Why artists and interior designers are the perfect match
They are like salt and pepper. Lock and key. Coffee and cream. Artists and interior designers go together so well, but many artists are still only relying on galleries and online marketplaces, and haven’t yet worked with interior designers. If you are an artist, hopefully this article will prompt you to reach out to at least one interior designer and strike up a conversation - one that may lead to a lovely long term business relationship where the designer presents your work to their clients.
What is so great about interior designers?
Everything. Interior designers are amazing people, and in my experience are wonderful to work with. But let me outline a few specific reasons for you as an artist.
Firstly, they are creatives like you. They deeply understand design principles and when you explain what is behind the work you are making, they will understand where you are coming from. They are very easy to have creative conversations with.
Secondly, they are all about beautiful, quality craftsmanship. Your ability to make professional art with quality, archival materials and with a lovely attention to the details, will put you in good stead with them. They love things that are unique and hand-crafted, because that is valuable for their clients.
Thirdly, they know how to include your art in a space. They are very visual thinkers and unlike ‘everyday clients’ who may struggle to visualise your art in their home or workspace, interior designers are expert at this.
Lastly, interior designers already commission bespoke rugs, furniture, lighting and other pieces, so commissioning art is no problem for them. They don’t see it as a risk, it’s merely part of the process, and for them, a rather fun part.
So how do you find an interior designer to work with?
Your first port of call is…. Instagram. Have a look at #[your town]interiordesign. You might also check out some interior design magazines and websites. Choose designers where you believe your art will perfectly compliment the spaces they are creating. When you see a designer who has curated a space that you believe your art would work perfectly in, they are the best designers to reach out to and introduce your work.
Art: Cannon Dill, Image: YSG Studio for Vogue Living
Ready to work with a designer but need a bit of support?
I’ve done this a LOT. If you would prefer spending your valuable time in the studio, and leaving the research to me, here is the type of person I can help:
You are an artist who is already making professional level work and want a new way to sell.
You want an expert perspective on how to improve your art business.
You are keen to sell your art through businesses including interior designers and design stores, but aren't confident about who would be right for you, or how to approach them.
You would like the research done for you, so you can spend valuable time in the studio.
Here is what UK artist Kimberli Werner said:
I was so pleased to receive my Recommendation Report and List from Sarah. The list was so thorough and included so much valuable information. I can now see a solid path to achieving my goals of building my email list and partnering with interior designers in my art business. It would have taken me months to put together a list like this. I so appreciated Sarah’s input, in the accompanying report, as it gave me a great perspective on how a visitor to my website would see my online presence. The report also included email templates and ways to approach potential partners in creative ways to build relationships. I appreciated the step-by-step approach, as it is an easy system to follow for great results.