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advice | 15 creative ways to display art

Hanging art is either one of the first things you do when you move into a new home or, if you’re anything like me, the last thing you do. Paintings and pictures are left stashed away for months while I obsess over where to put them. Recently I spotted a few new and different ways to display art and I’m freshly inspired. So if you too are wanting to do something a little different than just plain hanging pictures on the wall, try one of these 15 creative ideas –add sculptural piece | fresh ways to display art add sculptural piece | fresh ways to display artAdd a sculptural piece – A floral embellishment or a sculptural silhouette gives the eye somewhere to land on a wall full of frames. These compositions are not symmetrical yet they’re completely balanced with cohesive color palettes. Bring your art wall to the next level by adding a three-dimensional piece with visual appeal like antlers, a mask, or a wall sculpture.go cheeky | fresh ways to display artGo cheeky  Who says that art has to be so serious? This photograph of a tennis player is just the right amount of cheeky. switch it up on a shelf | fresh ways to display art switch it up on a shelf | fresh ways to display artSwitch it up on a shelf – Can’t commit then keep the pieces off the wall so that you can rearrange them as often as you like. Art shelves can also host prints, framed postcards and a variety of other objects. Here the colorful photos pop off the white wall and shelf and the different size pieces of art make it really work. 
bring the outdoors in | fresh ways to display art bring the outside in2 psBring the outdoors in – Landscape and travel photos are sweet reminders of favorite places. Have a photo you took on a trip blown up and framed or printed on canvas and then hang above your couch or in your dining room
take it  the floor | fresh ways to display artTake it to the floor – Have more pieces of art than free wall space? Leave your art on the floor and lean it against the wall. The key is making this look intentional instead of it just looking like you forgot to hang your paintings. It’s best if the arrangement can relate to something else in the room so place it close to a chair, a bookcase or a desk.everyday art | fresh ways to display arteveryday art | fresh ways to display artEveryday art – Incorporate art into a high traffic areas like the kitchen or a bathroom. It’s unconventional but stylish so embrace the unexpected placement. A breakfast nook is the perfect place to add a small playful art vignette and why not put a painting in the bathroom?make it a focal point | fresh ways to display artmake it a focal point | fresh ways to display artMake it a focal point – A large painting makes a statement. A big, bold graphic piece, like this one or this one, pulls the room together and gives the eye somewhere to land. match it | fresh ways to display artMatch it – Create balance. Here the colorful art unites the colorful pieces around the room instead of competing with them. Art can be an equal player in the room versus the focal point.singled out | fresh ways to display artsingled out | fresh ways to display artSingled out – Limit yourself to a single color scheme for a minimalist look that will complement the space that your art hangs in. Pick a few coordinating colors then display your favorite pieces in each hue grouping them together for a simple gallery wall. A bedroom is the perfect place to use some restraint with color and styling. I especially love this simple black and white bedroom make it fun | fresh ways to display artMake it fun – This dog portrait brings in an extra dose of whimsy and the purple and gray color palette is bold, fresh and exciting. This youthful vignette in a child’s playroom is created by pairing a a vintage black and white typographical poster, a collection of toys and books and a funky Acapulco chair.    bring it up | fresh ways to display artbring it up | fresh ways to display artBring it up – Here art and photos are layered on a high simple white shelf with vases and knick-knacks sprinkled throughout which add depth and visual interest. Don’t be afraid to overlap your prints and photos like this one. You can also draw the eye up by using the tops of windows and doorframes to show off small artwork.
go big and small | fresh ways to display art go big and small | fresh ways to display artGo big and small – Asymmetrical patterns, like this one and this one, often work well in casual rooms. When building your gallery wall, try hanging one large piece and several smaller ones for an arrangement that is less formal.use clips | fresh ways to display artuse hangers | fresh ways to display artUse clipboards – Here three lines of clipboards fill the wall with sketches and swatches and serves as an ever-evolving inspiration board. These skirt hangers are just the right size and add a fun shape at the tops of the prints.  You could also use a clothesline and clothespins.small and close | fresh ways to display artKeep it close – Finish off a vignette, like a bar cart or this bedside table, with a small piece of art hung very low and close to the arrangement. It blends in as part of the tabletop display adding an interesting layer of depth and color.door prize | fresh ways to display artDoor prize – Why not hang art on a door? Or a window? This graphic print framed in bold blue nicely contrasts the wooden door.

advice | office organization

etsy finds getting organized | palettes and passports blog Most of us spend a lot of time in our offices – home or otherwise – but it’s a space that often gets messy and neglected and can be pretty boring! So I love the idea of adding a little style to the spot where you spend most of your day. Here are a few tips and some fun finds for creating a work space that is both functional and beautiful –

office organization tips and toolspencil holder | wire basket | clothes pins | office accessories

Try to start your day with a clean desk. It will probably get messy as you work throughout the day but take a little bit of time at the end to file those papers and organize the office supplies. Make things as easy to put away as possible. Use desk drawer organizers or designated labeled boxes.

File receipts. For the past few years I’ve been keeping all my receipts in a box, but this year it’s my goal to use a binder with properly labeled folders.

Keep desktop accessories to a minimum. Don’t leave anything on your desk that you don’t use on a daily basis. As tempting as it is to buy cute trays and organizing boxes, try to keep those to a minimum. I found that those cute little trays and boxes just mean I collect more clutter. I keep a few pencils, a notebook, a pair of scissors and a ruler out in the open for easy access because I use them almost every day.

