Top 12 Art Handler Skills to Put on Your Resume

Crafting a compelling resume as an art handler requires showcasing a unique blend of technical expertise and soft skills that demonstrate your ability to manage, protect, and present valuable artworks. Highlighting the top art handler skills on your resume can set you apart in a competitive job market, proving to potential employers that you possess the necessary qualifications and dedication to handle their collections with the utmost care and precision.

Art Handler Skills

1. Packaging
2. Installation
3. Inventory Management
4. Condition Reporting
5. ArtBase
6. Climate Control
7. Custom Crating
8. Art Handling
9. Preventive Conservation
10. Security Protocols
11. Rigging
12. Fine Art Shipping

1. Packaging

Packaging, in the context of an Art Handler, refers to the process of preparing and securing artworks for transportation or storage, using materials and techniques designed to protect the items from damage, environmental factors, and handling.

Why It's Important

Packaging is crucial for art handlers because it ensures the protection and preservation of artworks during handling, transportation, and storage, minimizing the risk of damage, deterioration, or loss.

How to Improve Packaging Skills

Improving packaging for an Art Handler involves focusing on protection, efficiency, and sustainability. Here's a concise guide:

1. Protection: Use high-quality, shock-absorbent materials like acid-free paper, bubble wrap, and foam boards. Tailor the packaging based on the artwork's size, medium, and fragility. Art Business Info offers insights on materials and methods.

2. Efficiency: Design packaging to be reusable and easy to handle. Consider modular crates that can be adjusted for different art sizes. This approach saves time and resources. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) provides resources on efficient art handling and packaging techniques.

3. Sustainability: Opt for environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled cardboard and biodegradable bubble wrap. Reducing the packaging material without compromising protection is key. The American Alliance of Museums has guidelines on sustainable practices in art handling.

By focusing on these aspects, an Art Handler can significantly improve the packaging process, ensuring the artwork's safety, reducing environmental impact, and optimizing packaging and transportation costs.

How to Display Packaging Skills on Your Resume

2. Installation

Installation, in the context of an art handler, refers to the process of setting up artworks or exhibitions in a gallery or museum space, ensuring they are displayed safely and as intended by the artist or curator.

Why It's Important

Installation is crucial for an art handler because it ensures the safe, accurate, and visually appropriate display of artworks, reflecting the artist's intent and enhancing viewer engagement.

How to Improve Installation Skills

Improving installation as an Art Handler involves enhancing precision, safety, and presentation. Follow these concise steps:

1. Plan Ahead: Understand the artwork and the space. Use layout tools like SketchUp for virtual planning.
2. Use the Right Tools: Ensure you have the correct installation tools. For a comprehensive list, visit Art Business Info.
3. Handling Care: Wear gloves and handle artworks as instructed. Artwork Archive provides essential handling and storage tips.
4. Measure Accurately: Precision is key. The Balance Small Business offers tips on measuring accurately.
5. Lighting Considerations: Proper lighting enhances artwork. Learn more at American Institute for Conservation.
6. Security: Securely mount artworks. Artlogic offers insights on installing and hanging art safely.
7. Condition Report: Always fill out a condition report before and after installation. Guidelines can be found on the American Alliance of Museums website.

By following these steps and continuously seeking knowledge and best practices in art handling and installation, you'll enhance your skills and ensure the safety and longevity of the artworks you work with.

How to Display Installation Skills on Your Resume

3. Inventory Management

Inventory management, in the context of an Art Handler, involves tracking and organizing artworks to ensure their safe handling, proper storage, and accurate cataloging for exhibitions, sales, or transport.

Why It's Important

Inventory management is crucial for an Art Handler to ensure accurate tracking, protection, and organization of artworks, facilitating timely access and minimizing risks of damage or loss.

How to Improve Inventory Management Skills

Improving inventory management, especially for an Art Handler, involves streamlining processes to track, protect, and manage art pieces efficiently. Here are concise strategies:

1. Implement a Digital Inventory System: Use inventory management software tailored for art collections to keep track of artworks' locations, conditions, and movements. Artlogic and ArtBase offer solutions tailored for the art world.

