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Although artists may not like to believe it, art is typically the last thing chosen on a design project. While falling into the “finishing touches” category has its advantages, being the artist on a project generally means working within a bare-bones budget, and oftentimes, an extremely tight timeline.
With a project nearing completion, designers and consultants are under an immense amount of pressure to finish the space on time and on budget. Because designers and artists may be meeting for the first time at this point in the project, taking the time to develop a working relationship is not typically a priority. The designer needs a quick solution, and the artist is rushed to develop or select the right piece for the space.
As a fine art photographer who has worked with interior designers and art consultants for nearly twenty years, I’ve seen firsthand how bringing the artist into a project at the beginning can alleviate some of this last-minute stress.
By sharing your vision with the artist at the outset of a project, you are giving your client the best chance for a successful result. Planning ahead gives the artist time to brainstorm which of the pieces in their inventory will work best in your client’s world. And the sooner the artist can provide you with a favorable solution, the sooner you can set aside the funds to bring that plan to fruition. Remind your client that art is an investment, and that reserving some of the budget for artwork is a wise decision.
Share as much information as possible with the artist. The color palette is a great starting point. Artists will want to have this element nailed down so that they can complement your vision with their most appropriate pieces. While a work of art should be selected because it evokes emotion in the soul of the owner (not because it matches the sofa), it should be surrounded with hues and objects that allow it to be viewed the way the artist intended – in its best light.
Speaking of light…you may want to ask the artist for suggestions on illumination of the piece. Is natural light the best? Should it be lit with a spot? The artist surely had a vision for how the piece, whether that’s a photograph, painting, sculpture or other medium, would shine in its eventual home.
Photographers will want to know the size of a space in order to recommend the best dimensions for the print they will produce for your job. After all, you want the beauty – not the overwhelming size – of the art to attract the eye of the beholder.
If you are purchasing fine art photography for your project, consult with the photographer before matting and framing the piece. There are certain materials, such as matt and mounting boards and glass, that are rated better than others for preserving – and in some cases, extending – the life of a photograph. The artist should be able to recommend these items to you, but if you are interested in researching on your own, a good Web site to visit is wilhelm-research.com. Be sure to pass this information onto your client, as it will portray your interest in protecting the art in their collections – art that should be passed onto the next generation in its original condition.
Tell the artist the mood of the environment you’re working to transform. Are you hoping to calm visitors in a medical office waiting room, inspire productivity in a corporate cube farm, evoke a sense of power in a executive conference room or reflect the light-hearted nature of your client’s family in their great room? Share with the artist how you want people to feel in the space.
If you’re commissioning a work of art for your project, consultation with the artist in the beginning stages is vital. The artist will need plenty of time to get to know the project, perhaps even the client, to create the perfect piece for the environment you are working on developing.
Introducing the artist to your client is not always necessary, but some clients will request it. If your client wants to meet the artist, it is wise to prepare an agenda and presentation in conjunction with the artist before the meeting with the client. This ensures that you and the artist will be communicating the same vision and prevents any contradictions in opinions from arising at the meeting. Working together puts both of you in the best light, which will reinforce your client’s confidence in you and your selection of the artist.
Not unlike designers, artists are only as good as their customer service. Most great artists understand the demands of your job and will work hard to make you shine in front of your client. They respect the financial and time investments you have made in establishing relationships with your clients and will never work directly with your client unless you have first authorized the contact.
Hopefully the artist you are working with keeps a database of their customers and is keeping track of the pieces that have sold through your assistance. That way, if the client contacts the artist 10 years down the road, wanting to add to their collection, the artist can let you know that the client is looking to grow their collection and that you may want to get back in touch.
Bottom line in working with artists – keep them in the loop and they will do the same for you. If there is something you need, don’t be afraid to ask. Chances are, the artist will embrace your ideas and will do everything in their power to make each of your projects a success, now and in the future.
Franklin B. Way is a landscape photographer with more than three decades of experience. Way has a wide portfolio of photography ranging from powerful, panoramic views of majestic terrain to intricate, close-up shots revealing nature’s hidden secrets. Over the years, designers have discovered Way’s photographs to be a unique solution in a variety of interior settings, from boardrooms to bathrooms, lobbies to living rooms. You can view selected images from Way’s portfolio at http://www.imagesoftheland.com.
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