Hello first blog post….the first of very many, I hope! I thought this would be a perfect platform to discuss not only the projects I’m working on and artists I love; but also delve into the world of the Art Consultant and what we think about on a daily basis.
When I was considering topics for my first blog post, I thought it might be best to keep it simple....
Why are Art Consultants so important in a corporate environment?
An Art Consultant helps people select and acquire art for their home, business or collection. Artwork within the business and corporate environment is what I wanted to concentrate on in this particular post since it's the primary focus of Lynn Fine Art.
Outside the art world, most people aren't familiar with Art Consultants and their services especially when it comes to the corporate workplace. You may walk into your office each day (or maybe not due to Covid-19) and not pay much attention to the artwork on the walls nor really care. Well I am here to tell you...it matters and can have a huge effect on you and the overall work environment you spend 8 to 9 hours a day in!
Our primary focus as Art Consultants is to help our clients create an environment that’s best suited to their business and employee's needs. The art chosen could be centered around defining corporate identity, enhancing employee morale and creativity, showcasing the local community (woohoo!) or even just pure visual interest.
Over the years, there have been dozens of studies conducted in the US and Europe that discuss the benefits of artwork within the corporate setting and its impact; whether it's there to reduce stress, enhance communication, or even help with the overall branding of the company. No one wants to spend their day staring at a blank wall, so what if instead your hallways, conference rooms, and staff areas were decorated with artwork that inspired you. Research done by Exeter University’s School of Psychology found that employees who had some input regarding the art or design of their office were up to 32% more productive during their work day. Not only that, but if you enjoyed the aesthetics of your office, wouldn’t you feel better about spending the majority of your waking hours there?
Adding artwork into a corporate environment can also have a huge impact on your branding and company culture. This could be reflected in a subtle color scheme throughout the space or depicted in the artwork itself.
As a business, how do you want prospective clients to view you as a company?
How do you want your employees to feel when they enter the office?
How can you get your core values across through the art and design of your office?
These are just some of the questions you would want to ask yourself not only when designing the space but when incorporating artwork as well. Below are three examples of artwork within a corporate setting, each having an impact on the space they're in.

This abstract piece by Hellbent, a graffiti artist and muralist, brings much needed color to a rather sterile lobby. It catches the viewer's eye and evokes a type of openness or playfulness compared to a more traditional landscape piece that could have been featured. The tenants in this building could be trying to say they are open to new ideas, interested in more abstract topics of discussion, or presenting their knowledge and interest in the contemporary art world.

The hallway leading to a conference room is a perfect place for artwork since it's an area that clients or guests of the office typically travel and where big decisions might ultimately be made. In this instance, the client has decided to highlight some of New York City's most iconic buildings, showcasing the local area in a very dramatic fashion.

Outside of the lobby area, conference rooms are typically one of the first places we suggest placing artwork. As previously mentioned, big decisions can be made here but not only that, group discussions and creativity are typically very prevalent. As you can see, the artwork featured in the above conference room is the focal point and it's image, materials and overall size could easily enhance communication and discussion.
Corporate offices don't need to fill their entire space with artwork, but placing it strategically throughout can make a huge difference in the overall workplace environment.
Ultimately, I could go on and on about how impactful artwork can be within any given space and may subsequently bore you to tears. However, I do hope that this post got you thinking ever so slightly about the artwork within your large corporate office or small business.
If so, feel free to reach out!
-Mason
Works Cited:
Architectural Digest. 2018. “The 12 NYC Office Buildings with the Most Incredible Artwork.” Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/nyc-office-building-artwork.
The Avenue Gallery. 2017. “Working With Art: The Importance of Art in Your Business.” The Avenue Gallery. https://theavenuegallery.com/blog/2017/05/working-art-importance-art-business/.
Interior Design. 2016. “Bright Colors and Contemporary Artwork Punctuate Pritzker Group's Los Angeles Headquarters by HOK.” Interior Design. https://www.interiordesign.net/slideshows/detail/9119-pritzker-prize/?single=true.
Markoff, Barbara. 2009. Becoming A Corporate Art Consultant: The Handbook for Corporate Art Consultation. Morganville, NJ: PFM Books.
National Arts Program. n.d. “The Impact of Art in the Workplace.” National Arts Program. https://www.nationalartsprogram.org/news/impact-of-art-workplace.
Retail Design Blog. 2015. “WisdomTree Offices by VOA, New York City.” Retail Design Blog. https://retaildesignblog.net/2015/09/01/wisdomtree-offices-by-voa-new-york-city/.
Smith, Rachel. 2016. “Art in the Workplace: Why You Need It And How To Choose It.” WorkDesign Magazine. https://www.workdesign.com/2016/10/art-workplace-need-choose/.
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