2. Regular Auditing: Conduct regular physical checks to ensure the inventory's digital records match the actual stock. This helps in identifying discrepancies early.

3. Proper Labeling and Documentation: Ensure every artwork is properly labeled with essential details (e.g., title, artist, dimensions) and documented. Tools like ArtSystems can streamline this process.

4. Adopt Just-in-Time (JIT) Practices: For art handling supplies, adopt JIT inventory practices to reduce storage needs and costs. This involves keeping minimal inventory and ordering supplies as needed.

5. Enhance Security Measures: Implement robust security measures to protect the inventory. This includes physical security and cybersecurity measures for digital records.

6. Train Staff Regularly: Ensure staff handling the inventory are well-trained in art handling and inventory management procedures to minimize handling errors and improve efficiency.

7. Use RFID Technology: Employ RFID tags for tracking artworks effortlessly throughout the storage and transportation processes. This technology facilitates quick inventory checks and updates. Zebra Technologies offers relevant solutions.

By integrating these strategies, Art Handlers can significantly improve inventory management, enhancing both the security and efficiency of handling valuable artworks.

How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume

4. Condition Reporting

Condition reporting, in the context of an art handler, involves the detailed assessment and documentation of an artwork's physical state and any changes or damages, before and after handling, transport, or display, to ensure its preservation and integrity.

Why It's Important

Condition reporting is crucial for an Art Handler as it meticulously documents the physical state of artworks upon receipt and return, ensuring any changes or damages are accurately recorded. This accountability protects the integrity of the art and supports insurance and conservation efforts.

How to Improve Condition Reporting Skills

Improving condition reporting as an Art Handler involves enhancing accuracy, detail, and consistency in documenting the state of artworks. Here are concise steps to achieve this:

1. Standardize the Process: Use consistent terminology and standardized forms or digital tools for all reports. Getty's Vocabulary Program can help with consistent terminology.

2. Photographic Documentation: Always include high-quality, detailed photographs from multiple angles. Include close-ups of any damage or peculiarities. Training on photography for condition reporting is available through resources like the American Institute for Conservation.

3. Detail Orientation: Note even minor details and changes in the condition. This includes variations in texture, color, or material integrity.

4. Regular Training: Engage in ongoing training to stay updated on best practices in art handling and reporting. ARCS (Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists) offers resources and workshops.

5. Use Technology: Adopt digital reporting tools for more precise and accessible reports. Platforms like Articheck specialize in digital condition reporting.

6. Collaborate and Communicate: Work closely with conservators and curators to understand the nuances of each artwork. Their insights can lead to more accurate reports.

By focusing on these areas, Art Handlers can significantly improve the quality and usefulness of condition reports, contributing to the better preservation and understanding of artworks.

How to Display Condition Reporting Skills on Your Resume

5. ArtBase

ArtBase is a comprehensive art collection management software designed for tracking, managing, and cataloging artworks and related information, useful for art handlers in organizing and handling art inventories efficiently.

Why It's Important

ArtBase is important for an Art Handler because it provides a comprehensive and centralized database for managing artwork inventory, tracking locations, and handling condition reports, ensuring efficient and accurate handling of artworks.

How to Improve ArtBase Skills

To enhance ArtBase for an Art Handler, focus on these key areas:

1. Inventory Management: Integrate advanced inventory management features that enable precise tracking and cataloging of artworks. Tools like Artlogic can serve as inspiration for developing intuitive inventory systems.

2. Condition Reporting: Implement a robust condition reporting tool that allows for detailed documentation of artworks' conditions, including photos and notes. Look into Articheck for benchmarking purposes.

3. Logistics Coordination: Improve logistics features to streamline the coordination of art transport, including options for scheduling, route optimization, and real-time tracking. ArtMover could provide insights into effective logistics management.

4. Integration with External Databases: Enable seamless integration with external art databases and platforms (e.g., ArtNet, Artsy) for accessing art market data and artist information.

5. User Interface (UI) Optimization: Enhance the UI for ease of use, ensuring it's intuitive for art handlers to quickly access and update information. Consider user interface principles from Nielsen Norman Group for guidance.

