It’s a tricky time to be a business owner, and the competition is fierce. But there’s one thing that’s consistently been able to help create a distinctive brand and customer experience: custom art. 

So much more than a mere branding opportunity, custom art has been proven to help businesses stand out, attract new audiences, and create a unique experience that will entice patrons and keep them coming back for years to come. Are you curious about exploring ways to infuse creativity and uniqueness into your establishment? Custom art is the cornerstone of creating a distinctive visual identity and appealing atmosphere, creating the foundation for a sense of community amongst employees and customers alike. 

Although it can be quite the investment, rest assured that there are best practices to guarantee your new curation gives you the most bang for your buck. Curious about how to reinvigorate your business and bring it to the next level? Read on to learn more about the power of custom art and learn how to truly make it your own. 

What Is Custom Art?

Unlike mass-produced work, custom art is commissioned and tailored for a specific brand or space. It allows business owners the opportunity to get their hands dirty and collaborate in the creative process by tapping into their tastes and preferences to create a distinctive atmosphere that will be completely unique to them, celebrating the spirit of the business.

Custom art tells a powerful brand story that transcends language, keeping customers and employees positively engaged. But it also offers so much more:

- Opportunities to create memorable experiences. Believe it or not, people still love to shop in person—and business owners need to do more to differentiate themselves and provide a unique atmosphere. Custom art provides a beautiful and special solution.

- Powerful ways to reflect brand identity. Each and every business has a unique mission, vision, and value system. Tap into what makes you you with custom art and find greater success in a crowded marketplace. 

- Unparalleled visual storytelling. Collaborating with a creative on custom art allows you to create a powerful narrative that resonates with customers on a deep, subconscious level.

- Clever ways to foster creativity and innovation. Custom art is the key to creating an inspiring workspace. Are you invested in workplace satisfaction and boosts in productivity? Integrating artwork into offices, meeting rooms, and common areas can be your secret weapon. 

- Opportunities to connect with the community and support local artists. If you’re invested in contributing to the fabric of your community, you can collaborate with a local artist to create something authentic and meaningful. Another benefit? Custom art with a local feel will also pull at the heart strings and foster stronger connections. 

- How To Commission Custom Art

With various styles, themes, and mediums at play, there are literally countless ways you might want to beautify your business. But before you get too deep into the process, take a step back and think about what resonates with you. You might look to other local businesses whose aesthetic you admire, or even take to Pinterest to create a sort of “vision board”. Having at least some idea of what appeals and what doesn’t can go a long way in streamlining the process.

Regardless of whether you’re working directly with the artist or with a curator, custom art requires collaboration, good communication, and mutual understanding. You have a partner in executing the perfect vision, but the onus is on you to help define the direction, discuss concepts, and provide detailed feedback. 

Being clear about where the work is going will help the artist understand your needs, which means less back and forth and more satisfaction for both parties. 

How To Find An Artist

It may feel overwhelming, as there are admittedly a number of ways to find an artist. So, let’s break down the different avenues and help you establish what makes the most sense for you. We promise: this is the fun part! 

Art Fairs and Exhibitions. These events showcase many different styles and artists while giving you a chance to meet the artists in person.

Art Galleries. Many artists display their work in galleries, and the gallerists will be happy to describe a creative’s background and any relevant projects they’ve taken on. 

Online Platforms. You’re already in the right place! Websites like Artrepreneur, Saatchi Art, and Behance feature a broad range of artists, including those who take on commissions. You can also flex your hashtag muscles and explore social media.

Art Schools and Universities. Ready to meet the latest crop of art stars? These institutions are hotbeds of talent, and they often host exhibitions.

Artist Residencies and Open Studios. These provide a direct look into the creative process and give you an opportunity to engage directly.

Working With Art Consultants

If looking through the list above leaves you feeling uneasy about going it alone, that’s perfectly normal. Between the time-consuming nature of finding a trustworthy professional and having the knowledge to negotiate a fair price, finding the perfect artist is not for everyone.

But don’t let that barrier discourage you from investing in your business. Professional art consultants are always happy to help you explore this new terrain and understand the landscape.

An invaluable partner in selecting custom art, your art consultant will have a deep knowledge of the art world, as well as other critical skills like fair negotiation and project management. Some other things they bring to the table include:

- Expert guidance. From selecting the right artist to helping you navigate the commission process, an art consultant helps guarantee that the final piece aligns with your brand’s narrative and aesthetic.

- A robust network. As seasoned art world professionals, consultants have connections to hundreds of artists across different styles and mediums. You can trust them to introduce you to jaw dropping creatives that may not have been on your radar. 

- Budget management. A consultant can help you establish and manage a budget, making sure that you get the most out of your investment.

- Logistical support. Perhaps their most valuable asset, art consultants will handle the logistics of the commission process from contract negotiation to installation, making sure the project stays on track and letting you run your business.

Preparing For Your Custom Art Project

Let’s dial it back a moment and revisit a crucial step: how do you want to communicate your brand? Before you commission custom art, you’ll need to be very clear about your brand values, mission, vision, and what set you apart from the competition. Understanding your target audience is also crucial: art and design should appeal to the people interacting with the space.

Take some time to create a brief that an artist or art consultant can reference regularly. Be sure to include details about what you want, like colors, size, and style, but don’t neglect to communicate other abstract or emotional qualities. What feelings are you hoping to elicit? Which aspects of your brand do you hope to highlight? A brief helps your collaborator understand your needs, so the more detail, the better. 

Brand materials like logos, color palettes, preferred typography, and other preexisting stylistic guidelines should also be included to help the artist understand you visually. Do you have old campaigns or marketing materials that still feel “you”? Sharing them will provide even more insight.  

Consider The Physical Space

Even if you enlist the help of a professional, it’s wise to take a moment to consider the architectural elements of your business. Do you have a massive, blank wall? You’d likely need something larger to fill the space, or multiple smaller works. 

Larger murals and sculptures can make a bold statement in corporate lobbies and outdoor spaces while smaller works are more appropriate for the boardroom. Regardless of the space you’re trying to enhance, your custom art should exude the energy you’d like to infuse into your business. 

Your custom art should also reflect the company type, alongside your unique brand identity. A multi-generational, family run business may lean more classical in their choices, while a buzzy tech startup may represent itself with edgier, modern works. 

From the most recognizable Fortune 500 companies to your beloved local coffee shop, custom art goes beyond the generic and allows you to celebrate your unique brand personality. Are you eager to expand your audience? Would you like to enhance your business’s ambiance while forging deeper connections? Custom art is the key to creating a memorable and positive experience, and we guarantee that your investment will pay off for years to come.