10 Tips for Buying Art as a Gift
Art makes lovely personal gifts for family and friends, get it right and it’s a gift that can last a lifetime! Something the gift recipient can go on to appreciate and treasure for years to come. Art can add that personal touch to any space as well as inspire us and evoke emotions. However art can be very personal and it is worth taking a few things into consideration when buying art as a gift.
Luckily buying art has never been easier, with lots of options to buy art online or directly from local artists. We have put together a list of things to think about when buying art as a gift, taking all budgets into consideration. We have also included an some art gift ideas from our own collection.
1. Be Personal…
Think about the gift recipient taste and interests. If you know the person well, you can probably trust your instincts, and buy something that you think they would like. If you need bit of help choosing, look at any art the recipient have on display in their home already, to see if you can find something in a similar style. What is their interior decorating style? Do they like vintage, modern, maximalist or minimalist interiors? Make your art gift all about the recipients taste!
2. Think About Colours….
What colour schemes does the gift recipient have in their home? Do they have a favourite colour? Black and white art is a safe bet, if you are not sure what colours they like. Maybe consider buying brightly coloured artwork for someone that need a bit of cheering up? Calming colours will work well in bedrooms and more invigorating colours might do better in office spaces or living rooms. Rainbow coloured artwork will brighten any home!
3. Think about Size and Space….
Does your gift recipient live in a small flat or big house? Where would they hang the artwork? You will have to think about this when you choose the size of your artwork. For a student, a smaller print might work better. For a big house with lots of empty walls, maybe choose a bigger size for a big impact.
4. Art as a Memento…
Buy art as a memento. Make your gift an artwork that remind the recipient of a special occasion, a person, or time in their life. Maybe the artwork could be inspired by a trip you’ve shared? Some other ideas: art depicting the area they live in or a favourite city, artwork to remember their wedding day or other special dates, a from a music festival they have been to, an artwork to remind they of you, or someone else special to them. A lot of artist now offers personalisation of artwork and you might want to consider adding dates or names to the artwork.
5. Consider Interests or Hobbies….
For art gift ideas, do consider the recipients interest and hobbies. Maybe they have a special interest such as travelling, music or architecture. Maybe buy some moon or celestial prints for someone with an interest in astronomy? Or illustrations of famous buildings for someone interested in architecture…
6. Set a Budget
Art prices can vary greatly depending on what kind of art you are looking to buy. It might be worth setting a budget before staring your gift search. There will be big difference between buying art prints online, at a gallery or an art commission directly from an artist. However, nowadays it is easy to go online and buy affordable artworks to fit any budget.
Prints
Prints make great gifts as they are often more affordable than original art. For digital prints go for giclée print (high quality inkjet prints) for the best quality. Lino cut or screen prints are other art print options. Limited edition print will usually be a little more expensive than open edition print runs. Digital print often come in standard sizes so framing will be easier cheaper to frame.
Original Art Painting and Drawing
Original art is great as they are a truly unique one-of-a-kind gift. Original artworks are generally a bit more expensive than prints, but works by up-and-coming artist can be surprisingly affordable, and they might even increase in value once the artist becomes more established. If you really want to get an original piece of art, but you can’t afford the price of painting, consider buying a drawing or sketch by the artist you like, as they might be a bit more affordable.
Downloadable Art
If you have your own printer, you could consider buying a high resolution digital download art file to print at home. Use good quality paper and photo setting on your printer for best results. This is definitely one of the most affordable ways to give art as present! Consider getting a frame with a mount. Mounts can really make the artwork stand out and look amazing.
7. Where to buy Art?
Online
Buy art from artist own websites, on online art markets such as Etsy or Artfinder, or in museums and galleries online gift shops. Have a look on social media to find new and upcoming artists and designers. Many artists sell their work directly through Instagram. You could look in different hashtags to find local artists or certain art styles. Facebook groups can also be a good place to find local artists. You could always ask if someone has any recommendations for artist in your area.
In person
To buy directly from an artist look out for Artists Open Studios, where artists will normally have a selection of art for sale at affordable prices. Art galleries and exhibitions are great for finding work by more established artists, but the price will usually be a little higher. Framing shops will often have a selection of artist from the local area and small independent gift shop sometimes also stock local artists. Or why not find a local craft markets or art fair to visit and buy art directly from the artist there.
