Freelance Art Specialist

THE WORK
ARTSRVE is a marketplace connecting collectors, galleries, and institutions with vetted independent art professionals. We are assembling our founding cohort and seeking art services specialists in Chicago.
This is not a staff job or an agency. We bring client leads through a secure platform that showcases your work and services. You bring your expertise, credentials, rates, tools, and insurance where required by your category.
You choose which jobs to take and set your own prices while staying completely independent. See how it works: https://www.artsrve.com/how-it-works
CATEGORIES WE ARE ONBOARDING
Art advisors and consultants
Appraisers (fine art, personal property, insurance, estate, donation)
Art photographers and artwork documentation specialists
Art handlers, installers and preparators
Conservators and restorers (paintings, works on paper, objects, frames, textiles)
Registrars and collection managers
Commission artists (murals, portraits, site-specific and custom work)
Crating, packing and fine art logistics
Custom framers
Art lighting, hanging systems and mounting
Inventory, cataloging and collection database work
If you provide a service to collectors not on this list, tell us about it.
TYPICAL PROJECTS
Guide a first-time buyer through an art fair (Art advisor)
Appraise a collection for insurance or donation (Appraiser)
Photograph and catalog 200 works for an estate (Art photographer)
Install a 40-piece collection in a Gold Coast residence (Art handler)
Hang a salon wall for a design client (Art handler)
Crate and ship a work out of state (Crating and logistics)
Treat a water-damaged canvas (Conservator)
COMPENSATION
Joining, creating a profile, and receiving client requests cost nothing. You set your own rates on every proposal.
ARTSRVE deducts a 5-12% platform fee from your payout on completed jobs, depending on the service. You see the exact amount before accepting work. Payouts are released within 7 days of job completion.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Experience: professional work in your category, or a recognized credential such as APAA, ASA, AAA, ISA, AIC, or CPF
Proof of work: a portfolio, project list, references, or CV
Independent status: able to work as a contractor, on your own or through your business
Insurance: general liability, or willingness to carry it, for on-site work
Driver’s license: required for handling, installation, and logistics
Location: based in or regularly working in the Chicago area
WHO THIS IS FOR
Established solo practitioners: specialists who want steadier work without spending time on marketing
Newly independent: professionals building a client base on their own
Side projects: current or former staff at galleries, museums, auction houses, conservation studios, or art services firms who want project work alongside a day job
HOW TO JOIN
Create your free account at https://www.artsrve.com/signup
Book a welcome session with a member of our team. We will review your services, experience, and rates, and help you set up your profile.
Once your profile is live, you can start receiving client requests.
If you have questions before signing up, please email hello@artsrve.com.
ABOUT ARTSRVE
ARTSRVE is an art services marketplace launching in Chicago. We help collectors, galleries, designers, and institutions find and book trusted independent art professionals, and we help those professionals promote their services and grow their businesses.

Work arrangement
Yes