Friday Five // How to Buy Original Artwork
With the shift in seasons, I’m looking for all sorts of ways to spruce up my home. And if you’re like me, one of the first places you look is at the walls. After all, artwork is one of the most impactful and simple ways to totally change the vibe of a room! And while you can definitely shop big box stores for trendy prints (Target is admittedly coming through hot this fall with those!), sometimes it makes a bigger and more personal statement to go for an original art piece. If you’ve always wanted to splash something unique on your walls, but haven’t known where to start, read on - I’ve pulled together five ways to get original artwork that’s affordable and ultra stylish!
Budget 2. Local 3. Have Fun 4. Small Art 5. Social Media
NO. 1 BUDGET
When you think of original art, an endless row of dollar signs come to mind, right? Well, the good news is that you CAN still have original art on a budget - it's not just reserved for those crazy expensive pieces! In fact, you can find a beautiful print at just about any price point. Check out a few artists' websites to see what's available - you may score something totally unexpected!
NO. 2 LOCAL
Of course, with the magic of the internet, you can buy art from just about anywhere. But like any purchase (and especially during these pandemic times), if you can buy local and support your neighborhood artists and Black-owned businesses, you should 100% do it! Your purchase makes a huge difference.
NO. 3 HAVE FUN
Art is personal, through and through. So you shouldn't ever feel like you "have to" follow a prescribed equation for what "works" in your home. Have an all-neutral house, but really love that wild and playful piece? Get it! There's no limit to what you can do with your art and the bottom line is that it should make you happy and tell a story.
NO. 4 SMALL ART
Art isn't just large-scale. Sometimes the most impactful and special pieces are tiny in size. If you're short on space or budget but would really love to add some artwork to your collection that is completely unique and original, go for that small piece. It'll work great as a standalone print in an unexpected spot, or even mixed in with a gallery wall!
NO. 5 SOCIAL MEDIA
A lot of artists rely on annual art fairs and pop-ups at local shops in the spring and summer to sell their goods, so with the pandemic, they've unfortunately lost out on a lot of exposure. In these strange new times, many are taking to social media to sell their pieces, so if you're looking for artists to support, that is a great place to start!
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and support those local artists and get a brand new and trend-setting piece (or two) that’ll make your walls come to life. I promise it’s worth every penny and it’s a win-win all around!