We sat down with Anna Maria Cuevas for our next Frank Talk about working in the art world. Anna started her art career at Per Skarstedt Gallery in the Fall of 2011. She stayed there for six years. In September of 2017 she made the move from Skarstedt’s Upper East Side gallery to the Petzel gallery in Chelsea. In 2014, Anna co-founded Cuevas Tilleard Gallery which she ran and managed along with one of her colleagues from Skarstedt, Caroline Tilleard. Anna Maria worked on her own project all while holding a full-time gallery job. We applaud her commitment and ambition to young and mid-career artists at Cuevas Tilleard and admire her ability to handle two full time jobs.
What is the best piece of advice you can give about working in the art world?
There is no job too big or too small.
What is something you encounter often with employees that tests your patience?
I happily haven’t encountered this much but when people feel like they are above a project.
What has an employee done that happily surprised you?
I have been impressed any time someone goes above and beyond the task at hand or literally put themselves in my shoes and anticipated what else I would need. As an employee, I find if I try to think like my boss then I’m usually successful in whatever I am undertaking.
What makes a person hirable?
Confidence, warmth, and being prepared.
What is the most frowned upon trait for an employee?
For me, a lack of excitement or enthusiasm. I work hard and believe in what I do so I feel it is important to be surrounded by that positive energy.
What are things a person can do to make them stand out in the workplace?
Creatively carving out an area or project that you can develop or make your own.
What are things you can do proactively to boost your CV?
One thing I wish I had done was learn Sketchup, Photoshop, etc. I feel like knowing these programs always makes you a more attractive candidate even if they are not particularly necessary skills for the job.
Maybe learning another language.
What does professional mean to you?
Someone who is confident, prepared, and communicating with clarity.
Are there any tips you can give people entering the workforce?
Try to seek a mentor within your field. I really rely on the amazing people I have had the privilege to work with and I am very grateful for their advice and mentorship.
Are there any tips you can give for increasing your online presence? Whether with your LinkedIn, Art Frankly or other accounts?
ART FRANKLY is the best!
