How to Commission Artwork (and also how NOT to commission art)

Commissions are one way many artists are able to sell their artwork. Let’s get the boring yet helpful definition out of the way: A commission is an arrangement between an artist and a patron who is interested in having the artist create a work specifically for them. Many commissions come in the form of murals, portraits (both people and pets), landscapes, or less conventional subjects, like abstract art using certain colors or forms. You can even commission the artist to make an artwork similar to one of their other works that you need to fit in a certain space. 

It is always nice when someone takes an interest in an artist's work (I’m sure I don’t know a single artist who DOESN’T appreciate that!), but there are a few things to consider when approaching them for a commission project:

1. Make sure you are familiar with the artist’s work and that they are the appropriate person for the job. If you want a portrait of your pup, make sure you are approaching someone who does pet portraits and that you like the way they do them. If you are looking for realism and you approach someone who does a pop art style, you are barking up the wrong tree. (eh? lol)

2. Ask them if they do commissions if you aren’t sure. They may not, or they may but are full at the moment. You don’t know until you ask!

3. If you see a style you like on Pinterest or at a home decor store or another place where you aren’t privy to information about a specific artist, resist the urge to approach just anyone to recreate an image (especially if your intention is to get it for cheaper than the one you initially saw!). I’m not in the business of copying other artists, and most artists I know are not. Imagine going to a fine dining restaurant and asking them to make you a Big Mac…

4. Expect a commission to be priced according to the artist’s time and talent. An 8x10 painting may not be very big, but depending on the technique and style, it can take several hours. Artists are specialists with often many years of practice and development, and should be compensated appropriately. That said, artists will often price commissions a little lower than one of their own original works, since it is more transactional. 

5. Remember the Time/Quality/Price triad, as this applies to art commissions in the way that it applies to everything else: If it is good quality and low priced, it will likely not be quick. If it is quick and low priced, it will be low quality, and if it is good quality and quick, it’ll cost more. 

6. Plan ahead - With #5 in mind, if you are looking to commission an artwork as a gift for a specific holiday, approach the artist several weeks, if not a month or two (or several!), in advance to ensure they are able to complete the work in time.

I hope this answers some questions you might have about commissioning artwork; I’d love to work with you on a mural, or to incorporate important people or items into one of my mixed media or oil paintings, or maybe even painting your beloved pet if that's your preference. If you have other questions, feel free to send them to me at Laura@realcreative.studio.