6. Security Features: Strengthen security features to protect sensitive data, incorporating encryption and multi-factor authentication. Look at Let's Encrypt for SSL/TLS certificates and Auth0 for authentication solutions.

7. Training and Support: Offer comprehensive training modules and responsive support channels to assist art handlers in leveraging the platform effectively.

Improving ArtBase along these lines will make it a more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly tool for art handlers.

How to Display ArtBase Skills on Your Resume

6. Climate Control

Climate control, in the context of art handling, refers to the maintenance of stable environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and light levels) to protect and preserve artworks from damage caused by fluctuating atmospheric conditions.

Why It's Important

Climate control is crucial for an Art Handler to ensure the preservation and protection of art from damage caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which can lead to deterioration such as warping, mold, and cracking.

How to Improve Climate Control Skills

Improving climate control for art handling involves maintaining optimal conditions to preserve artwork. Key steps include:

1. Monitor Environment: Use hygrometers and thermometers to constantly monitor humidity and temperature.

2. Control Humidity: Aim for 50% relative humidity. Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers as needed to stabilize conditions.

3. Maintain Temperature: Keep temperature around 70°F (21°C). Install HVAC systems designed for art spaces to ensure gradual changes and avoid extremes.

4. Filter Air: Use HEPA filters in your climate control system to remove dust and pollutants.

5. Use Protective Materials: Employ UV protective glass and archival materials for framing and storing artworks, shielding them from light damage.

6. Regular Maintenance: Keep climate control systems in check with regular maintenance and inspections to prevent failures.

These steps ensure a stable environment to minimize the risk of damage to art from fluctuations in climate conditions.

How to Display Climate Control Skills on Your Resume

7. Custom Crating

Custom crating refers to the process of designing and constructing tailored protective containers to securely transport and store valuable artworks, ensuring their safety from damage and environmental conditions.

Why It's Important

Custom crating is crucial for art handlers because it provides tailored protection for artworks during transportation and storage, ensuring they are secured against damage, environmental factors, and handling risks.

How to Improve Custom Crating Skills

Improving custom crating as an Art Handler involves focusing on materials, design, and handling techniques to ensure the utmost protection and efficiency. Here's a concise guide:

1. Material Quality: Opt for high-quality, durable materials that are suitable for the artwork's needs. Lightweight, yet strong materials like plywood, foam interiors, and acid-free linings can provide both protection and a stable environment. Art Handling Guidelines offer insights on materials and techniques.

2. Custom Fit: Design the crate to fit the artwork precisely. This minimizes movement and potential damage. Utilize adjustable padding and supports for irregularly shaped items. Packing Guidelines from Smithsonian detail how to tailor your packing strategy.

3. Climate Control: For sensitive works, incorporate materials or devices that help control the interior climate of the crate, such as silica gel packs for humidity control. AIC's Guide provides further information on climate considerations.

4. Secure Closure: Ensure the crate has secure, but easily operable closures. This is crucial for both safety during transport and ease of access upon arrival. Artwork Archive's Shipping Tips also touch upon secure packaging methods.

5. Handling Instructions: Clearly label the crate with handling instructions, including orientation symbols, to reduce mishandling risks. See FedEx's Packing Guide for details on best practices for labeling and handling.

6. Education and Training: Continuously educate yourself and any team members on the latest packing and crating techniques. Engage with resources like American Alliance of Museums for up-to-date information and training opportunities.

By focusing on these key areas, you can significantly improve your custom crating processes, ensuring the art remains secure and preserved during transport and handling.

How to Display Custom Crating Skills on Your Resume

8. Art Handling

Art Handling involves the careful packing, transporting, installing, and storing of artworks to ensure their preservation and security. An Art Handler is a professional skilled in these practices, working to maintain the integrity and condition of art pieces.

Why It's Important

Art handling is crucial because it ensures the preservation, protection, and proper presentation of artworks during transportation, installation, and storage. This meticulous care is essential to maintain the artwork's integrity, value, and historical significance, allowing future generations to appreciate cultural heritage.

