Pamela Smith is a guest blogger for Imagekind who is one of the top experts in interior redesign and decorating. She is the owner of PSRedesigns, which specializes in one-day interior makeovers. We are happy to share her insight of new decorating trends and great tips on successfully decorating with art. Pam was a founding member of the redesign organization IRIS and is now proud to be a part of the National Redesign Institute as an instructor of interior redesign, real estate staging, and decorating. Read on to find her expert hints and tips.

Thank you to Rich Collins for inspiring this latest blog topic. It’s always important to know your audience. For me as a designer it’s obviously my client; but as a guest blogger for Imagekind my audience seems to be you, the professional artist! We are all in a similar boat, trying to find the optimal way to reach our target market. Hopefully my insights will help you gain a better perspective in how art buyers find you.

Image: Iron Creek Below Iron Creek Falls by Rich Collins

I believe there is a general perception that original art (I’m using this term loosely so that it applies to all artistic mediums) is an expensive purchase. The onset of giclee prints combined with the power of the worldwide web has ultimately created the perfect marriage, one based on affordability, diversity, locate-ability, and quality. Now, the question arises: If you build it (a web-based art house), will [they] come? I believe with Imagekind’s help the clients will come. I encourage my clients to look on quality art sites such as Imagekind and see what they’re drawn to (no pun intended!).

The client definitely needs to be the primary in this scenario. I never (she said emphatically) choose blindly for my clients! They must be involved. Plus, online viewing is so easy and can be done any time of day (which matters a lot to my busy clients), it just makes sense. And, as I am directing them to specific sites, they trust that I am helping them make good decisions at prequalified sites. I have never had any problems with this art-buying strategy.

Image: White Oak in Fog by Rich Collins

The beauty of Imagekind is that the art buyer is not only able to view art, but meet the artist! Rich, I’m going to use you as an example. I looked up your photography on Imagekind. I clicked on your name, got to see you, view your helpful advice, and feel like I started a connection. This is an amazing marketing tool – thank you Imagekind! This wouldn’t be possible unless I happened to live in your hometown and meet you at your studio (if you happen to have one). It’s this sort of touchy-feely, emotional connection stuff that I think strongly aids the sale.

I truly believe that the emotional click can happily coexist with the mouse click. It certainly works for me.