8. To Frame or not to Frame?
Is it best to give framed or unframed artwork? This will depend on your budget and how you are planning to get the artwork to the recipient. The benefit of giving a framed artwork gift is that it’s ready to hang immediately when opened, however it is a bit more fragile and heavy to transport. Unframed art is great for shipping and the gift recipient can choose a frame style that they like. A lot of art prints are sold in standard sizes and you (or the gift recipient) can easily find off-the-shelf ready frame.
9. Commissions
A commissioned artwork will make the most unique and special gift. To commission an artwork to give as a gift, get in contact with an artist you like to see if they are open for commissions. If you need the artwork for a particular date, do make sure you contact the artist well in advance of that date. Make sure to agree on a brief, a budget and a timeframe at the start, to make the commission process as smooth as possible. To read more about how to go about commissioning art, see our handy guide here.
10. Gift card / Voucher or Art Subscription
If you really can’t decide on what artwork to give, but you know the recipient would love a certain artist, then consider giving them a gift card or voucher. That way that the gift recipient can choose their own pieces from the artist’s online shop. Some places even offer art subscription packages, where the recipient will keep receiving art gifts through out the year! A brilliant idea for someone moving into a new house perhaps? Gift cards are also a great last minute gift!
Art Gift Ideas
Some art gift ideas from our collection
Personalised Art Gifts
Personalised Place Print: Add your House
Add your home to your local area place print. Price includes place print with an illustration of your home added to the print.
Upon purchasing print you must email a clear photograph of the building you’d like to be included and which area print you would like to drawntogetherartists@gmail.com
Choose between:
Battersea
Balham
Beckenham
Brixton
Clapham
Crystal Palace
Dulwich
Forest Hill
Mile End
Streatham
Tooting
Moon Art Print - Personalised Moon Month Name Print
Perfect for Birthday Gift, New Baby Gift, Wedding or Anniversary Present
Your personalised text will be printed on the bottom lefthand side, in the same font and style as the moon name. Shorter personalisation such as name and date works best for these prints. Maximum of 10 words
Fine Art Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm archival matte art paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
In ancient times, it was common to track the changing seasons by following the lunar month rather than the solar year, which our modern calendar is based on. The full moon name was often a description relating to a particular activity or event that occurred during that month, like Harvest Moon, Flower Moon, Strawberry Moon, or Snow Moon. Drawn Together Art Collective has created a colourful collection of moon art prints inspired the full moon names.
Personalised Zodiac Constellation Art Print
These prints make lovely personal and unique gifts for special birthdays, anniversary or special occasions. We will help create a truly personalised gift!
Your personalised text will be printed on the bottom centre, in the same font and style as the constellation text. Shorter personalisation such as name and date works best for these prints.
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Personalised Geometric Colour Wheel Art Print
Colourful Wall Art inspired by Colour Theory
Add your own text to our Colour Wheel Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Print only (frame not included)
By Drawn Together Art Collective
All pieces are created in our South London Studio
Our original artworks are scanned or photographed at high resolution. Our prints are then produced using high quality matt archival art papers and pigment based archival inks to guarantee the quality and longevity of the artwork. The end result is a high-quality giclée art print that will not fade over time. Finally the prints are signed by the artist and carefully packaged for delivery.
Colourful Art Gift Ideas
Rainbow London Skyline - Art Print
This print shows iconic London landmarks in beautiful rainbow colours, adding a splash of colour to any room in your house. A perfect gift for any Londoner!
Product Information
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Print only (frame not included)
Printed in South London by Drawn Together Art Collective
Free UK Delivery - We plant a tree for each print sold
Rainbow Watercolour Art Print
A bright and happy rainbow artwork, signed by the artist. Our Watercolour Rainbow Art Print will look amazing in any room of the house. Buy the larger size for a standalone statement piece, or combine it with other colourful wall art in an inspiring gallery wall display.
