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Employee-Generated Art Walls: Participation and Pride

An employee-generated art wall is a practical way to build connection at work. Invite people to contribute images or designs that represent the team, then display selected pieces as a coordinated wall feature. In a lobby, hallway, or conference area, this kind of wall does more than fill blank space—it makes people feel seen and reminds everyone that the work is done by real humans.

This guide walks through planning, collecting submissions, preparing files for printing, and keeping the display fresh without adding extra work. You’ll also see how to pair employee-made pieces with curated canvas art so the wall looks intentional and ready for a professional setting.

What Is an Employee-Generated Art Wall?

The Concept in Plain Terms

Instead of choosing artwork only from a catalog, you invite employees to submit original pieces such as:

Drawings
Photos
Digital illustrations
Typography posters
Visual snapshots from team life

A small review group selects items that fit clear guidelines. These are then printed in consistent sizes and displayed as a gallery-style wall.

How It Differs From Standard Office Wall Decor

Standard office wall decor is often chosen by one person and stays the same for years. An employee-generated wall is built through participation and can rotate by:

Quarter
Department
Project cycle

Done well, it becomes a living record of milestones—launches, wins, volunteering days, and the people behind the work.

Set Goals, Scope, and Clear Rules

Pick a Purpose Before You Ask for Submissions

Start with one clear goal and write it down. Examples include:

Welcoming new hires
Celebrating project completions
Supporting company values
Building pride in the workplace

A defined purpose keeps submissions focused and relevant.

Define Submission Guidelines and Review Flow

Keep rules short and easy to follow. Outline:

Accepted formats
Content restrictions
Review process

A simple two-step review works well:

Permissions and workplace fit
Print readiness (resolution, cropping, final size)

Handle Permissions and Credit Lines

Use a simple consent form for work that includes recognizable people or brand marks. Offer flexible credit options:

Full name
First name only
Team name
Anonymous

This increases participation without pressure.

Create a Participation Plan That Works

Make Submitting Easy for Everyone

Lower barriers to increase participation:

One upload form
One clear deadline
One sentence explaining the theme

Accept digital files and scans so remote employees can join easily.

Easy participation ideas:

Prompt of the Month: One topic, one week to submit
Team Sketch Break: 20 minutes during a meeting
Photo Day: Images showing “how we work”
Project Spotlight: One submission per project team

Choose Your Curation Method

Simple, fair options include:

Rotating by department
A small review panel with clear rules
Team voting for one featured spot

Consistency and transparency matter more than the method itself.

Turn Submissions Into Print-Ready Wall Art

File Types That Print Cleanly

Best options include:

High-resolution photos
Scanned drawings
PDF, PNG, or high-quality JPG files

Ask contributors to avoid heavy filters and tiny text.

Canvas Prints vs Art Prints

Canvas prints: Ideal for anchor pieces and featured work
Art prints: Suitable for smaller framed items

Choose one primary format so the wall feels cohesive.

Size and Layout Basics

Use a limited set of sizes for a clean look.

Popular layout styles:

Grid wall: Same size, easy rotation
Timeline row: Equal sizes with dates
Feature + support: One large center piece
Department columns: Each team updates on schedule

Place the Wall Where People Will See It

High-Traffic Locations

Best placement options include:

Lobby
Entry corridor
Main hallway
Outside conference rooms

Avoid hidden or low-traffic areas.

Remote-Friendly Visibility

For hybrid teams:

Share monthly wall photos internally
Mail a small canvas piece to remote employees
Feature their home-office display on the main wall

Plan the Design and Installation

Create a Simple Visual System

Keep spacing consistent (2–3 inches)
Use matching labels with:
- Title
- Contributor credit
- Date or project tag

Mounting and Safety

Use proper hardware for wall type
Keep center line at eye level
Avoid protruding frames in busy areas

Lighting Tips

Avoid harsh overhead lighting
Use soft, angled lights if possible
Test visibility at different times of day

Keep It Fresh With a Rotation Plan

Choose a Realistic Schedule

Quarterly rotation works for most teams
Rotate by project cycle if applicable
Keep one small monthly feature area

Archive Past Sets

Store files with clear naming:
This makes reprints and moves easy.

Measure Results Without Overcomplicating

Track Participation and Sentiment

Measure:

Number of submissions
Repeat contributors
Department representation

Ask two quick questions:

“Did you notice the wall this month?”
“Does it make you feel more connected?”

Share Wins Internally

Post a short recap each cycle:

Theme
Submission count
Featured pieces

Visibility fuels future participation.

Pair Employee Walls With Curated Wall Art

Employee pieces shine when paired with strong anchors. Many teams place a large central canvas and rotate employee art around it.

Start with office wall art prints that match your space, then add employee contributions for storytelling.

For leadership or project-focused walls, mix in business-themed canvas prints.
Artesty canvas prints are made on natural canvas with high-quality ink and hand-stretched on 1.5-inch (3 cm) wood panels. Learn more in how Artesty creates canvas prints.

Quick Start Checklist

Pick one high-traffic wall
Define one theme and deadline
Create a submission form with consent
Share file quality guidelines
Collect and review submissions
Select print sizes and layout
Prepare final print files
Print and label each piece
Install safely at consistent height
Announce and set next rotation date

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Who owns the employee-submitted artwork?

Employees retain ownership. The company receives permission to display the work as outlined in the consent form.

2) Can contributors remain anonymous?

Yes. Offer anonymous or team-name credits.

3) What file size is best for printing?

Always request the highest-resolution original file.

4) Can company event photos be used?

Yes, with consent from everyone shown.

5) How many pieces should we start with?

Start with 9–15 pieces.

6) One theme or multiple?

One theme per rotation works best.

7) What if content doesn’t meet standards?

Use published guidelines and invite resubmission.

8) How often should we rotate?

Quarterly is ideal.

9) Best hanging height?

Eye level for the center line.

10) How do we label without clutter?

Use small, consistent labels with 1–2 lines.

11) What if a piece is damaged?

Reprint from the archived file.

12) Can we include customer stories?

Yes, with permission and relevance.

13) How do we include remote employees?

Accept digital submissions and feature them every cycle.

14) Grid or free-form layout?

Grids are easier to maintain.

15) Where should we start?

One wall, one theme, one date.