At heart, a good art appraiser is a research professional, capable of unearthing information about an item's worth from its condition, date, maker and other information. To become an art appraiser takes time and dedication. If you're interested in this field, obtain work in a gallery, auction house or museum to get experience working with and handling art objects. The salary for appraisers varies, but a good appraiser can average $44,000 to $65,000 per year, according to StateUniversity.com.
Instructions
1. Obtain a bachelor's degree in art history. While you can train to become an art appraiser without an art history background, most of art appraisal is understanding art history.
2. Learn at least one foreign language, especially if you intend to specialize in a certain type of art, such as Italian or Chinese. While you don't need to be fluent, you should be able to converse and to skim texts for key concepts. The University of Notre Dame recommends learning a language and suggests Spanish as a versatile, useful language for art appraisers.
3. Hone your research skills while working in an art-related field. This can be gallery experience, museum experience, nonprofit work, library work or anything art-related that requires research. If you cannot gain research skills in your work, approach art appraisers near you and ask if you can apprentice with them and assist in their research. You can find art appraisers near you by using the American Society of Appraisers directory. (See Resources.)
4. Apply to certificate programs in appraisal studies. Many fine art colleges have an appraisal studies program; some state universities also have programs. The certificate program will allow you to specialize in fields such as silver, American furniture or Asian art. Certificate programs can be completed in one to two years, depending on whether you go full or part time.
5. Begin your certificate program in appraisal studies. To gain experience, obtain an internship with an appraiser during your course of study. Professors in your appraisal studies program will be able to provide recommendations of where to intern.
6. Complete your studies and search for a job as an appraiser. You can go into business for yourself or hone skills working at an auction house, museum or gallery.
