If you're on a hunt to find brilliant, unique wall art that isn't mass-produced, the best place to find it is through independent artists, small print studios, and curated shops that prioritise quality and originality. If you've been searching for a while and getting frustrated by the flood of budget, AI-generated, or mass-produced pieces out there, don't worry - we're here to help. These places do exist, and in abundance! You just have to know where to look.
So - where is everyone finding wall art nowadays? Read on to discover some of our favourite places to find your next gem.
1. Social Media
You can still find great artists on Instagram. Just don't rely on the algorithm for it. A good starting point is to find one artist that you love on Instagram and then look at who they follow (artists love to follow other artists, and will often also give shout outs in their stories). Many artists sell prints, limited editions, and even originals of their work - and buying direct from the artist, or through their authorised channels (often listed on their profile), means that the sale directly benefits the artist - crucial in a world where work is readily copied and sold by unauthorised dealers. In our own studio, we’ve had people discover us through another artist’s shoutout - following the links between artists is one of the best ways to find work that hasn’t been pushed at you by an algorithm.
2. Reverse Image Search
Go to a place you love, with the kind of vibe that you're looking for for your home (cafes, bars, restaurants are great for this). If there's art there that you like, take a picture and use Google's reverse image search tool on it - you'll often be able to find the artist this way, as well as places where you can buy their work (check out *this article* to know how to ensure that the art you buy is legitimate and not stolen).
3. Artist Newsletters
Artists love other artists - we certainly do! Following artist's journeys gives you more of an insight into the meaning behind the pieces, and many artists will also highlight work by other artists that they admire. We do a weekly feature of artists we love (including artists of all types - home decor, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and more), along with where to buy their work, so if you want us to make it a bit easier for you, you can subscribe here.
4. Small Print Studios
Artists often partner with small print studios to get their work reproduced in small quantities at a reasonable price. Most small print studios are filled with people who genuinely care about the work that they produce, and artists choose them because they want the assurance that their work will be produced with the highest quality. These studios often share photos or videos of the printing process, so their websites and social media are filled with gorgeous juicy pieces which you can trace back to the artist’s own page to buy directly or through a trusted stockist.
An example of one of these studios we love is Print.Work . A quick look at their Instagram page shows samples of the printed products and they always tag the artist, so you can find them easily.
5. Art Fairs and Flea Markets
Markets and fairs are a great day out, and you'll be able to feel how you respond to the work in real time. Most artists will also have their social media handles displayed prominently or on business cards, so even if you're not ready to make a purchase right away you can browse at your leisure later on. You can usually buy art direct from the artist at a fair, and support a local maker at the same time! They are a great opportunity to speak directly with the artist about their process.
6. Boutique Gift Shops
Small gift shops are the perfect place if you're looking for art to fit a certain vibe. Tightly curated by their passionate owners, often you'll find shops which are a little bit gift shop, a little bit coffee shop, a little bit bookshop, and every bit gorgeous - spend some time soaking up the atmosphere and peruse the well-stocked print section, and you're likely to find something that resonates with you. The other advantage of this is that boutique gift shops tend to serve as community hubs as well and so if you're new to an area, finding a boutique gift shop near you can help you build up that all-important face-to-face connection.
7. Museum Shops
I don't know what it is about them, but Museum Gift Shops are always impeccably curated. I love spending time in museums (one of my first and favourite jobs when I moved to London was working at the wonderful Museum of London, back when it was located next to the Barbican), and gift shops usually have a lovely selection of affordable art. So make sure you make a quick stop on your way out - you may just find your next piece!
I hope this helps you get started on your journey to curate a meaningful art collection. I'm aware that getting started here may lead to more questions - don't worry, I've got you. We've also got guides on the next steps:
How to Choose Art For Your Home: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Choosing the Right Pieces
What Size Print Should I Buy? (And Other Practical Wall-Art Tips
Framing & Hanging Guide: Budget-Friendly, Wall-Safe Tips
How to Tell if Wall Art is High Quality, Genuine and Made by a Real Artist