Why an art advisor could be your best investment yet
Why an art advisor could be your best investment
Selecting the right contemporary artwork can elevate your collection and interior design. This guide explores practical advice from Olivia Bridges | Art Advisory on identifying authentic pieces, understanding market value, and aligning art with your personal style. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to art, these professional strategies will enhance your buying decisions and investment potential.
We've all been there: you walk past that empty wall for the hundredth time, knowing it needs something but feeling completely overwhelmed by where to start. Should you visit a gallery? Browse online? What if the piece doesn't quite work when it arrives? How can you judge what something is worth and avoid making an expensive mistake?
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone – and there's a solution that's becoming increasingly popular: working with an art advisor.
Does the art world feel a little daunting?
The art market can feel like an exclusive club with its own mysterious rules. Galleries are always welcoming, but possibly too welcoming? Auction houses can be intimidating… what if the auctioneer thinks I’m bidding when I’m not?
This is exactly why having a trusted advisor can make all the difference.
I believe that buying art should be fun, not stressful. My goal is to help you navigate the auction houses, dealers, and curators to make building your art collection an enjoyable and rewarding process – whether you're tentatively dipping a toe into the art market for the first time or you're looking to expand an existing collection.
Get in touch if you’d like to chat - I’m always happy to help.
What are the benefits of working with an art advisor?
Expert knowledge at your service
An art advisor should have a long list of art industry resources and contacts on speed dial including market experts, art dealers, advisors, lighting designers, framers and installers. When you work with an advisor, you're not just hiring someone to pick out pretty pictures – you're accessing years of expertise, industry connections, and insider knowledge that can save you both time and money.
Budget-conscious ideas
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need a celebrity's budget to work with an art advisor. A good art advisor will find the right piece or pieces within a client's budget, however much they have to spend. In fact, advisors often have relationships with galleries and dealers that can lead to better prices and exclusive access to pieces you might never find on your own.
Save time and avoid expensive mistakes
Working with an advisor can save you hours of traipsing around galleries hoping to stumble on your perfect piece. By leveraging their knowledge and access, an art advisor can curate options specifically for your space, taste, and budget.
Beyond the purchase
The relationship doesn't end when you buy the artwork. There are myriad details to be considered that art advisors can make arrangements for, including framing, delivery and proper installation, just to name a few.
A personal approach to your art collection
What I love most about my work is helping people discover what truly makes them smile. Whether you want to fill that blank space on your wall, find the perfect piece for your mantlepiece, or even transform that awkward space under your stairs into something special, the key is understanding your style and how art can enhance your daily life.
Some of my clients come to me with a clear vision, others simply know they want their home to feel more complete. Both approaches are perfectly valid – that's what makes this work so rewarding.
Making art accessible and enjoyable
The art world has traditionally felt exclusive and intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Having a trusted art partner can be hugely beneficial if you want access to better and more affordable art. My role is to demystify the process and make it genuinely enjoyable.
Think of your art advisor as you would any other trusted professional advisor – someone who understands your needs, respects your budget, and works solely in your best interests.
The bottom line
Whether you're looking to make your first art purchase or add to an existing collection, working with an art advisor can transform what might feel like an overwhelming process into an exciting journey of discovery. It's about more than just filling empty walls – it's about creating a home that truly reflects who you are.
If you've been wondering whether it's time to take that next step in making your house feel more like home, perhaps it's worth having a conversation about how the right artwork could make all the difference.
Ready to transform your space with art that speaks to you? I'd love to help you discover pieces that will make your house feel truly like home. Get in touch for an initial chat – let's make finding your perfect art a fun and rewarding adventure.