Creating art is what artists want to do most. However, sometimes creatives need to do things that are more on the business side of the industry, like organizing shows and displays of their work.

In order to put your work in the best light, sometimes literally, you need to know a few design tips. While these ideas are general notes, they can be tailored to suit the venue and the actual artwork.

Create an Acoustic Space

Art should be experienced with all the senses. So, if you need to do a complete installation, either in your home or in a gallery, think about more than visuals. Adding decorative acoustic panels to the walls of your display can help viewers block out background noises and distractions that can take away from your work.

Once you've blocked out the noise, consider adding sounds that enhance the artwork. Nature sounds might be appropriate, like rainfall or thunderstorms, in the background to help your art make a statement. Another idea is ambient music, as long as it doesn't turn viewers off by being jarring or offensive.

Scents Are Amazing

Another sense you can incorporate into your art installation is smell. Scents not only add to the ambiance on the day of the display, but they can also be incredible memory triggers. How amazing would it be if, weeks or months later, a random scent made someone recall your artwork fondly? If that sounds good to you, consider adding an essential oil diffuser with a common scent in it to your installation.

Cinnamon, orange, lemon, vanilla, and mint are all options people can readily find after the fact. Options that are a little rarer would include bergamot, lavender, and eucalyptus. Make sure to pick one that complements your art.

Frames for Days

Many two-dimensional art pieces are displayed in frames. They can be very ornate, very simple or anywhere in between. The key to picking the right frame is to make sure it complements the artwork and doesn't distract from it.

Minimalist layered frames are popular because you can coordinate matting colors with your artwork. To go even farther down the minimalist road, consider no frame at all. Let the wall behind your work act as the outline halo that accents all the best parts of each piece.

Background Colors

If you are displaying your work against a wall, many feel that white is the best color option for it. However, consider some alternatives that might highlight your art even more. While pastels are nice, there are arguments to be made for bright colors as well.

Red, for example, ups the energy level of the space, where cool colors are calming. Of course, you can't forget about black. This is sometimes the best option to showcase artwork that features very bright colors or lots of whites and grays for a monochromatic look.

Lighting Can Make All the Difference

As an artist, you know that changes in ambient light can completely change the look and feel of a piece. Keep this in mind when selecting the lighting for your installation. Harsh white light might be the look you're going for, and it could accentuate the starkness of a painting or sculpture. Soft yellow or pink light could be your best bet if you want a calmer look.

When trying to create the perfect setting to display your creations, it's important to make it an experience for your audience. Adding the right music, scents, lighting, and colors can not only complement the art, but it can also lead to new fans and maybe even new buyers or patrons. You just never know how a person will be affected by what you create, both in the art — and around it.