Designing Local: Makers Who Move Us

Left Bank Art — A Factory Tour and Behind-the-Scenes Look at Artistry in Action

With all the shifting tides in the design world — from global supply chain challenges to rising tariffs on imports — I’ve been reflecting a lot on the makers right here at home who are creating exceptional products and offering incredible service to designers like myself.

This led me to start a new series: Designing Local: Makers Who Move Us.
In these posts, I’ll be sharing stories of artisans and manufacturers who are creating magic behind the scenes, with an emphasis on quality, creativity, and a true dedication to their craft.

There couldn’t be a better place to begin than with Left Bank Art, a maker I’ve long admired, and one I had the privilege of visiting in person just last month.

A Warm Welcome & A Thoughtfully Curated Experience

From the moment I arrived at Left Bank Art, I could feel their passion for not just art — but for education and connection. The team went above and beyond, preparing their gallery especially for our visit and giving us a wealth of knowledge to take back to our own projects.

It wasn’t just a factory tour — it was an immersive experience designed to help designers like me understand their process, capabilities, and all the creative possibilities.

A Peek Into New Collections: Mirrors, Murals & More

One of my personal favorite discoveries? Left Bank’s new custom mirror collection. There’s one in particular — an art overlay on a mirror — that I may have fallen in love with for my own home! It’s playful, elegant, and an unexpected statement piece that merges art and function beautifully.

Their expansion into wallcoverings is equally exciting. Left Bank now offers the ability to scale artwork into breathtaking murals, with substrates like grasscloth, linen look, and even subtle shimmer finishes. I’m already dreaming of how to incorporate these into future projects.

They’re also experimenting with stunning finishes in their new mirror series — think resin crystal and gold leaf effects that bring texture and depth to reflective surfaces.

A Masterclass in Finishing Touches

What impressed me most throughout the tour was the attention to detail at every stage of production. Left Bank doesn’t just print art; they finish it with a human touch. Hand embellishments, expert framing choices, and the ability to show how framing and substrates change the feel of a piece make all the difference.

They even had a display wall illustrating how the same artwork, framed differently or printed on various materials, creates entirely different moods. It was such a valuable reminder of the power of presentation in design.

The Heartbeat of the Studio: The Artists

Perhaps the most moving part of the visit was meeting the people behind the art.
I had the chance to chat with an artist who’s been with Left Bank for over 20 years. He spoke passionately about the joy of creating art that will live in so many homes and spaces. “It’s art for art’s sake,” he told me. His words stayed with me, and they capture exactly why I love this work so deeply.

Watching an artist paint a canvas in real time was an absolute treat — a reminder that even in a fast-paced industry, artistry and craftsmanship remain at the core.

And just for a bit of fun: I even made a new friend at Left Bank — a little shark swimming happily in their beautiful on-site aquarium! It’s these little moments of personality and care that make Left Bank feel like so much more than a factory. It’s a home for creativity.

Why Designing Local Matters More Than Ever

In today’s climate, working with local makers like Left Bank Art isn’t just a feel-good choice. It’s smart, sustainable design.
Shorter lead times, fewer supply chain surprises, and direct relationships with talented makers who are deeply invested in the quality of their work — these are the things that make a difference for both designers and our clients.

Left Bank Art is a shining example of how local artistry can elevate a space, while supporting a creative community that thrives on collaboration and innovation.

This is only the beginning of Designing Local: Makers Who Move Us.
I can’t wait to share more stories of the makers who are inspiring me and shaping the future of design.