How to Start an Art Rental Business

Are you an art lover looking for a way to make extra money? Why not start an art related business so you can enjoy what you do and profit at the same time? One art related business that has a strong demand is an art rental business. An art rental business is a business that caters to the needs of companies large and small who wish to project a certain image in their business offices, waiting rooms, and lobbies. What better way to do this than with beautiful art?

These businesses may not want to go out and purchase the art directly, so they depend upon people like you to supply them with the art they’re looking for. In turn, they pay a monthly rental fee for your services. Your art related business saves them the footwork and expense of having to select and locate suitable art for their office décor. Instead, you help them choose appropriate art and they rent it from you on a monthly basis.

One of the best ways to start this type of art related business is to network with local artists in your area looking for markets for their artwork. Not only will the art from local artists be unique, but local businesses will enjoy the positive connotation associated with supporting local artists.

If you have studio art galleries in your area, visit and browse through the art work that’s on display. When you find elegant art that you think would be appropriate for a corporate setting, get a business card from the artist who created it. Once you have several potential artist contacts for your art related business, call and see if they would be interested in selling their pieces to you at wholesale prices or renting them to local businesses through your service. If they choose the rental option, you would double the rental amount you charge your client to make a profit.

Once you have a representative selection of artwork, prepare an online site with clear photos of the pieces you have available. There’s no need to have a physical site for this business. You can have potential clients view the available choices from your website and later expand into a small catalogue as your business grows. This will help to keep your overhead down.

Be prepared to offer suggestions on how to decorate offices and waiting rooms since not all business people have an eye for art and design. As your business expands, you may consider hiring an interior designer to choose the artwork for large offices and buildings or consider getting interior design training yourself.

To market this type of art related business, you’ll want to approach business offices as well as restaurants, doctor’s offices, banks, and other establishments that need to create a favorable impression. New offices opening in your area are another good source for business. You may be called upon to provide artwork for the entire building. Imagine the monthly rental fees on that type of project!

This is an art related business with real growth potential. If you have an eye for art and a head for business, this just might be the business for you.