Art Consignment
Art Consignment is a common business arrangement in the art world where artwork owners temporarily place their pieces with galleries or dealers to sell on their behalf. Instead of buying artwork outright, galleries accept pieces "on consignment," meaning they only pay the owner after the piece sells, taking a commission for their services. This model helps galleries maintain diverse collections without large upfront investments and allows art owners to access established customer networks. Similar terms include "art dealership," "gallery sales," or "commission-based art sales."
Examples in Resumes
Managed Art Consignment program generating $500K in annual sales
Processed and tracked Art Consignment agreements for over 200 artists
Developed pricing strategies for Art Consignment pieces based on market research
Typical job title: "Art Consignment Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Art Consignment Managers
Professional Organizations
Online Networks
Industry Events
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the optimal commission structure for different types of artwork?
Expected Answer: Should discuss market analysis, artwork value ranges, gallery overhead costs, and competitive research. Should mention experience with different pricing models and negotiation strategies.
Q: How would you handle a situation where consigned artwork is damaged in the gallery?
Expected Answer: Should explain insurance procedures, artist/owner communication protocols, documentation processes, and resolution strategies including professional restoration options.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when accepting artwork on consignment?
Expected Answer: Should discuss artwork quality assessment, market demand, price point analysis, artist reputation, and gallery space considerations.
Q: How do you manage relationships with multiple artists and collectors?
Expected Answer: Should describe communication systems, contact management, regular updates, and strategies for maintaining professional relationships.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What information should be included in a basic consignment agreement?
Expected Answer: Should mention artwork details, pricing, commission rates, duration of consignment, insurance coverage, and payment terms.
Q: How do you track and manage consigned inventory?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic inventory systems, documentation procedures, and methods for tracking artwork location and status.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic art handling and documentation
- Inventory management
- Customer service
- Processing consignment agreements
Mid (2-5 years)
- Artist relationship management
- Sales strategy development
- Market value assessment
- Exhibition planning
Senior (5+ years)
- High-value artwork negotiation
- Gallery management
- Strategic partnerships
- Art market expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic art handling procedures
- Lack of experience with contracts or legal documentation
- Poor understanding of commission structures
- No familiarity with art market values
Related Terms
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