Founded in 2010 by Sotheby’s Institute of Art alumna Lacey West, Lacey West Art International offers a professional recruitment service for all art-related businesses in the UK and around the world.
The art world is a dynamic, complex, and highly competitive industry and it can be intimidating starting your career in the arts and luxury. Whether you’re an experienced candidate or someone transitioning from a different field, understanding the key skills and how to market yourself can help you stand out and secure your dream role. We have interviewed the team at Lacey West Art International. They shared their insights and tips from a recruiter’s perspective, offering invaluable advice on how to navigate the art and luxury job market.
What skills and qualities do you believe are most in demand for professionals looking to enter the art and luxury sectors today?
The art and luxury sectors are continually changing; candidates require a unique blend of skills that combine traditional expertise with modern, innovative thinking.
Art and Market Knowledge
Regardless of what area of the industry you work in, understanding market trends, artist profiles, and luxury brand heritage is crucial. Employers look for candidates who can demonstrate an awareness of the industry in a broad way, including key players, collectors, buyers, and emerging markets.
Sales and Client Relationship Skills
The art and luxury sectors rely heavily on relationships. Whether selling luxury products or fine art, professionals need excellent interpersonal skills to build trust with high-net-worth individuals, collectors, and connoisseurs. This includes negotiation, communication, and maintaining client relationships over time.
Cultural Sensitivity and Interpersonal skills
Working with global clients or handling artworks from various cultures requires a high level of cultural awareness. Respect for heritage, provenance, and the significance of certain art or luxury items is crucial.
Digital and Technical Expertise
In the past few years, digital platforms, online auctions and e-commerce have become crucial to both the art and luxury worlds. Candidates with technical skills, such as social media marketing, SEO, or expertise in digital sales platforms, have a distinct advantage.
Project Management and Attention to Detail
Managing exhibitions, galleries, or luxury events requires meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. The ability to oversee multiple facets of a project while maintaining a high standard of quality is essential.
How can candidates craft their CVs, resumes or portfolios to stand out in the industry?
To stand out, candidates should be strategic with regards to how they present their experience and skills on their CV or portfolio.
Highlight Relevant Experience
Emphasize experience that translates well into the art and luxury industries. For example, if you have worked in sales, project management, or marketing in another field, draw parallels with similar roles in art galleries, auction houses, or luxury brands.
Demonstrate Passion and Industry Knowledge
Showcase your personal involvement in art or luxury. Employers want to see your passion for the sector, even if you’re new to the field.
Tailor your Portfolio or CV
Ensure your portfolio or CV is polished and relevant to the role(s) you are applying for. For example, if applying to an art gallery, draw attention to any curated projects, exhibition designs, or art management experience. In the luxury sector, you could highlight high-end product campaigns, VIP client engagement, or relevant event management work.
What advice would you give to someone looking to transition into the art or luxury business from a different field?
If you’re transitioning from another field, breaking into the art or luxury sectors can seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right approach.
Leverage Transferable Skills
Identify skills from your current or previous career that align with art or luxury roles. Skills like client management, sales, marketing, project coordination, or expertise in digital tools are highly transferable and sought after.
Network Strategically
The art and luxury sectors rely heavily on personal connections. Attend industry events, exhibitions, and fairs to meet professionals in the field. Consider joining associations or groups that focus on art or luxury to broaden your network.
Start with Internships and Volunteer Work
Gaining hands on, practical experience is crucial at any point of your career, undertaking internships or volunteer opportunities in galleries, museums or luxury brands are invaluable ways to extend and develop your experience. This will also help you build connections, and strengthen your CV.
Transitioning into the art and luxury sectors may require persistence and effort, but with the right skills, a tailored CV, and strategic networking, you can carve a successful path into these dynamic industries.