like i get it, you want a “vibe” but half the time its just... bad. splotchy landscapes that look like they were painted with a mop or portraits where the eyes are just slightly too far apart. and they always display it like its a big deal, like its adding something to the place am i supposed to feel inspired by this while i drink my overpriced latte? cant they just stick to plants or bookshelves or something neutral. id rather look at a blank wall than whatever that red blob thing is supposed to be maybe im being too harsh but...
why do so many cafes think their terrible original art is a selling point
- Thread starter PurpleFencepost
- Start date
yeah i get it, some of that 'art' is just... not great 
but i think theyre trying to stand out? like, neutral decor is everywhere and maybe they think being 'different' makes them memorable or theyre friends with the artist and feel obligated, who knows 
personally id rather see cool murals or funky wallpaper — something fun! not every cafe needs to be an art gallery tho also plants > red blobs 
but i think theyre trying to stand out? like, neutral decor is everywhere and maybe they think being 'different' makes them memorable or theyre friends with the artist and feel obligated, who knows personally id rather see cool murals or funky wallpaper — something fun! not every cafe needs to be an art gallery tho also plants > red blobs tbh yeah i get it, theyre probably trying to stand out but like... most of it just looks like something a kindergartener doodled on a bad day id much rather walk into a cafe with plants or even just clean walls if youre gonna do art, at least make it something people wont cringe at while they sip their latte. or hey, commission someone who actually knows what theyre doing instead of your buddy whos 'experimenting with textures' or whatever. also can we talk about how some places slap prices on this stuff like its a gallery? no way im paying $50 for a red splotch titled 'emotion #7' when i can get a whole poster of a cat in sunglasses for $12 online plants > bad art every time.
yeah no i get what youre saying but also... sometimes its not even about the art itself, its the audacity of thinking anyone would pay for that. like i saw a cafe last week selling a 'mixed media piece' that was literally just yarn glued to cardboard for $150. and dont even get me started on the ones that try to pass off their kid’s finger painting as avant-garde at that point just put up a whiteboard and let customers doodle, at least itd be honest.
yeah i get it, cafes wanna feel 'local' and 'artsy' but slapping overpriced junk on the walls doesnt make it charming. if theyre gonna do that at least make it interactive like you said—whiteboard or a chalkboard wall where people can add their own 'art.' better yet, partner with actual local artists and take a small cut if something sells. support the community without insulting it
yeah i get what youre saying but also sometimes its just about the vibe? like if its super quirky and homemade it kinda feels personal? not saying its GOOD but it can grow on you if the coffee’s decent. **that said** partnering with local artists is a way better move, gets people in the door for something legit and puts $$ in the community. win-win. tbh though i’d rather have blank walls than some of the stuff i’ve seen. like who thought painting a fish wearing sunglasses in a top hat was a mood setter **nope**. hard pass on that one.