We recently connected with Patti Suzette and have shared our conversation below.
Patti , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As an Art Broker, I find myself in a niche market. There are art galleries and dealers who hold a similar role, but a brokerage is a highly competitive field with few players in our area. Whenever I am working in a specific industry (and I have worked in a few!) I look to find leaders of that industry to mentor and inspire me in that career. In this industry, there are few I find who know much about the intricacies of the business. And I believe that to truly be great, you must look to the best for inspiration and to set the goals that will inspire others.
I learned much as my career progressed, but without a wealth of knowledge to pull from (from a brokerage standpoint), I relied on those successful in the world of art as well as my own experiences. I was a full-time artist and muralist, who knew what I felt a broker should be, then I later worked for one who didn’t live up to my expectations. I wanted to be the representation that I personally dreamt in as a budding artist.
I am blessed to have friends and colleges who thrive in the industry- and they daily inspire and help the artists around them. They give me incredible advice from their unique perspectives, and I happily take that advice knowing it can help the artists I work with in so many different ways. My business is selling art, but my heart is in helping the artists continue to create beautiful and wonderful things for this planet. Always rely on those with the pure intentions and a good understanding of your industry if you have the gift to find them. And then thank them for their kindness.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an Art Broker, the Creative Director for ARTSYN (a Tampa Bay based, city-wide art show), a member of the Zodiac Committee of the Dali Museum. Essentially a matchmaker of beautiful works and culture lovers. I throw themed gallery-style events to ensure crowd-turnout and engagement as much as pull in potential clients who resonate with the theme and therefore the artwork.
Representing 30 unique artists gives me the market position to satisfy nearly every commercial, residential, and corporate client need, from murals to custom sculptures and commissioned works. While many of the artists work together on incredible collaborations, they all bring to the table different talents and experiences that set them apart. I make sure that no two artists create the exact same style, so that they feel comfortable sharing their knowledge with each other- essentially helping them all grow as a whole. I am so incredibly proud of them, and bend over backwards to ensure that the opportunities they are exposed to can promote and excel their careers.
Our next major events are: The Haunted Mansion on October 31st at a secret mansion in Tampa (this is an exclusive- invite only party that is going to be next level!), and Car’s and Couture at the Motor Enclave on February 8th.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three elements that have helped me in my career are 1. my strong work ethic, 2. my personal struggles in the art world, and 3. my unique career paths that have led me to where I am today.
First and foremost, I am an absolute workaholic. I am incredibly passionate about what I do, and I take it to heart that others rely on me to help their careers. Working nights and weekends to ensure that an event, a client/artist relationship, and a sale are handled with the utmost respect and professionalism are time I find well spent. I am blessed to have a healthy relationship with someone who carries a workload as hefty as mine, so that we both have the understanding of what this entails and work to find balance in our home-life as much as possible.
Secondly, starting out as an artist before becoming a broker has been paramount to my successes. I was able to look at situations from my client’s perspective, because that used to be my perspective. The struggles that each artist face when embarking into this world of full-time creative (imposter syndrome, personal style, marketing, business structure, etc.) are struggles that I have faced and overcome. It helps me to be compassionate for someone who is facing a particular challenge, and the experience to be able to offer advice. I would never tell someone what to do point blank (I feel that there are many ways to look at a problem and we are creatives after all) but I can share ways that myself and others in the industry have handled those situations. That way they can find a solution that best fits their circumstances.
Finally, I am so friggin’ grateful for my past education, careers, and all of the many diverse jobs that I said yes to! I have a Double Bachelor’s in Business Management and Finance from USF, then went to IADT for a degree in Interior Design. Before fully completing my third degree I was hired by an award winning design firm, Luxe Designs in Tampa, FL. Studying color and composition for a home helps me advise clients’ on the best fit for their spaces, and helps me suggest artwork and/or framing that will fit the overall design of a room. I have worked on multiple charity committees from fund raising to event build-out, and have thrown events with 5,000 people in attendance. Everything that I have said yes to has contributed to help me see this career from multiple directions, it has been a journey but certainly worth it!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As an Art Broker, it is important that I am able to share my Artist’s work with the world. They are incredible, but fine art is an investment and can take multiple impressions for a buyer to be comfortable enough to make a big-ticket purchase. I am always looking for hi-rises with gallery spaces to partner with, giving them the opportunity to showcase incredible fine art while giving my artists as many chances for visibility around town!
We currently partner with a few locations that display artwork and host an “Art Hour” for residents, clients and collectors to come and experience the art and the artist first hand. The artist gives a brief QnA on their processes, inspiration and personal journey, while guests can take in the art and enjoy complimentary Champagne and wine.
Partnering with Real estate developers and brokers has also been a unique opportunity as many houses (even fully staged) are a great backdrop for a pop-up gallery display. We work together to throw shows that highlight the features of the property, and give potential buyers an opportunity to look at the location in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. They can see artwork that may even work in their new home- so this is a win-win!
We do live art activations, mural activations, pop-up shows, interviews, anything that fits an upscale-art vibe! If anyone reading this is looking to add a unique element to their building, show, or event, please email me at thepattisuzette.com and I would love to talk to you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pattisuzette.com
- Instagram: @pattisuzette
- Facebook: @pattisuzette
Image Credits
Steven Le (Thee Photo Ninja)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
