Adding glass art is a great way to boost your bar or restaurant's aesthetic. Glass art makes a statement and adds to an existing classic look or upgrades a modern one. Glass molds into almost any form, including wall sculptures, lighting fixtures, and extravagant chandeliers.
As a professional glass artist for over the past 30 years, I have designed pieces for dozens of bars and restaurants. Here are the things to look for when choosing a glass artist to design pieces for your establishment.
Importance of Experience
The first thing to check when hiring a glass artist is if they have ever worked in your industry. You want an artist that can create your vision and something you will love, so ask about their track record. Ask for references. Check their online reviews. Ask to see their portfolio, either online or a physical copy. Ask questions about challenges and any maintenance needs you might experience by putting glass art up in your restaurant. Find out if the artist will do the installation of the piece. An experienced artist will be able to answer all these questions and ease any concerns you may have.
Invoking Feeling
When choosing art for your bar or restaurant, you want the piece to invoke a feeling within the space. When in the consultation process, the artist needs to be asking most of the questions so they can understand exactly what you want in your glass art. When meeting with a client for the first time, I want to understand what they are looking for in the overall design, and I look at the space to find out what purpose the piece will play in the establishment. The first question I ask my clients is what kind of feeling do they want patrons to have when they walk in the bar or restaurant? Do you want a big statement piece, or do you want the piece to fit into the established aesthetic? Does the piece need to be subtle, so it doesn’t distract from the food you are serving?
The glass art should integrate seamlessly into the overall design of the space. You don’t want a piece of art that throws off the entire aesthetic of the bar or restaurant. Hiring an artist who asks the right questions will ensure yo,u get the style of art needed to fit your establishment.
Collaborating with the Artist
The best artist-client relationships are collaborative. When meeting for the first time, go into it with a general idea of what you want in your glass art piece. You and the artist must have a continuous dialogue to discuss the project and ask each other questions during the design process. Continuous dialogue helps both sides understand every aspect of the piece. A good artist will create the design you want but also be able to give input when necessary. For instance, if you want a large chandelier, I may offer you the option for a smaller piece that will better suit the space. I may show different color options, so you better understand how much color plays a role and affects the design of a lighting fixture. I may even have to change a design slightly to make it more stable when installing.
On the opposing side, as an artist, I want to be sure I’m not overwhelming the client with my experience. A good artist wants your input so they can create your vision for the piece. You need to offer tweaks to the design process. If you don't like the colors, then say so. If you don't like the size or the way the glass looks in the early stages, speak up because this is the time to let the artist know a different direction is needed. Providing input throughout the design process helps the artist edit the piece as they work on it so they can give you exactly what you are looking for. In the end, the glass art piece is for your bar or restaurant, so speak up and be collaborative so you get what you are paying for.
Making a Budget
Glass art, especially larger pieces, can be expensive. It is important to understand the price points when choosing an artist to create your piece. Be cautious if the artist’s prices seem low. An artist may price the initial design lower than what they know the final piece will cost. Look for an artist who is willing to discuss budget. An experienced artist will know what they can provide and be able to give an accurate estimate.
Be aware the price of the piece may change during the design and build process. The more work that goes into a piece, the higher the price. If the price of the piece is getting out of hand, speak to the artist. Working together will get you the design you desire and help you stay within budget.
Hiring the right artist is key when designing and installing glass features in your establishment. Finding someone who has the experience necessary in your industry, collaborates well, and can create a design you love within the established budget are all important parts of the process. Using these tips will help you find the right glass artist to create an amazing design that suits your bar and restaurant.