Use your wall space. Hang and post important “things to do” on bulletin boards. Put up some artwork – choosing a favorite image can go a long way to adding beauty to your space – and hang a mirror opposite the window to create more light in the space.

office organization tips and toolstwig pencils | oyster globe | magazine rack | vintage typewriter

I’ve been dreaming up all sorts of ideas for my future studio/office. What office supplies and accessories do you use? What are the best storage solutions? Should I stick with a theme when decorating (all white?) or a mixed color palette? What do you think? For more studio and work space inspiration check out this board.

top photo found here

advice | curing the winter blues

surviving the winter blues | palettes and passports blog Let’s be honest – January is depressing. It’s really cold and the snow just won’t quit. I miss the sunshine. I miss swimming in the lake and taking long walks. I miss wearing sandals. I miss fresh pineapple and juicy watermelon. I miss iced coffee. Do you feel this way too? It’s easy to feel a little grumpy and out of it during this time of year so how can we fight the winter blues? Here are a few of my favorite cures –

  • Getting organized. Give yourself a fresh start and clean out all the stuff you don’t need or use anymore.
  • Going somewhere new every week or weekend. Take photos or sketch your surroundings. The feeling you get when you’re in a new and inspiring place is unmatched by any other.
  • Surrounding yourself with your favorite things. Wear your favorite sweater, drink coffee out of your favorite mug, burn your favorite candle, buy fresh flowers, read a good book or spend some quality time with the people you love.
  • Blasting some feel good tunes. Load up a playlist with your favorite songs and turn the volume up loud. It’s a great way to get motivated when you just can’t seem to get inspired.
  • Taking a class or attending a workshop. What about a painting class at your favorite art museum, a cooking course at your favorite restaurant or a creative workshop at your favorite shop?
  • Stop playing the waiting game and anchor yourself in the present. The holidays have past and the novelty of a fresh new year has worn off so we start counting the days until Valentine’s Day or Spring Break or just warmer days. Pause for a moment and be present.
  • Exercising, taking long hot baths and getting enough sleep can also do wonders!

I already feel better even though its 10 degrees and snowing right now and it will be -2 degrees tonight. How do you survive the winter?

advice | selling at art fairs and festivals

kate zitzer booth bucktown arts fest | palettes and passportskate zitzer booth bucktown arts fest | palettes and passportsParticipating in art shows can be exhilarating, terrifying and exhausting all at the same time. They take a lot of time and money and effort but I really think it’s worth it to take advantage of the opportunity to get out there and show your art. Not only do you get the chance to sell your work, art shows provide great exposure, an opportunity to network with others and are an awesome way to meet and interact with customers. It’s about time to start applying for summer and fall festivals so here’s my advice if you’re considering doing an art fair –

  • Research the fairs! Go out and visit as many different fairs as possible. Doing your homework ahead of time will help you choose the best shows for your art. Start with small local ones and work your way up into the better shows.
  • Be diligent about application deadlines. Most art shows make applications available (via web or mail) six to eight months in advance. Others may make applications available two to three months in advance. It just depends so take note. I apply to several shows each year, some I get in to and some I don’t.
  • Filling out applications can be time consuming especially if you’ve never done it before. Be prepared with all of the necessary photos and info, and don’t wait until the last day.
  • Give yourself a lot of time to prepare. I start getting ready for summer shows in January and dedicate all of April and May to planning, prepping and painting.
  • Build your dream booth. Your display is part of your product. Try designing one that is inviting to shoppers, represents your brand well and shows off your art in the best way possible. Typical items you’ll need – a commercial tent or canopy and weights, mesh sides/walls, hooks for hanging art, bins for small prints, a rack for large prints, a table and chairs. Rent of borrow these items from another artist if you can’t buy your own. Take photos of your display, many shows require this as part of the application process.
  • Figure out how long it takes to set up. Typically they ask you to set up the morning of the fair so try to get there early and plan accordingly. Don’t wait until the day of the event to see what your booth really looks like. Bring a dolly to make it easy to load in and out. Setting up and taking down is hard work so ask some friends or family to help if you can.
  • Try to have your items organized so they can fit in the car. I am not the most organized person so I leave it up to Marc and somehow he makes it work.
  • Inventory. Have enough to hang on the walls and some extra in the back. Artwork should look cohesive and similar in style. Have art available in different price points, colors and sizes. You never know what someone may be looking for.
  • I spend a small fortune at my print shop. I also stock up on frames and packaging materials. Getting involved in art fairs can be expensive!
  • Accept credit cards. Sign up for Square, it’s easy to use with your smart phone. Have plenty of small and big bills for customers who want to pay with cash.
  • Bring plenty of business cards. Think you have enough? Double it.
  • Have clear signage displayed – prices, social media hashtags, a banner or sign with your logo, etc. Offer photo opportunities and encourage customers to tag your business online.
  • Snacks and drinks are essential to get you through the day. Get some good sleep. The days are very long, and it really takes a lot of physical and mental energy to take part in a fair.
  • Have fun! Stay positive and be friendly. Meet your booth neighbors and get to know your customers.

So those are my tips! If you have any advice about exhibiting at art shows, I’d love to hear it, and if you have any questions or are thinking about doing an art fair, let me know. Good luck!

photo credit kate zitzer