Frequently Asked Questions:
Can an art advisor help a first-time art buyer?
Yes, and first-time buyers are often the clients who benefit most. When you’re new to buying art, it’s hard to know where to look, what’s priced fairly, or which questions to ask. I help you uncover what you’re drawn to, then find works that match your taste and budget. Along the way, you learn how to look at art and buy it with confidence, so the next purchase feels easier.If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.
Do I need to be wealthy to hire an art advisor?
Not at all. Many people assume art advisors only work with wealthy collectors, but I especially welcome first-time and budget-conscious buyers. Some of the most rewarding art I’ve found for clients came from open studios, art school sales, and independent printmakers, at prices well within reach. You set the budget, and I work within it. If you’re new to the art market and unsure what a sensible budget looks like, I’ll help you set one.Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
What does an art advisor cost?
Your first consultation with me is free. Art advisors use a variety of fee structures; some, for example, charge a monthly retainer. If we decide to work together, I charge a one-time, non-refundable orientation fee based on the scope of your project. After that, I’m compensated by the source you buy from. Galleries customarily offer advisors what they call a “discount,” and artists understand the same arrangement as a “commission.” This means you know your costs up front, and I’m focused on finding art you’ll love.Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.
How do I find an art advisor in New York?
Look for someone whose approach fits your goals, not just their client list. Ask how they’re paid, who they usually work with, and whether they’ll explain their choices. I’m Elizabeth Sadoff, a New York art advisor for new and seasoned collectors alike. Together, we make it a journey of personal discovery that leads you to a work you can confidently say “I love this” about.Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.
How do I buy art if I don’t know much about the art world?
Start by noticing what you respond to. You don’t need to know art history to know what you love. Visit open studios, galleries, and art fairs, and pay attention to what makes you stop and look. Street art, billboards, sidewalk chalk drawings: open your eyes to the world around you and follow your curiosity! Ask questions; artists and gallerists are usually glad to talk. If you’d like a guide, an advisor can help you turn those first reactions into a confident purchase.Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.
I feel intimidated walking into galleries. Is that unusual?
Yes, it’s a common feeling, and you’re not alone. Galleries can feel quiet and formal, but most welcome visitors and rely on new buyers. You’re not only allowed but encouraged to walk in, look around, and ask for prices if a work strikes you. You don’t have to buy anything or pretend to be an expert.
Where can I find affordable original art?
Often in places people overlook: open studio events, art school exhibitions and sales, printmaking studios, thrift and consignment shops, street vendors, and smaller local auctions. Original prints (see question 9) are an especially good way to own real work by an artist at a lower price than a painting. Finding these opportunities is one of my favorite parts of advising.
How much should I spend on my first piece of art?
There’s no right amount. Spend what feels comfortable, an amount you won’t regret if your taste changes. Original prints (see question 9), drawings, and works by emerging artists can start at a few hundred dollars. What matters most is that you love the piece. Your budget sets the price, and good art exists at every level.Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
What’s the difference between an original print and a reproduction?
An original print is an artwork created by the artist through a printmaking process, such as etching, woodcut, linocut, or screenprinting. Each impression is an original work in its own right, even when the artist makes an edition of several prints. As a former printmaker, I particularly love the possibilities of this medium. Artists can combine techniques, layering a digital image with an etching, a silkscreen, or a woodblock, for example.
The creative possibilities are virtually limitless! A reproduction, by contrast, is a copy of an artwork that already exists in another form, such as a poster of a painting. I can help you tell the difference so you can make informed choices.Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.
What do the numbers on a print mean?
A number like “12/50,” usually written in pencil, means this is the 12th impression in an edition of 50. The edition size tells you how many were printed, and smaller editions are often more valuable. You may also see “A.P.” (artist’s proof), a small set the artist keeps outside the edition. The artist’s pencil signature and edition number are good signs you’re looking at an original print.Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.