Art That Connects. Technology That Remembers. Beauty That Lives On.
The Artful Experience is a creative studio and conscious commerce platform founded by artist Deanna Lankin and entrepreneur Bryant Colman.
What started as a collaboration on two private commissions evolved into something much larger
— a shared vision for reimagining how art is created, collected, and gifted in a world hungry for depth and connection.
From this shared spark, Art Keys were born.
What Are Art Keys?
Each painting or print is embedded with a discreet Art Key—a QR code that unlocks a personalized digital portal. Inside, the recipient discovers voice notes, messages, videos, or behind-the-scenes content from the artist or brand. Some Art Keys are time-released, revealing their contents only on special dates like birthdays, anniversaries, or other sacred moments. Others become ongoing experiences—sharing stories,
recipes, playlists, or personal reflections that evolve over time.Whether commissioned, gifted, or collected, Art Keys transform art into a living experience that keeps unfolding.
Why We Created This:
Over the years, we’ve seen meaningful efforts in the art and tourism community—from artist studio maps to voice-tagged public art bins—but few truly stuck. As an artist and entrepreneur team rooted on Vancouver Island, we wanted to create something that bridges commerce and soul, benefiting both artists and businesses without relying on pushy marketing, emails, or gimmicks.
The result is a platform that elevates artists, engages guests and collectors, and gives brands a completely new way to connect—through beauty, emotion, and story.
Who It’s For
-
-
Collectors looking for something meaningful
-
Couples and families wanting to gift beyond the ordinary
-
Boutique resorts & conscious brands looking to deepen guest experience
-
Artists and photographers who want to share their work in new ways without giving up creative control
-
Whether it’s a framed piece, a postcard, or a one-of-a-kind commission, The Artful Experience invites people into a deeper kind of exchange—one that lives long after the moment passes.
I didn’t expect to cry scanning a postcard… but I did. It felt like someone was speaking straight to my heart.
Want to experience it yourself?
Explore our [Shop], commission a [Custom Piece], or learn how to integrate Art Keys into your business or retreat space.
We’d love to help you create something unforgettable.