Comments on: How to Hire a Consultant for Your Art Career

By: How Do You Know When to Trust? — Art Biz Blog

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:01:05 +0000

[…] looking to do business with someone – be it a venue, consultant, or collector – how do you know to […]

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By: When You Don’t Know What You Want from Your Art — Art Biz Blog

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:01:10 +0000

[…] few months back, I gave advice for hiring a consultant for your art career. I said that if you’re going to spend money on a consultant, you should understand what you […]

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By: Consultants – A Manager’s Guide » Managing the Arts » Dynamic Arts Consulting

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 07:16:15 +0000

[…] How to Hire a Consultant […]

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By: Michael Newberry

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 05:34:06 +0000

In reply to Alyson Stanfield.

That is my point Alyson. I have been totally clueless, with a vague image of huge museum shows, and not much in-between. I didn’t know what questions to ask. And only recently discovering that I can kill a collector/s enthusiasm, because I didn’t know what they need to know from me. It is nearly impossible for an artist to see things from a normal collector’s point of view. The technical things that can excite us, can bore a collector and make them run away! So we need to know how to excite a collector, and at the same time be totally genuine.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:52:01 +0000

In reply to Laura K. Aiken.

Laura: Are you afraid you’ll make the wrong choice?

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:51:02 +0000

In reply to Michael Newberry.

Michael: I get that. But even when you were in the dark, did you not know what you wanted?
Did you have questions you wanted to ask?

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By: Laura K. Aiken

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:01:38 +0000

Yes Michael, I know what you mean. I am great with seeing growth for other artists, but when it comes to me, I am terrible. Every since I have been following Ayson, since she started online, I have wanted to hire her for help. Then it’s like ok…ugh….where do I begin. I have even talked with Alyson via emai and she sent me the above outline…or simular. Ok I said, let’s gather my thoughts and…..so what, about four years later I am still saying I need to gather my thoughts and compile what I want! Thank goodness Alyson, you have added to your-what to do first. Hey, it’s only taken me four or so years to prepare…and save the money. ;)…Ugh now where to start first.
Don’t get me wrong, I have grown in my business….thanks to your book and workshop, Alyson, but I know there is more for me. There is a bigger picture, just don’t know which fork to take in the road. 🙂
Hope some of my ramblings made sense.
laura.

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By: Michael Newberry

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:46:32 +0000

Alyson,
This is the first time I disagree with you; though you are right. 🙂
“…it’s my client’s job to set the agenda…”
I think there are many artists out there, great ones too, that don’t know where to begin, and for sure don’t know what questions to ask when it comes to dealers, collectors, and the media. And not even have begun to think what they want or need from them. It is as if they are autistic.
Any success I have had came by chance, my collectors were simply inspired by my work and by my dedication, and ignored my retardation for business of art.
I think you would have an awesome workshop or hour session, carefully taking an artist or group getting them to find out what they want from the outside world. This may be too psychological for you, but I think you would be surprised by how many intelligent artists are out there that are completely blind about how to go about their careers. And I think their request to work with you is a cry for help.
Cheers,
Michael

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