Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eugenia Peralta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eugenia, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

When I was young, I remember going to my father’s house and seeing the artworks that he had on the walls, all of them were fascinating to me. There was one in particular that always caught my attention. It was a seascape with a tremendous storm. When my father died, it took a deeper meaning in my life. I remember falling into that particular painting, feeling like the waves, unsettled. But in the end, there was a ray of light. It was in that moment that I realized how powerful an artwork could be, to move you in such a deep way. I can’t remember the name of the artwork or the artist, but I will always remember how that artwork resonated with my life at that moment and changed the way I perceive art forever.

I always enjoyed visiting museums and art galleries in my native Mexico City, and later on, I studied Communications at the Universidad Iberoamericana. Following my passion for the arts, I studied my MA in Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York. During my years in New York, I had the opportunity to work in a well known gallery in Soho, at a non for profit art fair and organizing an art auction, getting to know how the art world works in different areas. I noticed that many people were just purchasing art for the sake of purchasing art, a simple transaction, no knowledge about the artist or the artwork whatsoever, no passion. Sometimes there was that lack of connection with the artworks that in my case moved me in such a tremendous way when I was younger. That’s when I decided that I wanted to start my Art Consulting business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started EP Art Consultant, my art consulting business, after realizing the importance of the passion for the arts, of what an artwork can make you feel.

Following that passion for collecting art, I walk my clients throughout that process, which could take time. I emphasize the importance of collecting and different ways to build a collection. I explain also the importance of owning a piece of art, since it documents the memory of a specific moment in time for both the collector and the artists. Collecting helps to connect within yourself, documents the memory of a specific moment in time, helps to connect with others: artists, gallerists, curators, art aficionados, reflects individuality and personality, supports and learns about arts, transforms a space with its energy and becomes legacy.

The process to find the right artwork for a collector is insightful, joyful, and deep, it’s a guidance of teaching and connecting on a cultural, spiritual and deeper level.
More so, I like to create a conscience in the process of selecting the right artworks, learning the clients’ aesthetics interests, what are they drawn into, teach them about the artists and the artworks themselves (techniques, mediums, style, provenance and so on.)

I am proud of my job when I see my clients happy with the artworks they have selected.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of my first jobs while still in college was working in a production company. I started as the producer’s assistant, and from day one she trusted me with several tasks, from day to day responsibilities to be hands on at productions. While filming, one has to always be prepared, be a few steps ahead of the plan, and be ready to solve whatever life throws at you, which is often. One of the biggest projects I worked on was producing the U2 Vertigo movie for their tour in Latin America. Although I enjoyed the time at the production company, I was ready to switch gears. A former college friend suggested we should start a Public Relations boutique agency. I didn’t know much about the business but he did, and I decided to give it a try. We wanted to focus on fashion and small luxury brands and restaurants. I found our first client, a well established fashion designer, so the stakes were pretty high, especially since we had to coordinate his guest list and PR for Fashion Week in Mexico City. We did it flawlessly and the client was content with the results. While organizing different events, we had the chance to organize an art show from scratch. We found an amazing space, talented artists and invited VIP guests. The event was a complete success. I realized how much I enjoyed learning about the artists and everything around their creative process. I remembered the way art made me feel back when my dad died and that’s when I decided to start looking for masters programs abroad to enrich my education and my professional life. After a lot of inner search, I decided to switch gears again. But this time, I wanted to continue with my education and immerse myself in the art world. That is when I found the MA in Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute in New York. I decided to leave the PR scene and leave for the big apple. It was hard at first to leave behind what I have built, but my heart wanted to follow my passion for the arts and I haven’t regretted it for a moment. The city itself it’s a place to explore and to learn from its amazing history, museums and galleries. And after a few years in the art world it’s when I decided to start my art consulting business.I realized that even though I changed from PR to the arts, there are common grounds on both that have given me the tools to organize art events and shows with the event’s planning and public relations background. In the end, all adds up and all the dots connect.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I decided to begin my art consulting business, I had to go through all the steps every entrepreneur goes through the process: identifying my audience, Target market, branding, funding and so on. Our mission is still front and center and our guiding roadmap, but the strategy and tactics have altered due to changes in the marketplace and economic realities and to make sure we are adapting to the new realities and needs of the market and our clients. throughout the pandemic, I had the opportunity to dig deeper and think about how I was going to make my business work. I took that time to learn more about different artists, the art market and how to better advise my clients on how to invest in art and start or complement their collections. Finding the first client was hard; hustle was the name of game. Most of us purchase Art through retail stores and we don’t give it much thought when it comes to building and developing a thoughtful art collection. I have a dear friend who became my first client. I started from scratch with a thorough questionnaire that I created, asking about her style, theme, county and tasted inn kudos nd her budget. Within a week I gave her a presentation with my suggestions for her collection and she absolutely loved it. I got that confidence push to continue to work towards my mission. Still, I needed to find more clients. I learned that one connection could open multiple doors and that besides always being positive, you have to be always open to talk about your business. You never know who might need it one day. I have worked endlessly on amazing presentations and the clients decide it’s not the right moment to invest in art. More so, you have to be open for feedback and really work hand in hand with your clients to have the best results for them. Persistence it’s the key… you learn from every pitch even if you don’t close the deal. And once you do, you will learn something new that will make you better next time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.epartconsultant.com
• Instagram: @ep.artconsultant

Image Credits
Ximena Kvalekas’ handbag painted with wine by Tania EA. Gildo Medina’s Artwork Tania EA’s artwork in a private collection