From Our Desk
An FAQ to address some of the questions we hear most from clients.
Art Advisory FAQ — Astrid Burns Art Consulting in Boston and Miami
ABOUT ART ADVISING
What does an art advisor do?
In short, we support and guide clients looking to acquire works of art. Advisors often act as the intermediaries between galleries and/or artists and buyers, taking on the administrative and logistical work to make the process as seamless and frictionless as possible. This includes everything from early research and discovery, deliberation (sometimes through on-site viewings), preparation and framing, transport, and installation.
How is an art advisor different from a gallery?
The key difference is that advisors traditionally do not hold inventory, while galleries support a dedicated program of artists that they present through rotating exhibitions. While artists and their work are central to both, a good advisor will advocate for their client and put their needs above a potential sale.
Do I need an art advisor?
Not necessarily – many collectors begin on their own, and there is real value in developing a personal relationship with galleries and artists directly. That said, an advisor can be a valuable resource at any stage of the collecting journey, whether you are just starting out and feeling overwhelmed by the options, or are a seasoned collector looking to refine your collection or navigate a more complex acquisition. An advisor also saves time, taking on the research, logistics, and administrative work so that the experience of collecting remains enjoyable rather than transactional.
WORKING WITH US
What does the process look like from start to finish?
We approach every collection holistically, with a focus on long-term acquisitions and an ongoing relationship with each client. Our small team allows us to maintain a boutique, hands-on model tailored to individual needs – while some clients are eager to move quickly, others prefer to build their collection gradually over time. We follow a general framework: discovery (often including a site visit); a series of art proposals and client meetings to establish a clear direction; acquisitions; and any necessary preparation such as conservation and framing, before finally arranging safe installation of the artworks. This process can be repeated continuously or intermittently until the client feels their collection is complete.
Do you work with first-time collectors?
We love working with collectors at any stage of their journey. Art collecting can often feel exclusionary and opaque, and we strive to remove those barriers and empower our clients to confidently navigate the art market.
Where are you based and what areas do you serve?
We are based in Boston and Miami and primarily serve the Northeast and South Florida, but our boutique model allows us to work with clients across the country.
How does your fee structure work?
In order to offer flexible and competitive pricing, we work on a hybrid model involving commissions on artworks, finder’s fees, and hourly rates. We leverage our industry relationships to secure the best price possible on artworks, and extend part of the discount to clients to ensure they see the tangible value of working with an advisor.
ART WORLD INSIGHTS
How do I start an art collection?
While art collecting can seem daunting, in practice it's as simple as purchasing a single work of art to kick off the journey. It is an individualized and subjective experience; there are no set rules around timeline, value, or number of works to classify something as an "art collection." That said, discerning collectors often choose to build their collection around a unifying theme – medium, style, time period, or subject matter – which is where consulting an art advisor is often helpful, in order to identify those works that fit seamlessly and logically into a collection.
What is the difference between the primary and secondary market?
The primary art market refers to the first point of sale of an artwork, often from the artist's studio directly to the buyer or via an intermediary such as a dealer or advisor. Any subsequent sale occurs through the secondary market, sometimes through dealers or secondary market galleries, and most commonly through auction houses.
How do I know if an artwork is a good investment?
Several factors contribute to the resale value of an artwork. Some are quantifiable and trackable, such as provenance, scarcity, demand, size, medium, and subject matter, while others are more nuanced, including art market trends, the artist's identity and trajectory, and broader political and socioeconomic conditions. This makes it difficult to guarantee that any particular artwork will appreciate over time, and by how much. That said, we draw on past auction records, comparable sales, and proven markers of strong performance to help clients make informed acquisitions and minimize the risk of devaluation.
How do I care for and maintain my collection?
Proper care begins with understanding the specific needs of each work, as different mediums, materials, and ages all require distinct handling and storage conditions. As a general rule, artworks should be kept away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations, all of which can cause irreversible damage over time. Maintaining an accurate and updated inventory is also essential – documenting provenance, condition reports, and insurance valuations ensures your collection is both protected and well-understood. For more complex or valuable collections, periodic check-ins with a conservator or advisor can help identify any issues early and keep the collection in optimal condition.