Commissioning Art
A successful commission is a collaboration between the artist and you! The success of the project hinges on the success of our working relationship with each other. Commissioning an art piece can be a very rewarding experience for both of us! This should give you an overview of what to expect when commissioning a piece of art. These are not hard and fast rules, just more to give you an idea of what to expect.
Meeting #1
- I will meet with you to discuss and conceive the initial project.
- We will agree on the subject matter, color and design before we begin the process.
- We might ask you to take and bring digital camera notes about the color of the room for reference at our first meeting.
- During the meeting, I will ask you to show me sample art that you particularly like. This will help me see your likes and dislikes about color and design.
- I encourage you to ask questions and tell me what you envision:
- What is your initial perception of the project?
- What colors do you like to live with?
- Is there a mood you want to capture?
- I will explain my artistic working process.
- Do you have any questions or comments about the commission?
- The Contract: We will need to write and sign a contract. Make sure you bring any additional questions, such as, “Who will pay for shipping costs?”
- I will require an advance, usually about 1/3 the total cost of the commission. The advance is non-refundable. If you back out of the project, this advance pays for my invested time, labor, and art materials.
Meeting #2
- I will be showing you thumbnail drawings, rough sketches or preliminary paintings.
- I will create and show you three 8×10 color pencil drawings of compositions from which you may choose.
- Once we agreed upon the concept, I will begin the final project. If appropriate, I will email staging images.
Meeting #3
- I will invite you to view the painting about midway through the project. At the time of this meeting, you may still edit or make small adjustments.
- I encourage communication at all times.
- Note that if you are happy with the way things are going, I will not change the look of the art without consulting you.
Please let me know if you are interested in starting the commissioning process. We can take it fast or slowly - depends on how much specific information you give me so I know the parameters of your interest. I look forward to hearing from you!