Bootcamp: Art Sales

90 minute Intensive Online Course
Led by Karen van Hoey Smith & Louise Minnaar

This focused 90 minute intensive course is designed for creative professionals who engage with audiences, clients and collectors and want to strengthen their confidence, communication and sales approach. Whether you present artwork, manage exhibitions, liaise with buyers or support artists in any capacity, this session offers practical, proven methods to help you communicate value clearly and create meaningful buying conversations.

You will walk away with a stronger understanding of how people make purchasing decisions in the art world and how to guide those conversations with professionalism and ease.

All attendees will receive:

• The VAA Guide to Art Sales
• Session resources and worksheets
• Access to the session recording

What You Will Learn

This intensive session provides applicable, real world sales tools for anyone interfacing with collectors, visitors or potential buyers, including how to:

• Understand buyer motivations and adapt communication to different personalities
• Present artwork and creative practice with confidence and clarity
• Create engaging introductions and build rapport naturally
• Communicate value and discuss pricing with assurance
• Navigate hesitations and transform objections into constructive dialogue
• Develop longer term relationships that encourage trust and future opportunities

These skills are relevant to exhibitions, fairs, open studios, private viewings, online interactions and professional environments where artwork is shown, discussed or sold.

Speakers

Karen van Hoey Smith – Artist Mentor

Karen is an artist mentor, independent art broker and curator with more than twenty years of experience across the arts and antiques sector. Previously the youngest female auctioneer in the UK, Karen has worked as a gallery manager, publishing partner and consultant expert for major media outlets. She has brokered high value works by leading artists and now supports creative professionals in improving communication, sales confidence and strategic career development.

Louise Minnaar – VAA Events & Partnership Coordinator

Louise brings over eight years of global experience in the art industry, spanning international auctions, commercial galleries and large scale publishing houses. She has guided collectors at every level, from first time buyers to seasoned investors, and specialises in helping creative professionals understand buyer psychology, refine client communication and approach sales with clarity and professionalism.

Booking Information

This is an online 90 minute intensive course.
For any queries, please contact events@visual-artists.org