How to Get Ahead in the Art World: How to Sell

Today’s episode is about the art of selling—paintings, yes, but also yourself. Our guest, Brooke Lampley, is one of the art world’s most respected dealmakers. She rose through the auction ranks to senior leadership at Sotheby’s before moving to the gallery side as a senior director at Gagosian, where she has advised top collectors and landed major consignments.

Brooke reflects on two decades of pricing, negotiating, and closing deals, sharing what she’s learned about making a sales pitch land, building lasting client relationships, and why passion and preparation matter more than pedigree. She also unpacks the differences between selling at auction and in a gallery, how to adapt to new generations of buyers, and what it takes to advocate for yourself without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Her message? Passion is intoxicating, and the best sales are a seduction. What people want is your knowledge, and once you understand that you can close any deal.

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