing, which allows the artwork to flow perfectly in specific situations. Some consultants are also able to give appraisals of artwork based upon their expertise of popular art styles and high-selling artists.
How They Do It
Art consultants work closely with national and international galleries, recognized and local artists and other reliable art sources to offer the best, most broad range of art possible for their clients. They can even commission artwork to be made for a special occasion and can work with any budget and space. Consultants must have a great eye for detail and be able to work closely and communicate effectively with clients, as well as communicate and maintain good relations with the galleries, artists and other resources the consultant uses on a regular basis. They must stay up to date with the newest trends in the art world to keep their work fresh and exciting.
Education
Most professional art consultants have earned at least a bachelor of arts in art history (or sometimes fine arts) and many have continued on to graduate school to earn their master's degree. Art history courses provide a wealth of information that will prove useful in a career where appreciation of artwork is key. At the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, art history majors learn about the life stories and artistic techniques of famous early history artists, as well as the theory and relevance of art in the world. They learn to look at art in a new light after analyzing pieces and taking basic required courses in drawing and design and color theory.
Pay
According to PayScale.com, as of August 2009, beginning art consultants with one to four years of experience made approximately $12,000 to $40,000 per year. As more experience is gained, consultants could make $37,000 to $55,000 yearly after five to nine years and up to $59,000 yearly after 20 or more years.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people will always keep their eyes open for creative art pieces. The BLS predicts that all careers related to the fine arts field, such as art consultants, are expected to increase in demand by 16 percent through 2016.
