Commissioning a piece of artwork from an artist can be a thrilling but intimidating experience. Here is a step by step of my commissioning process so both current and future collectors have an idea what to expect.1. Contact Me. This one is easy. Simply click the Contact button on my website’s home page, above my picture in the left hand column.
2. Describe as specifically as possible the art you want me to create &/or include a screenshot of a similar painting in my gallery website. Here are the types of questions I will ask: Do you want a painting on canvas or a painting on paper? If on gallery wrap canvas (staples are on the back for frame-free display), how deep/thick do you want your edges (typical options are 3/4″, 1.5″, or 2″. If on paper, do you want your artwork matted? What color? What size painting do you want? What subject do you want in your painting? What colors do you want in your painting? If you want your painting to specifically match a color in your decor, you may e-mail images. Keep in mind that colors on computer monitors vary, so if the color match must be exact, mailing color swatches is your best bet. Do you want an acrylic painting or mixed media painting? Are you looking at a certain price point or budget?
3. Do you have a deadline for the completed work? The specific details and timing of the commission request all play into the length of time required to complete your custom artwork. A smaller painting may take several weeks; a painting over 20″ may take a month or more.
4. Pricing. Pricing depends on the size of the art, medium, materials, ground, and other factors. By looking through my online gallery at similar style paintings, you can get a feel for how much your commission may cost.
5. Shipping*. Shipping costs vary greatly depending on destination, size, and weight of the artwork and cannot be calculated until the artwork is completed. A general estimate will be provided before your contract is offered. Shipping charges are additional for custom work and are not included in the initial contract/invoice pricing.
*As of this writing, shipping is restricted to the Continental United States only.
6. Contract. Once we negotiate the terms/details of your commission, I will e-mail you a contract outlining all that we have discussed for your approval. Once you accept this contract…
7. Down payment. I require a 25% down payment on all commissions. Once you have approved the contract, I will e-mail you an invoice for 25% of the cost of the commission via PayPal. Once the payment clears, you will be booked into my commission schedule. You have a grace period up to but not including the date I have booked to begin your commission to cancel your contract and receive a full refund of your down payment. After this period (ie. once I have started your commission), the down-payment is non-refundable.
8. How do I pay? I accept payments via PayPal. PayPal enables you to pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account. It is a secure site that allows you to pay without vendors having access to your financial information. Opening a PayPal account is easy and free. You will receive both your down payment invoice and your final invoice from me through PayPal. After you pay your final invoice, I will ship your commission, fully insured for the purchase price.
9. Do you accept returns on commissions? No, I do not accept returns on custom artwork. Please be sure to measure your space to guarantee a perfect fit.
Understand that as a future member of my collector family you are very involved in my commissioning process. Images of your artwork in its creation stages are emailed to you from my studio. Before sending your final invoice and shipping your painting, an image of your completed artwork will be emailed for your approval. Rest assured that you are involved every step of the way. Custom artwork is truly a team effort!
I hope this insight offers some peace of mind with my art commissioning process. And if you still have questions, please ask. I am always available. You may also wish to check out this blog post “Fine Art Painting: A Walk Through The Commission Process.”