Art in the workplace - How to choose it?

A picture is worth a thousand words, so think about what you’re trying to say…

There’s something about office art that really informs you about where you are and it’s power is often underestimated. It sets the scene- or alters it. It tells a company’s story and it evokes feelings of comfort, excitement and even much of the time, a feeling of quality. Office art is about so much more than making a room look pretty.

The art – or absence of it – in your workplace communicates volumes about you and your business, sending strong messages to your staff and clientele.

So what to consider when choosing the right artworks for your business?

1. Choose Office Art That Reflects Who You Are

Your artwork can say a lot about your company or business, so make sure you choose pieces that covey the right messages. For example, for conservative careers like law or finance, still life, landscapes and tasteful reproductions of well-known pieces offer professionalism, formality and a sense of security, while vibrant colours and pop art could reflect youth and enthusiasm for creative industries such as advertising and design work. If creativity, innovation, and open conversations are elements of an organization’s purported culture, the placement of engaging artwork can help substantiate these values and make them visually available.

2. Location is important

When considering artwork for your reception or meeting rooms, be bold. Strong colours, oversized works, striking sculptures and an interesting subject matter will all grab attention and provide easy conversation starters. Works with a touch of humor can also help set people at ease. Abstract art has a unique quality of provoking radically different views, emotions, and opinions among those looking at it. That’s why abstract pieces have proven to be a good choice for collaborative work spaces since it has the power of unlocking people’s creative potential without distracting too much from the discussion and issues at hand. Common spaces and break out zones are places to visit when employees need a mental break, landscapes and nature photographs can evoke a feeling of calm and tranquility. A smaller office can feel much more generous by adding a large nature scene to its wall. And don’t forget your hallways either.

3. Consider the effect of colors, patterns and themes

Positively-received artworks have a moderate amount of visual complexity. The same goes for colors and patterns that are not so familiar as to be boring, but not so unfamiliar as to be confusing. Horizontal and vertical lines and curving lines are easiest to process, as are symmetrical images. Warm and bright colours are the best way to create a creative and friendly work environment. These colours bring positive vibes into the office, improve efficiency and focus, and increase brain activity. For example yellow creates a sense of joy while green brings out the creativity in a group. To encourage collaboration within the team, common room and meeting areas profit from a vibrant and energetic look, so think about graphic artworks that are high spirited, fun and creative. Once you are familiar with some general guidelines, you might decide to brake out of those conventions and go for bold and unique approach.

4. Budget

Don’t let the cost of art work be a deterrent. Little goes a long way. Photographic or fine art prints framed properly are an affordably and beautiful way to brighten up any office space. And unlike production-line office décor, art gives you scope to introduce something creative and unique. Think about supporting local art and create a link between your office and the area you are located in. Don’t forget your investment is also tax deductible.

If you can, go big! Choose an original artworks over reproductions and mass-produced prints. Consider purchasing art as an investment. If you buy an original piece from an emerging or established artist, the value will remain, or even increase over time. Commissioning an artwork allows you to suggest brand colours or discuss ways in which the art can effectively represent the brand. Artwork would be a subtler approach to branding without appearing too promotional, since it’s the manifestation of an idea and not just a mere marketing tactic. A commissioned wall mural would be another way to stand out and make your office a memorable one.