How to Land Your First Contract as a Wholesale Art Supplier for Interior Designers

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Written By Sam Davis Ph.D.

Sticker Crypt is the internet's premier source of free advice for artists and small business owners! 

Are you an artist looking for a new way to sell your work? Or maybe you're an interior designer who's looking for a new supplier of art and décor. In either case, this blog post is for you! We'll be discussing how to land your first contract as a wholesale art supplier for interior designers.

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What is wholesale art for interior designers?

Wholesale art is a type of artwork that is specifically designed for use by interior designers in their work. Because interior designers have specific aesthetic needs and are often working on tight deadlines, they often need art pieces that are affordable, readily available, and of high quality. As such, wholesale art pieces are typically mass-produced or made using certain standard designs, colors, or patterns.

They can be used to fill large wall spaces or bring pops of color and interesting textures to more delicate areas like textiles or smaller sculptures. Whether you're an interior designer looking for the perfect finishing touches for your next project or simply an art lover who appreciates different types of artwork, wholesale art can be a great way to explore new styles and expand your artistic horizons.

How do I find interior designers?

When it comes to selling your art, it can be difficult to know where to start or who to reach out to. That's why it's essential to work with interior designers. These professionals will have a wealth of resources and connections that can help you get your art out there and in front of the right people. To find interior designers, your best bet is to do an online search, narrowing down your results based on location and experience level.

Then, research the individual designers online, looking for reviews and information about their past projects. Once you've found a few promising candidates, reach out to them directly and let them know about your art and what you're hoping for in terms of sales. With the right approach and a little bit of persistence, you'll soon be working with some of the top interior designers in your area!

If you're a little less forward, you can always try to like and follow interior designers on social media. Even corporate art consultants can be found on Twitter and Instagram. But, at some point – you'll have to close the loop.

How do I find art consultants?

When looking for art consultants, you will want to start by doing some research online. There are many resources available that can help you find reputable and/or corporate art consultants in your area, including websites, blogs, and forums. Additionally, you may wish to seek out recommendations from other artists who have previously worked with art consultants and made successful art sales.

Once you have identified some potential candidates, the next step will be to contact them directly and provide them with information about yourself and your work. This can include details such as the type of artwork you produce, the mediums you work with, and any exhibitions or awards that you have received. Be sure to also describe your goals for selling your work and what types of opportunities or partnerships would most help you reach these goals.

Finally, don't hesitate to ask the art consultants about their own qualifications and experience in helping artists achieve success in the art world. With a bit of effort on your part and some luck in finding a good match, you can set yourself up for a successful partnership with an excellent art consultant!

How much can I expect to expand my overall art business income?

As an artist, you may be considering expanding your business by selling your work wholesale. When done correctly, wholesale can be a great way to increase your income and reach new audiences. But how much can you realistically expect to make through wholesale sales?

There is no easy answer, as it depends on a number of factors, including the type of art you sell, the price point of your products, and the demand from buyers. However, some estimates suggest that artists can expect to see a 30-50% increase in art business income once they start selling wholesale. Of course, this is just a general range, and your actual results may vary.

If you're thinking about selling wholesale, do your research and create a realistic plan for how much you hope to sell. By setting realistic expectations, you'll be more likely to achieve success in this area of your business.

How do I describe my design aesthetic to potential art buyers?

When it comes to selling art, one of the most important things you can do is to clearly communicate your design aesthetic to potential buyers. After all, your buyers need to know what they're purchasing and why your work is unique. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips you can follow to make sure your aesthetic comes across loud and clear.

First, take some time to evaluate your work and pinpoint the elements that make it unique. Once you've done that, you can start writing or talking about your work in a way that highlights those elements. It's also helpful to have some examples of your work on hand so that potential buyers can see for themselves what you're all about.

By taking these steps, you can be sure that your design aesthetic comes across loud and clear – and that potential buyers will know exactly what they're getting when they purchase your work.

Can I sell art online to the interior design market?

You may be wondering if you can sell art online to the interior design market. The answer is yes! There are many websites that allow you to sell your artwork to designers, and some even specialize in selling to this market. Here are a few tips to help you get started: 

First, take some time to research the different websites that cater to the interior design market. You'll want to find a site that makes it easy for designers to find and purchase your artwork. Once you've found a few good options, create an account and upload some of your best pieces. Be sure to include a variety of sizes and price points to appeal to a wide range of customers. 

