From a Blank Wall to a Personal Statement
The story of how smooch is bridging the gallery gap.
From a Blank Wall to a Personal Statement.
The Founder’s Story
I’ve always believed that the walls we live within should say something about who we are. But when I moved into my own space, I hit a wall: literally. I was looking for art that felt special; high-quality prints that didn't look like mass-produced stock photos, but I wasn’t ready to spend a month's rent on a single gallery piece.
I searched for that perfect middle ground: affordable, curated, and soulful. But it didn't exist. Everything was either overpriced or underwhelming. So, I decided to build it myself. smooch was born out of the frustration of empty walls and the conviction that great design should be accessible to everyone.
Our Vision: The smooch Standard
"Our Vision: The smooch Standard" is a core pillar of the smooch brand identity, centered on the founder's personal vetting process for every piece of art sold. It is defined by the following principles:
Founder's Guarantee: The "The smooch Standard" means that every design in the collection has been personally vetted by the founder, who only offers pieces they would proudly hang in their own home.
Gatekeeper Approach: Rather than using algorithms to select products, the brand acts as a "curated gatekeeper" to ensure every print has genuine character and modern soul.
Democratic Design: The vision is to bridge the "gallery gap" between mass-produced, soul-less decor and overpriced gallery pieces, making high-quality, exclusive aesthetics accessible to everyone.
Modern Craftsmanship: The process blends digital innovation (such as using AI as a modern brush) with physical craftsmanship to create unique art for a "modern sanctuary"
The Smooch Quality Bar
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170gsm Premium Paper
Substantial, heavyweight paper for a sturdy and durable feel you can touch.
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Matte & Glare-Free
A smooth, non-reflective surface that showcases every detail without glare.
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Responsibly Made
Sustainably produced using FSC-certified paper for art that feels good.
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Eco-Friendly Shipping
Carefully rolled and delivered in 100% eco-friendly packaging to your door.
FAQ
How do you ensure the quality of the prints?
Quality is the heartbeat of smooch. We don’t just print; we create lasting interior pieces:
- Premium Prints: We use a substantial 170 gsm (65 lb) heavyweight paper with a premium matte finish. This ensures a sturdy feel and a non-reflective surface that showcases intricate designs without distracting glare.
- High-End Frames: Our frames are crafted from solid, high-quality wood (or sleek metal for specific finishes), designed to stay perfectly aligned for years.
- Protection: Each framed piece features shatterproof, transparent plexiglass to protect the art from dust and UV light while maintaining absolute clarity.
Every order is carefully assembled and packed in robust, protective packaging to ensure it arrives at your doorstep in gallery condition.
Is the art exclusive to smooch?
Absolutely. We offer two distinct collections, both defined by our 'Founder's Eye':
- Studio Originals: These pieces are 100% exclusive to smooch. They are born from a unique collaboration between digital innovation and AI, used as modern brushes to create aesthetics you won't find anywhere else.
- Museum Prints: While these celebrate timeless classics, every piece is exclusively curated. We hand-select and digitally restore each work to meet our specific studio standards, ensuring a character and quality that stands apart from mass-market reproductions.
Whether original or curated, your walls will carry a curated edge that is uniquely smooch.
Are the posters environmentally friendly?
We strive to keep our footprint as light as possible. We exclusively use FSC-certified paper (or equivalent) sourced from responsibly managed forests. To minimize CO2 emissions, we utilize a global network of local production hubs, meaning your art is printed as close to you as possible, reducing transport distances significantly. While we prioritize eco-conscious packaging, we ensure every piece is protected so it reaches you safely and stays on your wall for a lifetime, not a season.
Does the print come with a frame?
Yes! While we still offer our high-quality prints unframed, you can now complete your look with our curated ready-to-hang wooden frames. Choose between classic Black, immersive Dark Wood, minimal Wood or elegant White to match your style. Every framed print is carefully assembled and shipped, arriving at your doorstep ready to be displayed.
A Note from the Founder
"Whether you’re finishing a home office, leveling up your bedroom, or finally decorating that first "grown-up" apartment, I’m honored that you’re considering smooch. I´m here to help you turn your house into a home, one curated print at a time."
Calvin Vincent Krawinkel
Founder, smooch