Liz Lidgett: A Smart Way to Source Art for Every Project and Budget

Episode 1214 of A Well-Designed Business®

0:00

1:2:52

1214: Liz Lidgett: A Smart Way to Source Art for Every Project and Budget

Today with Liz Lidgett:

Art is one of the most overlooked ways designers can elevate a project and expand their own margin, and most designers are sourcing it the hard way.

In this episode, LuAnn sits down with Liz Lidgett, gallerist, art advisor, and author, to talk about what actually happens on the business side of a gallery, and how designers can work with one the smart way. Liz breaks down how trade programs are structured, what questions to ask before you trust a gallery with a client’s project, and the hidden costs that can quietly eat into a client’s budget if you don’t ask about them upfront.

This conversation reframes art sourcing from a task you dread to a part of the business you can actually profit from, as long as you understand the math and let the expert do the sourcing.

What you’ll learn:

How gallery trade programs are typically structured, and why the discount should come from the gallery’s side, not a markup on the client’s price
The exact questions to ask before you send a gallery your first project, references, national versus local reach, artist roster and aesthetic fit
The hidden costs in art sourcing that catch designers off guard, framing, installation, shipping
Why a 15 to 20 percent commission changes how much of your own time should go into sourcing
How to let a gallery’s expertise work for you instead of spending hours playing curator yourself

More About Liz Lidgett:

Liz Lidgett is an art advisor, author and gallery owner. As founder of Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design, she works with people to find the perfect piece of art for their style, space, and budget. Representing over 75 artists from around the world, she has a passion for making the art world accessible. Her book, Art for Everyone, will be published by Simon Element (Simon and Schuester) on April 21, 2026. Liz has also been a contributor for many national publications, working with brands like Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart, and Apartment Therapy. She lives in Des Moines, IA, with her husband, Nick Renkoski, their children, Rocky and Effie, and their ever-expanding art collection.

Connect with Liz Lidgett:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

Boardroom for Creatives

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action