Wall Decor Industry Info & Coastal Abstract Wall Art
- Grotto Studios
- Aug 1, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 28
Understanding the Wall Art Industry
In my first post, I introduced you to my “If Your Walls Could Talk” blog and gave you a little background about myself and why I'm here with you in the blogosphere. I also shared my desire to help you decoratively express yourself in the wall art you choose for your home.
I promised that my first batch of posts would cover the wall decor near and dear to my heart…Coastal Art. But before I dive into my first category of Coastal Art, I thought it'd be important to share some background about how the wall decor industry has changed in recent years, and how that has impacted both artists like myself, and shoppers like you,
FROM Mom & Pops to E-Comm
Not long ago, most licensed artwork sold in the U.S. was printed in the US by art publishers, and sold in small, local poster/frame shops and other mom and pop stores. Fast forward to today, the internet, digital printing, AI and outsourcing to overseas manufacturers have all revolutionized the wall art world. The number of brick and mortar poster shops and art stores has tumbled from thousands to a rare handful. Today, there are thousands of artists designing and producing wall decor through print-on-demand (POD) e-comm sites. With all of these resources at our fingertips, there are millions of designs available to hang on the walls of our homes, without massive inventory being stored by sellers.
Big Box Stores
Speaking of stores, decades ago, big box stores ordered their wall decor inventory on a chain-wide basis, through one main store buyer. Today, if they are still in brick and mortar business, they typically order a more limited inventory of art, and it’s often done on a regional basis.
How Did I Get Here?
Sooo…you might ask, how did I carve a pathway into the big, booming e-commerce wall art marketplace…and even into big box stores? It all started when my former and fabulous business partner and I decided to create a company selling unique tee shirt designs. We named our biz Graffi*tee Studios, and sold our tees in niche markets at local stores, trade shows and trunk shows. We even managed to generate buzz and gain traction in NYC…of all cutthroat retail spaces!
But because our love of photography was first and foremost, we decided to try our hand(s) at creating some unique photographic wall art collages. Our town-based designs for a variety of coastal communities across the northeast were something no-one else was doing, and locally, a hit. The reality of the situation was, we are both very personable introverts (LOL), so the whole ‘sales' thing was REALLY not in our comfort zone!
What Happened Next?
Karma is indeed real! The positive vibe energy that was always our mantra came right back to us in the form of a store owner who loved our designs and suggested that we connect with a licensing agent. (Licensing agents work with artists to represent their work to manufacturers like wall art publishers, jigsaw puzzle companies, rug companies, greeting card businesses, you name it.) That good karma continued as we found the right licensing agent to represent our work. For over a decade, our agent successfully brought our designs to manufacturers that sold our imagery on on countless products sold all over the country, and some internationally as well!
We and I had a WONDERFUL, prolific and collaborative partnership for over a decade. Last year, my 'paatnah' decided it was time to re-focus her life energies. WAH! As bummed as I was (and still am) to lose my other left arm, I knew I still found tremendous joy in creating art for others. So here I am...with a new(ish) company that I named Grotto Studios, as a nod to our Graffi*tee Studios partnership, and also the 'cozy, protected harbor' vibe I hope to help you create in your home.
Going Coastal!
Since my comfort zone in creating art has always gone Coastal…I’d like to impart some knowledge about Coastal wall decor choices, and what vibe they can bring to the walls of your home. Since chatting about this particular wall art category is a totally arbitrary place to start, I decided to begin with Coastal Abstract design. How random can you get?
Abstract Coastal Wall Art
Abstract art is all about leaving behind the confines of reality. It’s about stepping out of the physical world and into the realm of emotion. And what better place to do that than at the beach?!? Let the gentle ocean waves wash away your thoughts, notions of scientific reason (and maybe some of your reliance on tech to feel connected)…and let’s take a little walk along the coastal happy place of your dreams. My mission? If you can’t be seaside 24/7, at least you can drift away just by gazing at your walls. After all, you DON’T need to live at the beach to add a coastal vibe to your home.
So let’s escape together and feel the ocean breezes in the shapes, colors and lines of these abstract coastal designs, and connect to the emotions that may be stirred by the zen of one piece, the vibrant movement of another. As En Vogue so brilliantly put it, “Free your mind, and the rest will follow.”
Coastal Abstract Colors: Zenergize or Energize
When it comes to creating a Coastal vibe, an important consideration is whether you want your abstract art to induce a sense of calm, or a big wave of energy. I’ve selected some colors and designs to show you what I mean:
Zen Coastal Colors
A lot of coastal art is created using the same palette you see in nature's splendor at the beach. Tones of aqua, navy, sand, and creamy dreamy whites.
This zen sea and sky abstract will automatically transport you to the beach. It not only complements the minimalist aesthetic of the living room but also adds depth and character, making the space feel inviting and thoughtfully curated.
Sea foam green could have directly gotten it’s name from this relaxing abstract of a gentle wave upon the shore. It’s a pretty, old-school color with a fresh, new take. If you want to create a space where your thoughts can ‘just be,’ meditate on where in your home this piece might bring you peace.
Coastal abstracts don’t necessarily need to be in traditionally seaside color schemes. Think about what existing colors you have in a room, or what different tones you would like to bring in. For example, this coastal abstract with pinks, browns and a touch of lavender would be great in a room with earthy tones.
Energizing Colorful Coastal Abstracts
What if you want to amp up the colors adorning your walls a bit more? Coastal and Modern decor blend together perfectly in these two Longboard Classic designs that have nothing classic about them! If your vibe is contemporary, line up and catch an abstract wave of brilliant colors with this modern set of surfer dudes and chicks.
Coastal Abstract Art: Shape & Line
Now let’s look at Coastal Abstract art from another viewpoint - shape and line. Do you have a “thing” about what your favorite shapes are? If ovals are the shapes that appeal to your sensibilities, pair them up with some bands of tranquil navy waters, and this aqua and sand sunset will provide serenity at the end of a long day.
Nothing says Coastal with a modern flare like this scalloped wall art design. The coral and aqua colors of these overlapping circular shapes invoke tropical fish scales reflecting in the sea and sun.
Buoys come in a favorite-crayon-variety-pack of cool colors and sizes…and are iconic Coastal shapes. Buoy up a simple white wall with this set of modern floats.
Coastal Abstracts: Movement
If there’s one thing I know about the sea and sand, they’re forever in flux. From the changing tides leaving their mark on the shore, to the sandy beaches that have a different face from winter to summer. Let’s look at some truly moving Coastal Abstracts!
The soothing ebb and flow of the tides, clouds and sunshine are reflected in this abstract with happy coastal tones.
Capiz shells provide protection from the outside world for the sea life hidden within their walls. In the decor world, capiz shells are used in everything from lighting fixtures to softly swaying wind chimes…and of course, wall art!
And always try to remember that wall art should breath your own sense of creativity into your home. You definitely don’t need to stick with one design style to make a room ‘work.’
From my grotto to yours,
Nancy
Grotto Studios
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