Step-By-Step Guide to Art Sourcing for Projects

When it comes to creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically appealing, it goes without saying that interior design and art go hand in hand. Both disciplines rely on core principles like balance, movement, rhythm, pattern, contrast, emphasis, unity, and variety.

Art brings a unique message to any space, instantly transforming it with its presence. It’s a key element in the interior design process, with carefully curated pieces adding personality and character that enhance the design and tie the room together.

With so many artists and artworks available both online and offline, sorting through the options can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to start. Having worked on numerous diverse projects across the hospitality, corporate, and residential industries, The Artling team is here to guide you step-by-step, making art sourcing a seamless and enjoyable part of your design projects.

Step 1: Start With an Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is the most critical step in the art sourcing process, focusing on understanding your client’s needs and preferences. Start by having a thorough conversation to pinpoint their preferred art styles, mediums, and themes. Make sure to listen actively and engage fully with your client; they’ll likely share valuable insights that will guide the selection process.

Next, assess the space to see how art can enhance the environment. Pay attention to architectural features, existing décor, and measure key areas to ensure the artworks will be the right size.

Set clear expectations and timelines as this step is crucial for building a successful partnership. Encourage clients to share their visual aids, such as mood boards, or look to inspiration sources like magazines and Pinterest to help refine their vision.

Step 2: Establish a Budget

Establishing a clear budget with your client is essential for successful art sourcing. Have an open discussion about budget expectations, and allocate funds for various pieces such as original works, prints, and commissions - make sure to align these with your client’s financial comfort.

It’s important to consider the different costs associated with art acquisition, such as variations in international pricing, taxes, shipping, insurance, and installation fees. Accounting for these factors upfront can help avoid any unexpected expenses down the line.

To stay within budget, prioritize key pieces that will make a strong impact and consider emerging artists for more affordable options. You should also provide a transparent breakdown of the costs, offering flexible options, such as leasing or payment plans. This can usually help clients feel more at ease with their investment.

Step 3: Develop A Cohesive Art Concept

Begin developing your art concept by aligning artworks with the interior design’s theme. Using tools can really help you visualize how individual pieces will fit together and create a unified flow throughout the space.

The Artling’s built-in visualization tool on the Trade Program’s platform makes this process easy with just a few clicks. It ensures that each piece you choose complements the room’s aesthetic and enhances its overall purpose.

Incorporating cultural and personal elements can make interiors more meaningful. Look for pieces that reflect the client’s heritage or interests, or source from local or regional artists to bring unique, location-specific character into the design. A notable example is the 21 Carpenter Hotel in Singapore, where The Artling was appointed as the art consultant.

Located between Boat Quay and Clarke Quay in Singapore’s vibrant Central Business District, 21 Carpenter Hotel is housed in four historic shophouses with a contemporary addition. Once a 1930s remittance house, it served as an important place for Singapore’s first-generation immigrants.

The architects who reimagined and restored this iconic building paid close attention to preserving its rich heritage, bridging its past with its present. In curating the art collection for this culturally significant space, The Artling collaborated with local artists whose works resonate with the hotel’s story.

Local artist Heman Chong was commissioned for a focal piece titled Reader and Writers #1 in the hotel's lobby, featuring the first in a series of tapestries that reflect the profound impact of literature in our lives. While Singaporean painter Khairulddin Wahab's Visions of Splendour at the restaurant makes reference to the transformation of tropical environments in the image of empire and its legacies on the land.

Staying current on art trends and sustainable practices is also helpful to the art-sourcing process. Bring forward some popular styles or eco-friendly art options for clients conscious of their environmental impact. Exhibitions are great places for inspiration so attend them regularly to keep ideas fresh and to ensure that your art concept remains relevant and impactful.

Step 4: Sourcing and Selecting Artworks

Identifying reliable sources is key to finding high-quality art - galleries, auctions, art fairs are great places to start. Additionally, online galleries like The Artling offer a vast selection of works across multiple genres on one platform. Trade users can enjoy exclusive access to AI-powered discovery tools that make sourcing the perfect pieces a breeze.

It’s also important to build and nurture strong relationships with art consultants and dealers. Expanding your network will give you access to more options, and you'll be top of mind when a suitable piece comes along.

When evaluating artworks, take the time to ensure they meet both the aesthetic and spatial needs of your project. Consider authenticity, provenance, condition, and dimensions to determine if each piece aligns with your design vision.

