Additional Information
If you think you might pursue this career, collect art and antiques, go
to flea markets and yard sales, and read about different styles of art, says
appraiser Kimball Sterling, who began learning about antiques when he was
16. Appraiser Kathryn Minard advises students to hone their writing and research
skills.
Appraiser Gerri Samples suggests students concentrate on becoming intimately
familiar with art and its marketplaces, as well as learn valuation science.
"This profession requires a high degree of self-motivation and self-direction,"
says Samples.
Most importantly, says Sterling, don't ever think you know everything about
art, no matter how long you're in the business. Each time you finish a job,
you will gain new information.
Training is available through the International Society of Appraisers,
which offers the certified appraiser of personal property (CAPP) program.
You can take courses in everything from jewelry appraisal to fine art.
A degree in art history will supply you with applicable knowledge and respectable
credentials.