6 Tips for Giving an Art Print as a Gift to Someone That Loves Art

Is there someone in your life who loves art as much as you do? Perhaps they’re long-time collectors of unique art prints who wouldn’t mind a tasteful new addition to their walls. On the flip side, they may be getting into contemporary art posters for the first time and would love to be gifted a special piece to kick-start their collection.

 

Whatever the scenario, giving the gift of art to someone special—like a friend, family member, significant other, or mentor in your career—will work out best for the both of you if you make an effort to be thoughtful. It would be good for the piece you choose to reflect your shared understanding of art, as well as what you know of the gift recipient’s unique tastes. In that vein, how should you choose, and what other little details should you pay attention to when giving this type of gift? 

 

Here are some useful tips from respected contemporary art platform DROOL: 

 

1) Identify Your Gift Recipient’s Art Preferences

 

 

Your knowledge of the gift recipient’s tastes and preferences will be key to selecting the perfect art print for them. Few things will be able to demonstrate your attentiveness to their unique style and worldview than a well-chosen gift of art. 

 

Knowing that, take a moment to reflect on their existing collection, the artists they often speak of, or the art movements they find themselves drawn to. Would they appreciate contemporary art prints that are influenced by their favourite pop culture icons, like film stars or musicians? Or are they the creative type who is obsessed with typography or graphic design prints? 

 

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, ask someone close to them—or better yet, ask them outright. This will help you arrive at a gift that they’ll truly appreciate. 

 

2) Ensure the Print's Quality

 

 

The longevity and visual appeal of an art print also largely depend on its quality. You’ll want to buy prints that are designed to resist fading and that can maintain their vibrancy over time. 

 

It’s also wise to check on the paper quality of the print you’re buying. Heavy-weight, acid-free paper is one of the hallmarks of a premium print. Similarly, high-quality inks ensure the colours stay true to the artist’s vision and do not degrade. An art gift is a piece your recipient should be able to treasure for years, so don’t compromise on the quality of the print.

 

3) Consider the Size and Framing of the Print

 

 

Whilst caught up in aspects like the design of the print, a gift-giver may forget about the print’s size. Remember that the size of the print should harmonise with the space where it’s meant to be displayed. An oversized print in a small room can feel overwhelming to look at, while a small print in a space as large as a living room may not achieve the impact you’d want it to. Consider how large your gift recipient’s living space is, and observe where they might place new artwork. That will help you gauge the size of the print you'll be gifting them. 

 

In addition, think about the framing of the piece. A beautifully framed print can improve the overall aesthetic of the space it’s displayed in and save your gift recipient the hassle of finding a suitable frame. Just be mindful of how well the frame matches the print; a minimalistic but high-quality frame, for example, will be a better match to a modern piece than an overly ornate one. 

 

4) Know the Artist's Story

 

 

Every piece of art has a story behind it, and the story behind the print you’ve specifically chosen for your recipient can make the gift an even more memorable one. 

 

When selecting a print, take some time to do some research on the artist’s background, what their artistic journey has been like, and the inspiration behind the work they do. It would be great for you to find something that the artist and the gift recipient have in common, like a strong personal characteristic or a love for a particular motif (i.e. graffiti or nature motifs). That way, your gift will resonate even more with your recipient on a personal and emotional level, which adds layers of appreciation and meaning.

 

5) Verify the Authenticity of the Art Print

 

 

For a true art enthusiast, the authenticity of an art print can be as important as the artwork itself. When choosing a print to buy from them, do confirm the art platform’s authenticity, legitimacy, and commitment to supporting its artists. 

 

DROOL can proudly attest to the fact that works sold on the platform are genuine, and fair commissions are always given to our participating artists. When you buy art from DROOL, you’ll be assured of the integrity of your gift, and you’ll be able to show proper respect for your gift recipient’s passion and evolving knowledge of art.

 

6) Include a Personal Note

 

 

Lastly, even if the spotlight will be on the piece itself, you may want to add a personal note to your art gift. Use this opportunity to express why you chose this particular print or what you hope it will bring to the recipient’s life. 

 

Perhaps the artwork reminded you of a shared experience or calls back to an inside joke or a fond memory. Regardless, this personalisation will make the gift even more meaningful than it already is and elevate its emotional value to your loved one. 

 

The Art of Thoughtful Gifting 

 

No matter which art print you choose for your recipient, the most crucial aspect of the gift-giving process is the thought and care that you put into selecting it. The perfect gift will not be so because of the artist’s fame or the price tag that comes with the piece; it will be perfect because it speaks to your recipient’s personality, tastes, and experiences. 

 

With this in mind, choose thoughtfully and make your search as broad as possible. On a platform like DROOL, you’ll have lots of options for the ideal art gift!