Commissioned Art and What It's All About Plus Tips for Artists

For those of you who aren't familiar with the artist term "commissioned art", or in my case, "commissioned paintings", it's simply a term referring to the process of hiring an artist to do a piece of work for you for an agreed amount of money. Usually, an idea or photo is provided to the artist with a 1/3 to 50% down payment. The artist will provide the client with a preliminary sketch and occasional updates of the progress along the way. Keep in mind, if it is an oil painting, it will take time to dry before shipping. Although it takes 6 months to a year for a painting to fully dry, it usually may be shipped withing 1-4 weeks depending on the materials and painting technique used.

Example of a Commissioned Painting I did earlier this year

Many Artists will often paint what interests them, either because it's familiar, or it's what is enjoyable to them.  In this approach, the artist is revealing what they see as interesting or beautiful in hopes that others will see the same beauty they do and buy their art.

Some artists will stick with just painting what they like, turning down opportunities to do works outside their comfort zone. But maybe it's worth exploring. 

Benefits I find in painting outside my comfort zone, are my creativity opens up and I'm able to view something through the eyes of another.

For those of you following my Artwork, you probably notice I haven't posted much lately. The reason is that I have been doing several commissions that are planned gifts. (Most of them Christmas Gifts, so I will share after the holiday) I'm so thankful to my customers for putting their confidence in me to do these special paintings for them.

The Challenges of Commissions

Requests sometimes come in forms of different challenges. Sometimes requests are for subjects I wouldn't ordinarily paint, simply because it isn't my taste or area of expertise. However, I found that I'm able to find enjoyment and a great since of gratification picturing the customers delight in their special painting and during the course of  painting it, I'm able to view beauty through another's eyes. The result is it turns out beautiful.

Tips for Artists on Taking Commissions

1. Leave yourself open to explore something out of your comfort zone. Inevitably you will learn something new and expand your creativity.
2. Study your subject
3. Sketch it first-Present Sketches to Client
4. Review techniques required if necessary
5. Do a practice piece
6. Research the subject find out what it is about it that appeals to others
7. Look at photos for ideas, but don't violate copyright
10. Have fun and explore the unknown
11. Discuss the piece, what it involves and what is expected upfront
12. Be flexible and communicate with your customer
13. No when to say no
14. Get a down payment
15. Find out who will be approving the final piece

I found additional tips on the Art Business website: This is a good read, so you may want to look into this.

Making Art on Commission: Tips for Artists by ArtBusiness.com

written by: Tina A Stoffel