HOW TO NAVIGATE THE COMMISSION PROCESS

Commissioning a piece of art might be intimidating at first, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience. As someone who has been on either side of commission development, as the artist and customer, I want to share how to simplify the process of commissioning an artist to create an original piece of art. By successfully navigating this process, you can add art that is custom, meaningful, and personal to your collection. 

Contact the Artist

The first step is to find an artist whose work you like. Next, contact the artist to find out if they are accepting commissions. To do so you may either reach out to a consultant or gallery of theirs, where they help to facilitate the process, or contact the artist directly. If you choose to contact the artist directly, make sure your commission request is formal, either via phone or email. If you make the request on the fly, the artist is likely to not take your request seriously. It is hard to gauge how serious your request is, and leaves room for gaps in communication, ultimately putting your desired outcome at risk. A formal request helps to avoid any miscommunication. 

NOTE: Do not expect artists to create artwork that is outside of their regular practice and aesthetic. Some artists have the ability to venture outside of their artistic style, but this is not common for professional artists.

Understand Commission Pricing 

Many artists price their work by size. Discuss your desired art location and/or size up front. Or communicate your budget, and the artist should inform you of what size piece your price range can accommodate and work with you on the details. 

Keep in mind, not every artist will accept your request, as some artists do not do commissions period. Also, they may not be open to a certain type of work within your budget. Prices differ by artist, and they have the right to decline. If an artist declines your commission request, remember to not take it personally. If the artist accepts, congratulations! You’re on your way to having a special piece made for you. 

Project Details

Once you and the artist have determined a size and budget for the commission, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty. Provide the artist with as many details about your project as possible— most importantly size, color palette, subject, and materials. Don’t be vague. The more details you provide, the better the result. Artists are visual, so providing images to reference is a great way to get your ideas across. 

Once the visual details of the commission, size and cost are determined, expect the artist to provide a contract outlining the details you agreed upon. This contract can be informal, or formal. In either contract, the artist will likely require you to pay a deposit up front. It’s not uncommon for 50% of the total cost to be paid before the artist can begin the work. The deposit shows your commitment to the commission, and includes time spent conceptualizing the project and ordering materials. If the project is over a certain dollar amount, expect a more formal contract requesting a client signature. Many artists also charge a commission fee, so be prepared for that. 10% is relatively standard. 

Checking In

Be involved in the commission project. It doesn’t hurt to check in throughout the process, and it is encouraged to request progress photos and communicate frequently with the artist. Be proactive. Do not wait until the commission is completed to offer feedback and request changes. Artists may be able to accommodate some changes once the art is finished but viewing in progress photos allows you to make sure the artist is on track. 

Commissioning a work of art can be a great experience for both the collector and artist. Communication and planning are the key to a successful commission. The commission process gives the artist the challenge of expanding their artistic boundaries and work within specified parameters. As a collector, you get to collaborate with an artist, are part of the creative process, and support the creation of art. Hopefully you’re feeling more prepared to meet with an artist and begin the commissioning process to create a more meaningful piece for your space.