Just Picture It: Commissioning a Painting

Christmas present for Navy Officer.

Illustration for promo materials.

Unlike many artists, I actually LOVE doing commissions (commissions = art created on behalf of someone else, or "on order"). As I mentioned in a post earlier this spring, I enjoy commissions because they give me a chance to help someone bring their vision or idea to life. I get to work with an individual to learn exactly what they want, and am then challenged to create what they may not be able to create themselves--a work of art that meets their desires and hopefully, looks better than what they had imagined in their head--it's so fun! 

So, with that, I wanted to tell you a little bit about commissions today. I promise, this isn't just a shameless plug (it kind of is, but really, it isn't!), as I want to encourage you--and everyone else out there in internet-land--that buying and commissioning art is a worthwhile endeavor. With the amazing accessibility and reach of Etsy, blogs, and websites, commissioning a painting by an artist that you like or admire is easier than ever these days, and often, the prices are very reasonable and the quality of the work very high. 

Not sure how to commission a painting or even what you would commission? Here are some ideas from past commissions that I've done:

WEDDING GIFTS

Place where he proposed.

Bridal bouquet.

Not a commission, but something I made as a gift for our parents at our wedding. Used pieces of our invitation, quotes from ceremony, and an illustration from the programs.

Personalized bridesmaid gift for a bridesmaid who teaches yoga in a beachy place ;)

Bridal bouquet.

Wild horses on island where couple was married.

HOLIDAY/SPECIAL EVENTS OR BIRTHDAY GIFTS

Birthday/Mother's Day gift.

Birthday gift for roomate (this is the person's dog!).

Birthday gift for husband.

Birthday gift for Ben (obviously).

Christmas gift for wife--a yoga teacher.

Christmas gift for my parents (our dog who passed away).

Anniversary gift for girlfriend.

New baby gift for husband--this is where they lived when they first moved to DC.

LOGO DESIGN, LETTERING, OR PERSONALIZED "ART QUOTE"

Blog header for blog redesign (also created other design elements, not shown here).

Blog header/business logo.

T-shirt design...

Final product on t-shirt.

Promo material painting--final material above.

Tranquil Space Dedication painting.

TO PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME

Commissioner grew up in Hawaii--a way to bring Hawaii into her home here in VA.

Same Commissioner, another way to commemorate where she was born.

New baby's nursery decorations-5 paintings.

OUTDOOR SIGNAGE
(What I spent last Thursday doing!)

BEFORE

AFTER

See how much you can do by commissioning an artist? Isn't it fun and versatile? 

Here are the typical steps for commissioning a painting:

1. Reach out to the artist and ask if they're currently taking commissions (if it isn't posted somewhere on their website or blog).
2. If they are, tell them what you want--materials (if you know), approximate size, timeline, vision (and if you have it, a price-range). Ask if they're interested and if so, ask for a price estimate.
3. The artist should get back to you with a price-list or cost estimate. If they don't, please ask for one ensure they won't go over! The price could skyrocket during the creation process, so ensure that you have a clear understanding of how the pricing/payment structure works before agreeing to a commission.
4. Some artists will ask for a "downpayment" or "deposit" for materials before starting, others will just send an invoice at the end. 
5. The artist should send images along the way, so that you can provide input and give them feedback. Remember that although they're an artist and may have a vision, you also want to be in love with the final product since you are paying for it. Don't be afraid to speak up if you're not happy with something in the painting--almost everything can be tweaked :)

I hope this helps! Do keep in mind that not all artists do commissions, as it's a very personal preference (not everyone loves them as much as I do, haha!). 

I'm currently working on a moving gift for a fiance, a wedding gift from the bride to the groom, a 30th birthday present for a close friend, and a logo--each project is extremely different and thus, keeps me fresh and challenged, which I adore :) I hope to have time to do more work like this starting in June, when my schedule frees up a bit (!). 

Want more info about commissions? Contact me for pricing--I'm up for anything and I promise, my prices are very reasonable and I'm able to work with almost any budget.  

Now off to enjoy my painting day...

Namaste!
Mary Catherine