Product Information:
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Print only (frame not included)
Printed in South London by Drawn Together Art Collective
Free UK Delivery - We plant a tree for each print sold
Watercolour Moon Phases Art Print
Circle of moon phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent, New Moon
Fine Art Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Abstract Geometric Art Print
Moon Phases in neutral muted Pink and Mustard Colours
Modern Abstract Art Print available in A4, A3 or a large A2 size
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
We plant a tree for every print sold.
One print sold = one tree planted!
Black and White Art Prints Gifts
Pine Tree Forest Illustration - Tree Line Art Print
A contemporary forest art print, illustrated in a modern Scandinavian style. This minimalist black and white artwork is perfect for living rooms or bedroom walls.
Free UK Delivery
We plant a tree for each print sold
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Print only (frame not included)
Printed in South London by Drawn Together Art Collective
Above London Skyline in Black and White - Art Print
A bold striking London artwork, with a black paint drip effect. The London skyline includes silhouettes of the iconic St Paul's Cathedral and some of the City of London famous skyscrapers. Our Above London Skyline makes an instant impression and would work well in any room of the house. Choose the large size print for a contemporary statement piece, or maybe combine the small size with other prints in a London gallery wall.
This modern cityscape art print is signed by the artist and printed locally in London. Buy a unique London gift and support local London artists.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Giclée Inkjet Art Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Print only (frame not included)
GICLEE PRINT: Professionally printed in the uk by Drawn Together Art Collective in our London studio, using Epson UltraChrome HD Archival pigment inks on gallery quality archival matte art paper.
Free UK Delivery
We plant a tree for each print sold
London Poster / London Skyline / London Art Print
Swifts and Swallows Birds Flying - Set of 2 Art Prints
A set of two contemporary bird art prints, with black and white illustrations of Swifts and Swallows flying over rooftops. These prints are illustrated in a contemporary Scandinavian style, yet they have a timeless appeal and would look lovely in any room of the house.
(Buy the individual birds prints here: Swifts and Swallows)
Free UK Delivery
We plant a tree for each print sold
Print Information
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Print only (frame not included)
Printed in South London by Drawn Together Art Collective
Mountains and Sun - Black and White - Nature Art Print
A modern landscape art print of black and white mountain tops, drawn in contemporary Scandinavian style. The smaller size will make a great addition to a gallery wall display, or buy the larger A2 size for a modern living room statement piece. The artwork is signed by the artist. Free UK Shipping
Product Information
Giclée Fine Art Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Print only (frame not included)
Printed in South London by Drawn Together Art Collective
Free UK Delivery - We plant a tree for each print sold
Art to buy for Kids Room
Rainbow World Map - Colourful Art Print
Fine Art Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Cloud Watercolour Illustration - Art Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Rainbow Splash - Art Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
by Drawn Together Art Collective
Wizard of Oz
Yellow Brick Road Poster - Nursery Wall Art
Art Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
We plant a tree for every print sold.
One print sold = one tree planted!
Music Festival Gifts
Astronomy Art Gift Ideas
Celestial Chart North and South Hemispheres
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
The large A2 Print is perfect for Living Rooms or larger walls.
The smaller sizes gives a splash of colour to brighten up any room in your house.
Printed in South London by Drawn Together Art Collective
Moon - Black and White Art Print
Black and White Full Moon Art Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Moon Phases Monochrome
Black and White Moon Phases Art Print - Perfect statement wall art for bedroom and living room walls
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matte Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
We plant a tree for every print sold.
One print sold = one tree planted!
Total Solar Eclipse Art Print - Sun Art Print
Giclée Inkjet Print
Fade-Resistant Archival Pigment Inks
190gsm Archival Matt Art Paper
Signed by the artist
Size - Choose between:
A4 Size (21.0 x 29.7cm) (8.27 x 11.69 inches)
A3 Size (29.7 x 42.0cm) (11.69 x 16.53 inches)
A2 Size (42.0 x 59.4cm) (16.53 x 23.39 inches)
Print only (frame not included)
By Drawn Together Art Collective
All pieces are created in our South London Studio
Our original artworks are scanned or photographed at high resolution. Our prints are then produced using high quality matt archival art papers and pigment based archival inks to guarantee the quality and longevity of the artwork. The end result is a high-quality art prints that will not fade over time
