Finding the perfect decorative artist for your interior design project can seem daunting. Here are some quick tips for finding just the right artist.
1. REFERRALS
Get a vote of confidence from a trusted contact. Ask friends, interior designers and trades people if they can recommend an artist for your job. What was their opinion of the artist’s work ethic? Did they finish the project on schedule? Were they tidy on the jobsite?
2. PORTFOLIO
Every artist should have a portfolio of samples and photographs of their completed projects. If you’re lucky, your artist will have published work to share with you as well. Look for samples that appeal to you in style, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for. A good decorative artist will create a sample specifically for your project that should be approved before starting on the job.
3. PREVIOUS PROJECTS
If you get the chance to see some of your artist’s work check their workmanship. For glazed finishes, check the corners of the room. Does the finish continue nicely into the edges of the room or does it get sloppy? Do all the walls have the same “hand” or does one wall appear to be done by another artist? For patterns, does the design center over doorways and repeat correctly around the room? Or do some walls have only partial patterns or appear irregular? There should be a balance and rhythm to a layout whether it’s a random repeat or regular repeat.
4. ESTIMATES
Professional decorative artists will either offer free estimates or nominal charges for the estimate that is waived upon job approval. Ask if their pricing includes the base painting.
5. SAMPLE
Professional decorative artists will provide a sample that should be approved before the start of the job. Make sure you share any color chips, fabric swatches or design elements with your artist to use while creating your sample. Find out if their estimate includes the cost of a sample and if there are additional charges for additional samples.
6. SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
Artists take pride in their work and will typically not rest until you are happy with the project. If you are not satisfied or feel that your finished project doesn’t match your sample, let your artist know!