Practice due diligence by verifying the artist’s credentials and reputation, and check for any reproduction rights or exclusivity agreements. Don’t hesitate to request high-resolution images or schedule viewings to avoid any potential issues. And always use contracts to secure your purchases; it’s a smart way to protect your investments.

Step 5: Collaborating with Artists and Galleries

When commissioning an artwork from an artist or gallery, it’s important to clearly define the project’s scope and timelines. This way, everyone involved knows what to expect and can stay aligned on deliverables. Setting milestones for approvals and revisions will help keep the project on track.

Be sure to negotiate the terms and prices of artworks carefully, paying close attention to payment schedules and deposits. If you’re unsure about pricing, do some research to understand market values so you and your client feel confident in the investment.

Consider engaging legal counsel to review your contracts or draft agreements that comply with local laws and navigate copyright issues. This approach ensures that everyone’s interests are protected, fostering mutual respect and professionalism in your collaborations.

Step 6: Taking Care of Logistics

When it comes to logistics, choose reputable companies that are experienced in professional shipping and handling for artworks—after all, not all shipping companies have the expertise for this delicate task. Be sure to consider the special packing requirements for different mediums to ensure everything arrives safely.

As you schedule deliveries, keep the project’s timelines in mind and plan for contingencies and potential delays. It’s crucial to track inventories and monitor tracking information while maintaining regular communication with your logistics partners to ensure your artworks are delivered on time.

If you’re managing imports for artworks being shipped internationally, research customs and regulations to ensure compliance with import laws. This step is vital to avoid any unexpected hiccups.

And don’t forget about insurance! Accidents can happen, so it’s wise to secure coverage for both transit and installation. Take the time to evaluate coverage options and understand liabilities to protect your investments.

Step 7: Installing the Artworks

The artworks have arrived, and now comes the exciting part—installing them! Start by preparing the spaces with pre-installation checks to ensure wall integrity and support. It’s also important to make sure that environmental conditions, like humidity and lighting, are suitable for the artworks.

Hiring experienced professionals for artwork installation is essential to ensure the safety of both the artworks and everyone involved. These professionals bring the expertise needed to follow proper protocols, using laser levels and suitable hanging hardware to securely position works on the walls. For certain pieces, special installation requirements must be clarified directly with the artist to address any unique handling needs.

An example of specialized installation is at HighHouse, a day-to-night nightlife and culinary destination located at One Raffles Place in Singapore’s Central Business District. Curated by The Artling, the awe-inspiring art collection features artists from around the world and spans a diverse range of mediums.

A focal point of HighHouse is a breathtaking 14-by-3-meter digital artwork that transforms dynamically throughout the day. Created by onformative, Urban Luminance Series is an immersive, larger-than-life piece that captivates viewers with its evolving visuals. Given the work’s scale and digital components, the installation required meticulous planning to ensure secure mounting and seamless integration into the space’s lighting and digital framework.

Another artwork that required special installation was Jacob Hashimoto's expansive wall piece, which blends sculpture, painting, and installation art. This intricate work consists of bamboo-and-paper kites, model boats, and astroturf-covered blocks, combining modular elements to create a vast, intricate world.

Professionals had to carefully follow installation instructions provided by Hashimoto to securely anchor each piece. This careful attention to detail ensured that the artwork’s structural integrity was preserved while achieving a visually captivating display that appears to float on the wall.

As you and your team install the artworks for your projects, keep a detailed record of the process with photos and notes. Creating maintenance manuals for your clients is also a good idea, as these can serve as valuable references to help them care for the pieces over the long term.

Step 8: Post-Installation Considerations

After the installation, provide your clients with care instructions for the artworks. Schedule periodic inspections and cleanings to help keep the pieces vibrant and properly displayed. Encourage them to alert you promptly if they notice any damages or defects, keeping warranty and service agreements in mind.

Stay available for ongoing support, and offer your services to rotate or add new artworks as needed. This approach not only enhances their space but also reinforces your commitment to their satisfaction and the longevity of the art.

The art sourcing journey involves key steps that are essential for creating spaces that are filled with personality and inspiration. From the initial consultation to sourcing and installing artworks, each phase contributes to a design that enhances the overall aesthetic.

Art holds the transformative power to elevate interiors, adding depth and character that reflect your clients' visions. We encourage continuous exploration and collaboration with artists and galleries, helping you build a diverse and inspiring database of works to choose from.

For additional resources, visit The Artling for helpful tools and consider joining our trade program for exclusive access to curated collections and AI-powered discovery tools.