Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Lledo . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Andrea , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Embarking on my journey in the art world was a leap of faith, one that required both courage and resilience. Coming from a family with no background in art, I knew I was stepping into uncharted territory. My decision to leave veterinary school and a secure job raised many eyebrows and invited skepticism. People laughed and doubted my ability to make a living in such a competitive and unpredictable field.
With only $5,000 in my account, I began my venture by focusing on emerging artists. I knew that to carve out a niche, I had to start small and build a reputation from the ground up. I spent countless hours networking, attending art shows, and connecting with artists and collectors. My passion for art and belief in the untapped potential of new artists fueled my drive.
Despite the initial financial strain and the constant doubt from others, I persisted. I learned to recognize talent and invested in promoting artists whose work resonated with me. Slowly but surely, my efforts began to pay off. Each sale and connection made strengthened my resolve and expanded my network.
Over time, I established myself in the art community, earning the respect of artists and collectors alike. The journey was far from easy, but it taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of believing in oneself, even when others do not. My story is a testament to the power of taking risks and following one’s passion, regardless of the obstacles and naysayers along the way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Working as an art advisor has been a journey of passion, determination, and strategic risk-taking. My role involves guiding clients on what art to buy and when to sell, curating and building art collections that reflect both aesthetic value and investment potential.
When I started, my family didn’t support my career choice in the art world. They wanted to see if I could succeed on my own without their financial backing. This meant I had to be resourceful and smart with my limited funds. Each sale was a stepping stone; I’d use the proceeds not just for basic needs, but to invest in my future. For example, I would often book a nice hotel near major art fairs to maximize my networking opportunities. While doing so, I’d save money on other expenses, like eating a $4 sandwich for lunch. It was challenging, but I was determined to make every dollar count.
Attending these art fairs was crucial. It allowed me to connect with artists, collectors, and other art advisors. These interactions were invaluable, helping me build a strong network and reputation in the art community. Despite the financial strain and the sacrifices, this investment in my presence at art fairs paid off. I began to close more deals, gain trust from clients, and secure my place in the industry.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been collaborating with other art advisors. Many of these professionals, who started as colleagues, have become close friends. Their support and shared knowledge have been instrumental in my growth. Together, we’ve navigated the complexities of the art market, and their camaraderie has made the journey not just bearable, but enjoyable.
Looking back, the beginning was undoubtedly the hardest part. But through perseverance, strategic investments, and the invaluable relationships I’ve built along the way, I’ve made it happen. Today, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the amazing people I get to work with in the art world.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being trustworthy has been the cornerstone of building my reputation as an art advisor. In the art world, where transactions can be significant and the stakes high, trust is paramount. Clients need to feel confident that their investments are in good hands and that the advice they receive is genuine and in their best interest.
From the outset, I made it a priority to be transparent and honest with my clients. This meant providing candid assessments of artworks, even if it wasn’t what they wanted to hear. If a piece didn’t have strong investment potential or align with their collection goals, I communicated that clearly. This honesty sometimes meant turning down quick sales, but it earned me the long-term trust and loyalty of my clients.
Networking and relationship-building were critical as well. At art fairs and events, I made a point to follow through on every commitment I made, whether it was a meeting, a follow-up, or a promised introduction. By doing so, I demonstrated that I valued others’ time and trusted me to keep my word.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
At art fairs, I can showcase my knowledge and passion for art in real-time, making connections that might not happen through other means. These events also allow me to stay updated on market trends, discover emerging artists, and deepen my understanding of client preferences, all of which enhance the advice I can offer.
Moreover, art fairs and events provide an excellent platform for networking with other art professionals. These connections can lead to collaborative opportunities and further recommendations, creating a ripple effect that expands my reach even further.
In essence, recommendations and attendance at art fairs and events have been the lifeblood of my client acquisition strategy. They enable me to build trust, demonstrate expertise, and continuously expand my network, driving the sustained growth and success of my career in the art world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Andreadelledo
- Other: [email protected]