Commissioning a piece of art can feel like a big step, but, it’s easier than you think, and what you get can be so much more!
Original and Custom Art
Have you ever purchased something then got it home and decided you didn’t like it as much as you thought? Me too! …In fact I’ve even done it with art (I know, right!). I have a picture hanging in my laundry as testament to my impetuous decision-making. No one else sees it but I have it as a reminder of what not to do.
The easiest way to avoid mistakes like mine and get exactly what you want is to contact an artist directly and see if they will accept a commission. Some won’t. They might have a different process, have restrictions through gallery representation or just not have time. However many will - and then it’s just a question of genre, style and fit.
If that makes sense, you’re ready to do your homework…
What’s Your Favourite Colour?
OK, that’s a bit of a glib question without context but the next phase will help you with genre, style and fit.
If you’re going to have a piece of custom art made then it should fit with its surroundings. Where’s it going to go? What colours are the floor, walls and furniture? How light is the room? Does the sun shine directly on the chosen wall? From which direction? It’s a lot of questions but well worth having a think about. Pro tip: take photos of the proposed situation in the morning, afternoon and evening and carry them with you. You’ll be ready to discuss them with friends and family as well as with your chosen artist.
Research Artists
Seeing as you’re here, you might already be doing this bit. Good work. Obviously one you’ve settled on a genre and style you want to find an artist who has a similar ‘voice’ to you, basically someone who’s expressing values, reactions and emotions that resonate with you. Have a look at their website and their ‘About’ page. Read what they talk about and what inspires them. You’re looking for points of common interest. Consider local artists as their experience of community and culture is likely to be similar to yours. If you’re looking for an artist that represents a different culture that you admire, then just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons - and that you can articulate those reasons. This is someone you’ll be collaborating with and if there’s no connection, it will show in the final product.
Reach out and ask questions
At the beginning you might have more than one artist in mind. Make contact. Usually it’s best to go through a website, rather than say, instagram. You’re just less likely to get lost in the noise. If the artist is gallery represented, you may need to go through them. The difference with gallery represented artists is that you know they have a certain level of recognition. They usually have a bit of a following and they’ve often featured as prize finalists. They are also established and all of that will be priced in.
For your chosen few, let them know what you’re thinking about, where it’s for, if it’s a gift, or a commemoration etc. If you followed the pro tip above then you’ll have your images ready to share the space where it will go. It’s always best to have a conversation about a commission. Both the artist and the collector benefit greatly from spending some time talking about the project. This is the most important part as it’s the opportunity to discuss, practical matters like budget, but also some wider questions about purpose, relationship with art, favourite artists and paintings etc.
After that, it’s about availability and connection. Who gels with you the most?
For the rest of the process, I can’t talk for other artists but, in the next section, I’ll explain how it works when you collaborate with me…
Working with me
It’s pretty simple, say hello and let me know what you’re thinking about. If you prefer you can just call on +61439247838.
Per the above, I will ask a few questions about location, colours and style
Before we go ahead, we both need to know we’re thinking about the same thing. So…to make sure, once we’ve done our initial Q&A, I will use any images to make a rough digital representation and confirm price, exact specifications (material, size, depth etc) and when to expect it. This may be important if it’s a gift for an occasion or birthday! Information about pricing and specifications can be found here in FAQs.
If you then decide to go ahead, I ask you to pay 20% up front and in 2-4 weeks (depending on size and variations) you will have your finished painting. I’ll check in on the way, and close to the end, so you can make allowed variations or adjustments (see FAQs) but that’s basically it. Easy!
