Recently, a client contacted Lauren Heller Art Consultant via e-mail looking for assistance in selecting a piece of art as a surprise birthday gift for his wife.
Step 1. Client Consultation
I am happy to consult with clients via e-mail (a great option for helping clients who may not live in the Washington, DC area), on the phone, or in person. In this case, the client and I communicated mainly through e-mail so as not give away the surprise! During this initial messaging, I wanted to learn more about:
- personal style – What type of artwork or decor is up on their walls now? Do they gravitate towards a particular style of work (abstract, landscape, representational, figurative, etc.)?
- desired size – Is the client looking for a piece to go in a specific spot in the house (and therefore, looking for a certain size artwork)? Or is placement to be determined at a later date?
- price point – This is so important to discuss at the beginning of any project. There are art solutions at every price point and I am here to help the client achieve his or her goal within that framework.
Step 2. Artwork Proposal
After the initial project consultation, I get to work researching and sourcing the perfect artwork! I like to digitally gather between 5 and 10 options for the client to consider. I present the options via an art proposal e-mail, which includes pictures of the artwork, as well as any important information (title, artist name, medium, dimensions, and price point).
Step 3. Artwork Selection
The fun part! For this client project, I focused mainly on finding figurative work. I wanted the pieces to feel modern, but also timeless. After discussing the artwork proposal via e-mail, the client and I narrowed the options down to two clear winners: works by artists Gee Gee Collins and Juniper Briggs.
On the left: Figure Study 4 by Gee Gee Collins (mixed media on paper, 12×12 in.)
On the right: Mother and Child #12 by Juniper Briggs (mixed media on paper, 5.5×8.5 in.)
Step 4. Framing Services
The client ultimately decided to purchase both pieces. Both of these original artworks on paper would need framing. For this busy client, I was happy to handle the framing services as well. Taking the pieces to a trusted area frame shop, I considered both the frame design and the preservation needs of the artwork.
Step 5. Project Delivery
Two weeks later, the framed artwork is ready for delivery! To keep the project a surprise, I arranged a special delivery of the artwork with the client.
Step 6. The Final Reveal
When chosen properly, framing should enhance and distinguish an artwork for display. It should never overpower and distract from the art itself. In this case, gorgeous frames by Roma Moulding become natural extensions of the artwork. Additionally, the UV non-glare glass offers protection from the sun’s harmful rays, while also minimizing bothersome reflective glare. With this framing, these artworks will be preserved and enjoyed for many, many years to come.
