How do I find Interior Designers that will love selling my art?

Finding the right interior designers who will appreciate and actively promote your artwork can be a transformative step for artists looking to expand their reach. This post will guide you through the process of identifying and connecting with interior designers who are not just admirers of your work, but are also eager to feature it in their projects. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this post will provide insights on how to forge successful collaborations with interior designers, opening new doors for your art in the world of interior design.

Ensure your art is right for the space the interior designer is curating. Commission art by Sarah Daly (2023).

Identifying and connecting with interior designers who are eager to feature your art in their projects involves several key steps. This process requires a blend of research, networking, effective communication, and strategic presentation of your work. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Research and Identify Potential Designers

Start by researching interior designers whose style aligns with your artwork. Look for designers who have a history of incorporating art into their projects.

Start with local interior designers (Google is your friend here - search for your town + interior designer). They will be easier to meet, you can visit their showroom, and you might want to organise for them to visit your studio to see the quality of your work.

Utilize online platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz to find designers who share aesthetics similar to your art. You should be able to imagine your art easily in the spaces they curate.

Attend interior design fairs, exhibitions, and industry events where you can find interior designers who are actively seeking new art and artists.

PRO TIP 1: Avoid designers that specialise in kitchens and bathrooms (they don’t tend to use much art). Also avoid designers that clearly don’t include art in their projects.

PRO TIP 2: Do look for designers that talk about art, and include it in their social and website imagery. Some designers are incredibly inspired by art and show it. They are fabulous to reach out to and connect with!

2. Create a Portfolio Tailored to Interior Designers

Develop a professional online portfolio (website and Instagram) that showcases your art in a way that appeals to interior designers.

Consider updating or creating your LinkedIn profile, as many interior designers source their clients on LinkedIn, not Instagram. It helps if you are there too. We’ve created a mini-course that will take you through our professional artist online branding check.

Include images of your work in various interior settings.

Highlight how your work can compliment their design style.

Include testimonials from happy clients.

3. Networking and Making Connections

Attend industry events, art shows, and exhibitions where you can meet interior designers in person.

Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to interior design to increase your visibility.

Consider collaborating with local art galleries or art consultants who often have connections with interior designers.

4. Effective Communication

When reaching out to interior designers, personalize your communication. Show that you’ve done your research and understand their design style.

Be clear about what you offer and how your art can enhance their design projects.

Artist Sarah Daly (me, on the right!) with interior designer Dani Louis and her client Stephanie on install day.

5. Building Relationships

Focus on building long-term relationships rather than making immediate sales. Offer to meet with designers to discuss potential collaborations.

Stay in touch with updates about your new work or any upcoming exhibitions.

6. Understand the Business Side

Be knowledgeable about the pricing and sizing options of your artwork. Interior designers appreciate artists who understand the practical aspects of incorporating art into a design space.

Be prepared to discuss licensing and commission structures.

Fun fact: 10 interior designers who regularly specify your art can equal a full time practice!

7. Gather Feedback and Refine Your Approach

Ask for feedback from the designers you interact with to understand their needs and preferences better.

Use this feedback to refine your approach and make your offerings more attractive to designers in the future.

Remember, the key is to build relationships based on mutual respect and appreciation for each other's work. Interior designers are creative professionals too. It's not just about selling your art, but about creating partnerships that benefit both your artistic vision and the designer’s project goals.

I created two small pieces for the hallway. Stephanie now has a collection of 7 commissioned artworks, created over 3 years.

Want to learn more about selling your art via interior designers?

Most artists focus on selling through galleries and online marketplaces. Interior designers are a fabulous way for artists to access new art buyers.

Our new online course 'Work with Interior Designers' takes you step by step how to find, connect and develop relationships with the right interior designers for your art practice. This course is created for artists who already have a professional practice and want to learn the nuances of working with interior designers as a sales channel.

If you are at an earlier stage in your professional art journey, ‘The Full Time Artist Formula’ online course will be more useful for you.