Creating Sets of Work
“I need some art for my cafe and I like your stuff. Can you help?”
The first time I head this question, I was filled with excitement and utter terror. Like many early career artists, I dabble in a lot of different methods and ideas. If my work has a theme or look to it, it is by accident. So how was I going to find enough works to form a cohesive series? It can take a careful eye and a playful attitude, and time to let it all soak in, but here are some pointers to get you started.
Harmonious Colors
Similar colours that work in harmony with one another
Complimentary Colors
Colors from opposite sides of the colour wheel or “opposite colors”
Yellow & Purple
Orange & Blue
Red & Green
Cat amongst the pigeons
Having one stand out work in a set of otherwise similar work
Collections of similar elements – colour, lines, texture, detail
Presentation
Sometimes the presentation is enough to link images together
Naturally the bigger the set, and more diverse the portfolio, the more time must be taken to assemble a set of work. If you are finding yourself really stuck, don’t give the sale away. I’m sure you know somebody who has a couple of image that would suit the set. If the overall effect impresses your customer, perhaps it’s worth selling a couple of your friends images along with yours?
Images used with permission, thanks to Aimelle, teegs, Stephen, Jen and Melinda
Keith Richardson
An exciting take on the problem of “What Goes Well With What”.
Thank you!
Kiwi Bud
Very interesting post. I work as an interior decorator so these are exactly the issues/problem solving that I deal with… but I love it… it is exciting to put everything together and see it all a finished project that the client is thrilled with… very fulfilling. These are great ideas. Thank you :)
Stephen Colquitt
Great advice – thanks for this
Mel Brackstone
You are SOOOO good, Jo!
Evangeline Than
Another excellent read! Thanks, Jo :)
peter riley
great advice ,thanks very much. At the moment my collection is so diverse i need all the help i can get
MuscularTeeth
cool
BettinaSchwarz
ahhhh very helpful … got my thinking along fresh avenues! Thank you for this! :)
Christian Zammit
great idea…
i got a set called From the past
Regards,
Christian Zammit
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Monthly Journals
DebbieSteer
awsome ideas love reading thanks for all your work in writing these
Jan Timmons
Fascinating ideas about colour – not to sell in my case, but to learn about colour. Helps me with the creative process. Thanks!
Sharon Mau
These are wonderful and informative ideas on creating sets of harmonious colours and creating complimentary contrasts, mahalo!