Welcome to our video series on Designing for Home Décor. We’re so glad you’ve joined us!

This week you’ll gain an insight into the world of home décor and start to think about how to translate your art from paper or screen to different substrates and materials.

The home décor industry is huge. Chances are you can look around right now and spot some artwork on a rug, a cushion, a coaster, a stool or a table top. What kind of home items can you picture your art on?

An introduction to all things home décor – the things we use every day and love to display around our homes. Today we’ll talk about different types of home décor products, where they’re sold and why we’re so in love with them.

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You can download the transcript here.

Fun challenge: Look around your house – start a Pinterest board or three of your favourite home décor looks. I have several – they really help me to sort through & organize. I find Pinterest an invaluable tool. Check my Pinterest boards out here.

Share on social media: Answer the question “What do you love about home décor?” Include #MATShomedecor @artthatsells in your answer.

An insight into the professional life of an art director – what we’re looking for in art and design for products, where we find it and what makes it stand out from the rest. We’ll also look at the process of working with an art director or a product team, and a typical timeline from contract signing to shelves.

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Download the transcript here.

Fun challenge: Sketch your dream room considering all the possibilities for products within it. Think it through. What does the lighting look like, and the rug? How does it relate? Try not to be predictable.

Share on social media: Answer the question “What kind of home décor products would you like to see your art on?” Include #matshomedecor @artthatsells in your answer.

Let’s take a look at getting your products made. Which countries make most products? Who takes over once you’ve finalized your designs? What happens as your product progresses through the production line? We’ll be exploring these questions and chatting a bit about my travels in today’s video.

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Download the transcript here.

Fun challenge: Sketch 5 ceramic shapes for a collection. Put pattern on them, or illustration. Do not make them the same! Have them work together, but stand alone as well.

Share on social media: Show us your sketches, or share a photo of your favourite home décor piece from your own home, and why you love it. Can’t wait to see! Include #matshomedecor @artthatsells in your answer.

Getting paid is an important moment for any artist or designer. But it’s not always as straightforward as waiting for the $$ to appear in your account. How will you get paid? What rates can you expect? How long will you have to wait to see your fee? We’ll also discuss how to ensure you secure a fair deal for your hard work.

If you have any problems viewing the video please click here.

Download the transcript here.

Fun challenge: Think about your dream client and start a Pinterest board of their look. What will you include?

Share on social media: Answer the question “Who is your dream client and why would you love to work with them?” Include #matshomedecor @artthatsells in your answer.

When you’re dreaming up your first home décor product, it’s important to consider the materials and substrates you’ll be working with. Today we’ll look at the qualities of different materials and how each might work as part of a collection.

 If you have any problems viewing the video please click here.

Download the transcript here.

Fun challenge: Look at OneKingsLane.com or another favourite home décor site and find products in each of the substrate categories. See how many combine substrates, and how collections feature products made from several different materials.

Share on social media: Answer the question “What is your favourite substrate/material for home décor products and why?” Include #matshomedecor @artthatsells in your answer.

Want a piece of the $60 Billion Home Decor industry?

Art directors NEED your great art!

The video series was presented by Margo Tantau, co-teacher for both of our home décor courses, our new live mini course, Home Décor PLUS, and our in-depth self-paced course, Creating Collections for Home Décor. [As well as teaching for Make Art That Sells, Margo is currently head of product innovation at Studio M and previously has held creative leadership roles at Creative Co-Op, Madison Park Group, Midwest-CBK, and Hallmark, so as you can imagine, she has tons of wisdom and insight to share!] You’ll learn her top tips on everything from design to delivery (including how to grab the attention of art directors everywhere!).

• Would you like to dip your toe in the thrilling world of home décor to see if it’s for you?
• Do you want to create stunning portfolio pieces that will broaden and strengthen your portfolio and help you snag work for clients like Anthropologie, West Elm and more?
• Have you already taken our in-depth Creating Collections for Home Décor course and are hungry for more?
• Do you crave the inspiration and motivation of LIVE classes, and making art surrounded by a huge supportive network of like-minded creatives?

Then sign up for our brand new mini course, Home Décor PLUS, starting Monday, September 30th! Find out more and book your spot here!

If you would like to dive into the intensive self-paced class MATS: Creating Collections for Home Décor: By the end of this class, you’ll have a 5-page, full collection ready to pitch!

Here’s what you get

• Five intense weeks of class, with daily posts to push you and your creative career forward
• Five in-depth videos featuring Margo Tantau and Lilla Rogers, providing insight into how to take your art from 2D to 3D products made from the five most popular materials for home décor
• Advice on pitching full collections of product concepts to top art directors
• Three trend boards provided by a working art director
• A Trend Board Analysis worksheet to help you better understand and utilize the trend boards

P.S. Don’t forget there’s still time to snap up both Home Décor PLUS and Creating Collections for Home Décor in our great value Create Your Home Décor Collection bundle. HURRY! Snag your spot now!