Ann Richards (left) with a beautiful portrait and its subject.
For Portraits, Inc. Sales Associate, Ann Richards, flexibility and working with clients are the best parts of her job. Originally from Johnson City, TN, Ann now lives in Atlanta GA and has been an associate with us for about 20 years.
Ann had been exposed to art through classes in college, but her first career was in special education. She gained many valuable skills from her years in the classroom and in administration, but left the field to raise her three children.
Several years later she was introduced to Portraits, Inc. and Executive Partner, Beverly McNeil, by a mutual acquaintance. While she was expecting to be told she had to go door-to-door selling portraits, she quickly discovered that the job was much different and a perfect fit for her. Ann was in training two weeks later.
One of the things that worked for her in the beginning was the flexibility, and it’s still a benefit today, especially since she loves having plenty of time to spend with her 16-month old granddaughter. She also loves the support she gets from the Portraits, Inc. staff and other associates.
Associates share their knowledge with each other and work together however needed throughout the portrait process. Ann’s favorite step is meeting clients and getting to know them. She feels like her clients are her friends and she’s there to hold their hands through the process. She often finds that the more she talks to someone, the more she realizes that they have things in common. To her, it’s not just about the business side of things.
When it comes to the business of having a portrait commissioned, Ann often starts working with clients by asking what kind of research they’ve done. While the answer is often that they’ve seen a portrait in someone’s house that they like, she says that’s not always enough. This is why working with associates like Ann is so beneficial.
She’s had people come in and say they want their portrait done in pastels because it’s a tradition in their family. But it’s not uncommon for them to change their mind once they see all the other options. Ann helps clients find the perfect style for their portrait and the right artist out of the hundreds who are out there.
Ann has many favorite artists and would have a hard time choosing just one. She loves contemporary art but says her home is more traditional. Rather than being attracted by specific artists, she’s more drawn to color and style.
Thank you for your many years of hard work, Ann!
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.