The McClain Method | Business Tools For Interior Designers
Welcome to The McClain Method — the go-to podcast for interior designers who want to grow a profitable, polished, and well-run design business.
I’m your host, John McClain—award-winning interior designer, business mentor, author, and branding strategist. If you want to learn how to:
• price your interior design services
• attract high-value clients
• streamline your design process
• improve your client experience
• elevate your brand and visibility
• run your design firm with confidence
…you’re in the right place.
This podcast isn’t about pillows and paint swatches.
Here, we focus on the business of interior design—marketing, pricing, branding, sales, systems, visibility, mindset, and everything it actually takes to build a thriving design firm.
Each episode gives you clear strategies, actionable tools, and behind-the-scenes insights you can use immediately to grow your business and elevate your clients’ experience.
If you’re ready to step into your next level as an interior designer—and finally run a business that reflects your brilliance—welcome home.
The McClain Method | Business Tools For Interior Designers
57: How to Incorporate Curated Art Into Your Design Business With Leonardo Ledesma
In this episode of The Designer Within podcast, host John McClain chats with Leonardo Ledesma, founder of Art Seen, an art advisory and curatorial service based in Los Angeles.
Leonardo shares his journey from studying architecture to creating a successful art advisory firm that caters to designers, architects, and collectors. They discuss the organic growth of Art Seen, the importance of engaging and personalized client relationships, the role of technology in the art business, and the evolving demands of both residential and commercial art projects.
Leonardo also offers insights into selecting art for different spaces, the significance of good lighting, and building long-term client trust. The episode wraps up with details on Art Seen's upcoming participation in SCOPE Miami and a recent collaboration with Genesis.
This conversation is full of valuable lessons and inspiration for interior design business owners looking to integrate art into their projects.
00:00 Introduction to The Designer Within Podcast
00:43 Meet Leonardo Ledesma: Founder of Art Seen
02:02 Leonardo's Journey from Architecture to Art
05:06 The Business of Art: Challenges and Triumphs
09:33 Evolution of Art Scene: From Analog to Digital
13:51 Finding and Representing Unique Artists
14:54 Collaborating with Designers and Architects
17:05 Art for Residential vs. Commercial Spaces
19:13 Advice for New Clients and Designers
20:19 Establishing Client Relationships
20:48 Addressing Budget Concerns
22:25 Building Trust with Clients
24:36 Advice for Designers
29:10 The Importance of Lighting
31:23 Handling Demanding Clients
34:05 Building Long-Lasting Client Relationships
40:55 Upcoming Events and Projects
43:42 Conclusion and Contact Information
For more on Leonardo and Art Seen:
Website | https://www.laartseen.com
Instagram Handle | https://www.instagram.com/artseenla/
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