Commissioning an artist to create a custom work can feel daunting. Having completed several commissions as a professional artist, I gathered some insight (when am I not?!) to share about this process. Many articles on the web discuss this, and I encourage you to do your research. I do not cover how to find an artist for commission, but I am aware of organizations and sites being able to assist with that.
Below are three takeaways from my experience thus far!
1. Know what you want.
Expect the artist to ask a lot of questions about the commission. To deliver the best experience and product, clear communication is vital. There are essential items such as size, a budget range for the work, what type of work (abstract, realistic), and color palette. Be ready to provide photos of the space where the work will reside, swatches of paint or textile color if possible, and any other helpful style details.
One other helpful hint is to let the artist know if you prefer progress photos. I recently asked a client for feedback based on some progress photos before proceeding with her commissioned work. She kindly mentioned that it was stressful to provide input as she did not want to “put the painting out of balance.” She loved the right half, felt the left half needed some lightening of a dark blue color, and asked if I would “tie it all together somehow.” I told her it was all great feedback and that it was my job to ensure the work was balanced and completed to her satisfaction. She ended up coming to see it in person and loved it.
2. Get to know the artist’s style and price point.
I am speaking as a mixed media artist with different styles here. I typically ask if an interested client has a favorite painting of mine and what the client loves about it. It can be the design, the colors, the textures, the subject, or a mix of all these things. Every artist has a primary style or two and dabbles in others. However, style can also include color palettes (bright versus muted/earthy), certain mark-making, specific media/materials, and composition.
Price points can feel awkward to discuss, but it is helpful. It is influenced by demand, competition, and perceived value. It costs a lot to create artwork. Consider the labor, including the initial research/mental labor of designing a composition and sketches. The physical labor includes creating the work–prepping the canvas, painting, and the finish work. Materials must be bought and accounted for, including brushes, canvas/paper, paint, matboard, tools, and other media. The last two items are more nebulous but need to be accounted for in an art business: overhead (rent, child care, utilities, marketing, etc.) and profit percentage. Why profit and not just labor? Growth of the company! I believe in transparency and am happy to discuss these details with my own business.
For further reading on this as an artist, I recommend visiting www.springboardforthearts.org. I am not affiliated nor receive any compensation for this mention.
3. Strive for clear communication and roles.
As stated previously, clear communication is vital, as are the roles of the artist versus the client. The artist gathers the essential data and begins the conversation to clarify the client’s desires. The artist negotiates a price and plan that reflects the value of the work and adheres to the budget. Most artists then create a contract outlining a timeline, rights, what is being made, a termination fee, and the final price, including shipping and sales tax. I researched a lot of contract templates before finding one that was as brief and clear as possible. One client did not even want to read the contract; she said she “trusted me.” I advised her that the contract is like an anchor of accountability and legal protection for the artist.
There must also be a balance between the artist’s “creative license” and the client’s wants for the artwork. This language can be outlined in the contract and verbally (I allow up to 5 minor changes to a work before further fees). It is primarily the artist’s job to delineate this along the way. I appreciated the client who did not want to take away from my style and skill, but I also wanted her to love her final painting. It is a dance!
What do you think? I would love to hear about your experience as an artist or client. Please share with me below!
If you found this helpful, let me know as well!
Thanks for being here.
