The Business of Art (Paperback)

by Lee Caplin (Author) "The question I ask myself when art and business are discussed together is, "Has art grown into a desk job?..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, United States, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Chapters in this guidebook reveal how internationally known artists, dealers and other experts handle today's art environment. Topics includes: insurance, contracts, art in public places, corporate collecting, professional art advisors, auction houses, and grants and artist/dealer relationships.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall Press; 3 Sub edition (September 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735200130
• ISBN-13: 978-0735200135
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #241,170 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Money Wasted on the Business of Art, December 31, 2001

By	Carol "thedigitalartist" (Chepachet, RI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Business of Art (Hardcover)

I'd have to say I was very disappointed in this book. The title lead me to believe that there would be plenty of nuts and bolts information, when, in fact, there is very little indeed. There is one long-ish chapter on photographing artwork that contains a great deal of technical information on film, cameras,lenses, and lighting. (Most artists would be better served by hiring, or bartering work with, a competent photographer.) The rest of the book consists largely of personal reminiscences, rambling essays and opaque monologues.

Emerging artists want to know: how do you approach gallery owners successfully? how do you approach museums successfully? how do you prepare your portfolio? how does my work get seen? Well, emerging artists shouldn't expect to find useful answers in this book. The answers compiled in The Business of Art are mostly of the "If you're good enough you'll be found". "Get a magazine to write about you", "I got lucky", "Enter lots of competitions and hope someone notices you", and "Stop whining" variety.

There are a few mildly interesting, though not enlightening, personal stories about the New York art scene "back in the day", but don't look for much practical help here. I consider this as money wasted - both mine and the NEA's.

21 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not so good, January 10, 2002

By A Customer

There is a lot of info in this book. However, the information seems jumbled. I say that because, one chapter seems to be more for the emerging artist and the next for the established artist. I did not care for the chapters about the dealers (ex. one chapter in New York dealer, one is Houston dealer, etc.)
I would recommend other business of art books first and save this one for last if your starting a reference collection of art business books.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lots of info, August 16, 2001

By	Cleaning Mom (MI) - See all my reviews

This book has a variety of information. Some info seems to be for the emerging artist, other info is for the more established artist. It's a good reference but I'd suggest other business of art books first.