How to Improve Art Handling Skills

Improving art handling involves a combination of technical skill enhancement, knowledge acquisition, and safety practices. Here are concise steps to enhance your art handling abilities:

1. Get Trained: Enroll in professional art handling courses or workshops. Organizations like the International Association of Museum Facility Administrators (IAMFA) offer resources and networking opportunities.

2. Learn Packing Techniques: Understand the materials and methods for packing different types of art safely. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) provides resources on art preservation and handling.

3. Safety First: Familiarize yourself with safety guidelines for handling art, including using the proper equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines on workplace safety that are applicable.

4. Use the Right Tools: Invest in or ensure access to high-quality art handling equipment. Websites like Gaylord Archival offer a range of tools and materials for art handling.

5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated on new techniques and technologies in art handling by subscribing to relevant publications like Art Handler Magazine.

6. Practice: Regularly practicing the handling, installation, and packing of art under supervision can significantly improve your skills.

7. Network: Join online forums or social media groups related to art handling to exchange tips and experiences with peers.

Improving art handling is a continuous process of learning and practicing the best methods to ensure the safety and preservation of artworks.

How to Display Art Handling Skills on Your Resume

9. Preventive Conservation

Preventive Conservation refers to measures and actions aimed at avoiding and minimizing future deterioration or damage to artworks. For an Art Handler, it involves handling, transporting, displaying, and storing art in ways that protect it from environmental hazards, physical strain, and other potential sources of harm.

Why It's Important

Preventive conservation is crucial for an Art Handler as it minimizes deterioration and damage, ensuring the longevity and integrity of artworks through careful handling, environmental control, and risk management, thereby preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

How to Improve Preventive Conservation Skills

To improve Preventive Conservation as an Art Handler, focus on:

1. Environmental Control: Ensure stable temperature and humidity levels, minimizing fluctuations to avoid material degradation. Canadian Conservation Institute provides comprehensive guidelines.

2. Light Management: Implement light control measures to prevent fading and light damage. Use UV filters and monitor light exposure. The Getty Conservation Institute offers insights on managing light for conservation.

3. Handling and Transportation: Follow best practices in handling and transporting artworks to minimize physical stress and damage. The Smithsonian Institution shares valuable handling guidelines.

4. Pest Management: Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to protect artworks from biological damage. Resources like the MuseumPests.net provide extensive information on pest management in cultural heritage settings.

5. Emergency Preparedness: Develop and regularly update an emergency plan for art collections to mitigate risks from disasters. The American Institute for Conservation offers a useful Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel.

Focusing on these areas will significantly contribute to the longevity and preservation of artworks under your care.

How to Display Preventive Conservation Skills on Your Resume

10. Security Protocols

Security protocols for an Art Handler are standardized procedures and guidelines designed to protect artworks during handling, transportation, storage, and display, ensuring their safety from theft, damage, or loss.

Why It's Important

Security protocols are vital for an Art Handler to ensure the protection and integrity of valuable art pieces during handling, transportation, and storage, safeguarding them against theft, damage, and unauthorized access.

How to Improve Security Protocols Skills

Improving security protocols for an Art Handler involves a multifaceted approach focusing on physical security, data protection, and personnel training. Here are concise steps with relevant resources:

1. Conduct Risk Assessments: Regularly assess risks to identify vulnerabilities in the handling and storage of art pieces. Art Loss Register provides services and advice on risk management.

2. Implement Physical Security Measures: Use advanced locking systems, surveillance cameras, and environmental controls. The Smithsonian Institution offers insights into best practices for museum and gallery security.

3. Enhance Data Security: Secure databases and digital records of inventory, provenance, and transactions. Refer to Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for guidelines on protecting digital assets.

4. Ensure Secure Transportation: Employ GPS tracking, secure transportation methods, and vetted personnel for moving art. International Art Services specializes in secure art transportation.

5. Provide Staff Training: Regular training on security protocols and emergency procedures for all staff involved in handling art. The International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection offers specialized training programs.

6. Develop Incident Response Plans: Have a clear, actionable plan for responding to security breaches or emergencies. The FBI’s National Stolen Art File can be a resource for reporting and recovering stolen art.

