Displaying Art Like a Pro in Animal Crossing: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve finally snagged that elusive real painting from Redd or designed a stunning masterpiece yourself. Now what? Displaying art in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is all about showcasing your creative flair and adding personality to your island paradise. There are several ways to display art in Animal Crossing. You can hang art on your wall. Alternatively, you can display it on a canvas.
Here’s a breakdown of the different methods and everything you need to know:
Mastering the Art of Art Display
Hanging Art on Your Walls
This is perhaps the most common and straightforward method. You have two primary avenues here: donated art and custom designs.
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Donated Art (Paintings & Statues): Once you’ve donated a genuine piece of art to Blathers at the museum and the art exhibit has opened, you can purchase copies of that art from the Nook Shopping app (accessed via your NookPhone or the Nook Stop terminal at Resident Services). These purchased pieces, or any duplicates you acquire from Redd, can be placed in your home just like any other furniture item. Simply open your inventory, select the artwork, and choose “Place in Room.” Then, position it on any available wall.
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Custom Designs as Wall Art: This method allows for incredible personalization. You can either create your own designs or download designs from the Able Sisters shop’s kiosk (using a Nintendo Switch Online subscription).
- Importing Designs: The process involves using the Nintendo Switch Online app on your smartphone. Connect the app to your game via NookLink. Use the app to scan QR codes of designs. Then, in Animal Crossing, use your NookPhone to download the designs to your Custom Designs app.
- Hanging the Design: Open the Custom Designs app on your NookPhone. Select the design you wish to display. Choose “Display Here” and then select the “Canvas” option. This will hang the design as a framed piece of art on your wall. You can further customize its appearance through the customization option.
- Customizing designs can add even more flair.
- Custom designs can be displayed outside, on the ground or as flags.
Creating a Gallery Atmosphere
To create a true gallery-like feel, consider the following:
- Lighting: Experiment with different lighting fixtures to highlight your art. Wall-mounted lights or strategically placed floor lamps can dramatically change the look and feel of your gallery space.
- Furniture Placement: Use furniture to complement your art. Consider placing a small table with a decorative item beneath a painting, or arranging chairs around a statue to create a focal point.
- Wallpapers and Flooring: Don’t underestimate the power of a good wallpaper and flooring combination. Choose colors and patterns that enhance, rather than clash with, your artwork.
Utilizing Outdoor Spaces
Art isn’t just for indoors! Statues, in particular, can make fantastic additions to your outdoor spaces. Position them in gardens, near waterfalls, or along pathways to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your island. Consider using custom design patterns to create a “plinth” or base for your statues to elevate them further.
Customizing Furniture with Your Art
Did you know you can apply your custom designs to furniture? Not all furniture is customizable, but those that are offer incredible opportunities to integrate your art into your living spaces. Look for the paintbrush icon on the furniture’s recipe card. This lets you know it can be customized.
Beyond the Canvas: Other Creative Displays
- Clothing and Accessories: Don’t forget that you can also wear your custom designs as clothing! This allows you to become a walking, talking work of art.
- Flags: Display your art proudly by creating custom flags for your island.
- Floor Designs: Use custom designs as floor tiles to create unique patterns and pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I unlock the art exhibit in Animal Crossing?
You need to donate at least 60 items to the museum (fish, bugs, or fossils). Once you’ve reached this milestone, Blathers will mention his interest in adding an art exhibit. The next day, the museum will be closed for renovation.
Can I frame photos in Animal Crossing?
Yes, you can! The portraits feature the same photo used for the posters available from Nook Shopping, but they’re framed. These frames can be customized at a workbench.
What should I do with fake art in Animal Crossing?
You can’t donate it to Blathers or sell it to Timmy and Tommy. You have a few options: you can toss it in the trash, recycle it, or, believe it or not, mail it to a villager! Some villagers will actually display fake art in their homes.
Will villagers accept fake paintings?
Yes, they might! While they won’t accept it directly from you in a trade (“it’s too valuable”), you can mail it to them. The next day, they might display it in their house.
Can you give fake art to villagers?
Yes, but there’s a catch. It’s generally considered a waste of money since they might get upset about receiving a fake. However, as mentioned above, they might end up displaying it.
How do I display custom designs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Open the Custom Designs app and press R to toggle over to “Pro Designs.” From there, you can wear, display, or erase the custom design.
Can you decorate in Animal Crossing?
Absolutely! You can decorate both the interior of your house and your island’s exterior with furniture, flowers, shrubs, and more.
How do I add an art gallery in Animal Crossing?
Once you find Redd and buy your first piece of art, donate it to Blathers. This triggers the museum renovation for the art exhibit.
What happens if you give Blathers a fake painting?
He’ll refuse to accept it and tell you it’s a forgery.
Why is Redd not coming to my island?
Make sure you’ve upgraded your museum and donated at least 60 items to it. Blathers will then mention his interest in adding an art exhibit.
How do you put a canvas on the wall in Animal Crossing?
Open the Custom Designs app, select the design, choose “Display Here,” and then select “Canvas.”
How do you put custom designs on walls in Animal Crossing Able Sisters?
You can display up to eight custom designs at a time. Look at one of the designs on the wall and select “Display my work here.”
How do you customize walls in Animal Crossing?
Go into decorating mode (down on the D-Pad). Open your storage (right on the D-Pad). Go to the wallpaper section and find the one you want. Face the camera towards the wall you want to change. Hit X to set as an accent wall.
How do you put custom designs on floors in Animal Crossing?
Open the Island Designer app, press Plus, and select the custom pathing tool on the bottom right. It will let you choose from your patterns.
Can all the art in ACNH be fake?
Yes, it’s possible for all four pieces of art that Redd offers to be fake. Always inspect the art carefully before purchasing! Reference a guide to help identify the telltale signs of a forgery. Learning more about games is always valuable and the Games Learning Society provides resources for that purpose. You can find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Displaying art in Animal Crossing is a fantastic way to express your creativity and add personality to your island. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a casual player, there are endless possibilities for showcasing your artistic flair. Have fun experimenting and creating your dream art gallery!