What to consider before giving art as a gift

Art is the epitome of the ‘I saw this and it made me think of you’ gift. You will be hard pushed to find a more personal gift. Giving art as a gift is something only the brave-hearted would dare to do. Yet, art is the perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary, festive celebration or for any other occasion when you want to celebrate a special someone. Afterall, it is those little decorative touches that make a house a home. Not only do wall art prints show off your personality and evoke memories, they also create a stylish talking-point for when visitors stop by. Yet, there are so many more reasons why art is a fabulous gift, but make sure that you keep these key things in mind before gifting.

Giving art as a gift – when is it ok?

If you are thinking of giving art as a gift, there are so many instances when a print, painting or sculpture will be welcomed with open arms. The trick is however to plan ahead since art is a very personal choice of present and it requires a lot of thought. Because you need to know the recipient well to ensure that the artwork feels meaningful, this type of present is best suited to family members and close friends or colleagues. There is no rulebook to say that you cannot give art all the time, however, it would be considered a little odd to give a work of art to someone you are less acquainted with – because of the reasons we will mention below.

How do you give art as a gift?

Art comes in all shapes and forms creating endless opportunities to find the perfect gift for your chosen person. But, to be successful in your gifting, you must know the person receiving the art gift very well. Think of something they like or enjoy and focus on that. This could be nature, animals or travel. Watercolour landscapes would appeal to romantic types who daydream about nature. Whereas, a moody black and white photograph of a cityscape would be ideal for those with a thirst to discover new horizons. Also consider what messages are hidden inside the art. What is the work trying to portray? If your friend or family member needs some extra encouragement during a tough time, then search for a print of a goddess or a symbolic element that will empower them to find their inner strength.

Rules for giving art as a gift

To help guide you on your quest of giving art as a gift we have compiled a list of considerations to keep in mind. These tips will help you to choose the perfect work of art be it a modernist sculpture for a bookshelf, a limited edition print or a large hand-painted canvas.

Is it ok to give art as a gift? Yes, but set a budget

As with any gifting experience, it is wise to start your search with a budget in mind. Giving art as a gift is no different. In fact, it is even more important since art can vary in price, reaching record highs at auction houses. These days, thanks to online art sites, you can search by your budget with a few clicks of the mouse. But, stick to your limits and be aware of what you are buying. For example, if you are looking to surprise your loved one, one-of-a-kind gifts such as Original, signed or limited edition prints are the ideal choice. Not only do they provide that wow factor needed to make a gift truly special, but an original work of art or limited edition print allows you to give something that is not rare and unique. This act of kindness shows the recipient that you have taken time to think about their likes and interests as well as find something that reflects their personality.

Is a painting a good gift? Consider the space

Versatility is key when giving art as a gift. Think about the recipient’s living space and lifestyle. Do they have enough wall space? What is the colour theme of their home? For example, if know that your friend has a lot of empty wall space in their home, a large-format print will be a very welcome gift. Not only will it add personality to their home, but large art prints allow for all the details to stand out and be admired from afar. Plus, if the artwork holds a special meaning for those receiving it, this message is further amplified because of the large scale of the work. So, don’t be scared to invest in large artworks. While it is easy to opt for a standard smaller size, you will be surprised at how good a larger work of art can look on a living room wall.

How to wrap a drawing as a gift – Choose quality backing materials or frames

Buying art online has become a popular way for people to share their favourite artist’s work with their friends and families. But, if you are giving art as a gift you want to make sure that it arrives in perfect condition. How do you do this? Good quality prints will always be printed on high-quality paper that provides the perfect level of firmness. This will then be backed onto a rigid, thick card that will hold the print in place and stop it from bending inside the bubble wrap jiffy bag it gets sent in. Just like the process we use here at Tropia, other artists will have their strict methods to ensure that their art arrives in pristine condition. However, if you are left with doubts, it is worth consulting the artist before completing the purchase. If you want to go the extra mile,  framing your art makes the gift look and feel more expensive, but a frame also protects the work from getting damaged when hung on the wall. Pick a frame that will make the art pop. Or, if in doubt, pick a neutral, natural colour that will go with anything.

Don’t forget about storytelling

The best gifts are thoughtful and personal. Giving art as a gift provides you with an ideal opportunity to share your thoughts with your special person. Include a note with your gift explaining why you were drawn to the work of art, why it made you think of them and also explain the background of the artwork and artist. Infuse the artwork with meaning and sentimental value and share your love with your special person.

There are so many reasons why art is the best gift

As you can see, there are endless opportunities to give the gift of art. It is a timeless, personal and creative gift that shows just how much you care about the person. People have been giving art as a gift since the days when cave paintings became popular and today, art has evolved into an explosion of colour, creativity and expression. They say that a picture can tell 1000 words and this is one of the main reasons why art is a fabulous choice of gift.

Do you have a Yogi friend? Get inspired with our Yoga Studio Wall Art

How to make art for someone

For the utmost expression of love and creativity try your hand at creating your own masterpiece. Consider what subject you would like to base your work on and then think about the recipient. How do you want to make them feel? What message do you want to convey? Are there any symbols or icons that are important to include? For example, a nice option for a birthday would be zodiac art that tells the story of their personality. Or, if someone is newly in love or getting married, Aphrodite, the Goddess of love is a fantastic subject matter. Let your creativity run wild and make your work as personal as possible. Giving art as a gift is a thoughtful idea but when the artwork is your own, it takes on a whole new level of meaning.

So, now that you are aware of all the key things to consider when giving art as a gift, you can now elevate your gifting skills and give a gift that can become a timeless treasure.

Get some extra help with our Wall Art Guide