7. Collaborate with Law Enforcement and Security Networks: Establish relationships with local law enforcement and international security networks for art protection. INTERPOL’s Works of Art database is a valuable tool for tracking stolen items globally.

By integrating these strategies, Art Handlers can significantly enhance the security protocols safeguarding valuable artworks.

How to Display Security Protocols Skills on Your Resume

11. Rigging

Rigging, in the context of an Art Handler, refers to the process of securely attaching and maneuvering large or heavy artworks using equipment such as ropes, pulleys, and hoists to safely move and install them in their designated locations.

Why It's Important

Rigging is crucial for an Art Handler as it ensures the safe and secure movement and installation of artworks, preventing damage to invaluable pieces during transportation and display setup.

How to Improve Rigging Skills

Improving rigging skills, especially for an Art Handler, involves enhancing knowledge and hands-on experience in handling, moving, and installing artworks safely and efficiently. Here are concise steps and resources:

1. Understand the Basics: Grasp the fundamentals of rigging, including types of rigs, materials, and equipment. OSHA’s Guidelines offer a solid foundation.

2. Learn from Professionals: Engage with experienced riggers. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning provide courses on rigging principles.

3. Practice Safety: Prioritize safety by familiarizing yourself with safety protocols. American Society of Safety Professionals has resources and courses on safety practices.

4. Hands-On Training: Participate in workshops or practical training sessions. Rigger.com offers insights into industry standards and training opportunities.

5. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest technologies and methods in art handling and rigging. Subscribing to newsletters from Art Handling Professionals Association can be beneficial.

6. Use the Right Tools: Invest in and understand the correct usage of rigging tools. Northern Tool provides a variety of equipment options.

7. Get Certified: Consider obtaining a rigging certification. NCCCO offers recognized certification programs that can enhance your credibility and skills.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you can significantly improve your rigging skills as an Art Handler.

How to Display Rigging Skills on Your Resume

12. Fine Art Shipping

Fine Art Shipping involves the professional handling, packing, transporting, and delivering of artworks and valuable objects. Art Handlers ensure these items are moved safely and securely, considering factors like temperature, humidity, and security, to maintain their condition and integrity.

Why It's Important

Fine art shipping is crucial for art handlers because it ensures the safe, secure, and professional transportation of valuable artworks. This specialized service minimizes the risk of damage, loss, or deterioration, preserving the artwork's integrity, value, and historical significance during transit.

How to Improve Fine Art Shipping Skills

Improving fine art shipping involves ensuring the safety, efficiency, and condition of artworks during transit. Here are concise strategies for art handlers:

1. Proper Packaging: Use high-quality, acid-free materials tailored to the artwork's size, shape, and medium. Employ custom crates, padded wraps, and climate-controlled containers for delicate pieces. Art Business News offers insights on professional art packaging.

2. Climate Control: Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels in transport vehicles and storage areas to prevent damage. Artwork Archive provides tips on climate control for art.

3. Insurance: Secure comprehensive insurance coverage for artworks in transit, protecting against damage, loss, or theft. Agility discusses the importance of insurance for valuable items.

4. Documentation: Keep detailed records of the artwork’s condition before, during, and after shipping. Include high-quality photos and condition reports. Artlogic explains how to create effective condition reports.

5. Trained Personnel: Ensure handlers and drivers are trained in art handling techniques and security measures. Artwork Archive shares considerations for hiring an art shipping company.

6. Security Measures: Implement security protocols for anti-theft measures during transport and storage. Use GPS tracking and secure, undisclosed routes. Smithsonian Institution offers guidelines on museum security that are applicable to art shipping.

7. Direct Routes: Opt for the most direct shipping routes to minimize handling and reduce the risk of damage or delays. FedEx provides specialized art shipping services with direct routes.

8. Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and import/export duties to ensure smooth transit. U.S. Customs and Border Protection gives advice on import/export through customs.

By adopting these strategies, art handlers can enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of fine art shipping, ensuring artworks arrive at their destinations in pristine condition.

How to Display Fine Art Shipping Skills on Your Resume