Next, reach out to your network of interior designers and let them know that you're selling artwork online. Many designers are always on the lookout for new pieces to add to their projects, so they'll be happy to know that you're available as a resource. You can also promote your work on social media and other online platforms. By getting the word out about your business, you're sure to attract some attention from the interior design market. 

Selling art online is a great way to reach new customers and grow your business.

Steps to break into the interior design business

Step 1. Establish your business with the intention of providing wholesale art

The wholesale art scene is always changing, which can be both good and bad for business. The good news is that there is always a demand for new art, whether it’s for commercial or residential properties. However, the bad news is that the competition can be tough. Establishing your business with the intention of providing wholesale art is a smart move, as it allows you to tap into a niche market. When done correctly, wholesale art can be quite profitable. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Research the market: Keep up with current trends and find out what type of art is in demand. You may need to specialize in a certain genre or style of art in order to be successful.
  2. Find reliable designers: It’s important to find designers who can purchase your high-quality art at reasonable prices. This will ensure that you are able to compete with other artists in the market.
  3. Promote your business: Be sure to let everyone know that you offer wholesale art services. This can be done through online directories, word-of-mouth marketing, or even traditional advertising methods such as print or radio ads.

Step 2. Research interior designers and their needs from artists

In order to provide high-quality interior design services, it is important to understand the needs and expectations of interior designers. Interior designers often have very busy schedules that can make it difficult for them to source and manage creative talent. Therefore, they typically look for artists who are reliable and easy to work with.

Furthermore, interior designers also expect artists to be able to produce high-quality work on a tight timeline. They may even ask an artist for references or examples of previous work in order to make sure that they can trust their skill level and capabilities. Ultimately, by understanding the needs and concerns of interior designers, artists can better market themselves and their services, helping them to build successful careers in the field of interior design.

Step 3. Create a portfolio of your work that would work well for interior designers

Creating a portfolio of your best art work is essential for artists looking to sell their work to interior designers. When compiling your portfolio, it is important to focus on a certain style or aesthetic in order to prevent it from feeling unfocused or disjointed.

Ideally, you should aim to include pieces that are high-quality, appealing, and show off your specific skills and talents as an artist. Additionally, it can be helpful to think about the types of spaces where your artwork would fit best, and consider which kinds of clients would most likely be interested in purchasing your work.

When putting together your portfolio, remember to put careful thought and consideration into each piece you choose, and you are sure to impress potential buyers with your talent and skill. Fine artists can sell art to any interior designer when their pitch is on point. Interior designers love it when you hand completed items to them, so the more you can make it appealing, the more success you'll have.

And remember: more art is always better! An interior designer is always on the lookout for more art to add to their art galleries. Pay attention to interior design trends and you might be able to create a clear winner.

4. Reach out to interior designers and establish relationships as an artist

As an artist, it can be difficult to gain recognition and find an audience for your work. One way to reach a wider audience is to get your work placed in interior design projects. Many designers are always on the lookout for new and interesting pieces to add to their client's homes or businesses.

By establishing relationships with designers, you can ensure that your work will be seen by many people. In addition, you can often command a higher price for your work when selling it to a designer since they are reselling it to their clients. Therefore, reaching out to interior designers can be a great way to boost your career as an artist.

5. Negotiate pricing and terms with interior designers

When negotiating pricing and terms with interior designers to sell art, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it is important to remain professional throughout the process and always treat the other party with respect. Whether you are dealing with high-end designers or more entry-level clients, it is crucial that you maintain a pleasant demeanor at all times.

Additionally, when it comes to pricing and terms, it is important to strike a reasonable balance. On the one hand, you want to be competitive enough that your products will sell, but on the other hand, you don't want to drastically undercut yourself and sacrifice your own profits in the process. Ultimately, when negotiating pricing and terms with interior designers for your wholesale artwork, remember to stay clear-headed and communicate effectively with your clients in order to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

Final thoughts…

Getting started as a wholesale artist for interior designers can be intimidating, but with some initial groundwork and planning, it is definitely possible. Once you have all of these pieces in place, you'll be ready to start making connections within the industry and getting your work out there. With hard work and persistence, you can become a successful wholesale artist for interior designers!​

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