How to Commission Art in 5 Easy Steps
Thinking about commissioning a unique artwork directly from an artist you love, but unsure how it works. Read our easy 5 step guide on how to commission art, with plenty of handy tips on how to make the process smooth and successful for both artist and buyer.
1. Research
The research stage is an important part of the commission process. Finding the right artist for your idea is key to the success of the commission. Once you have found an artist that you love, take a look at their website to really familiarise yourself with their work. Is there any artwork similar to what you want to commission? Do they work in a few different techniques? Try to look for prices on the artist’s website. Bear in mind that prices of original artworks will be significantly higher than prices of edition prints. Every commission is different and the artist will only be able to give you an exact price, once they know more about your art commission. At this stage the most important thing is working out what it is that you the want the artist to create for you.
Do: Research the artist and if possible their price range. Try to summarise your idea. Think about your budget.
Don’t: Ask artists to copy someone else’s style, or produce work in completely different style to what they normally do.
2. Contact the Artist
After deciding that you like a particular artist, and when have a good idea what kind of artwork you want, get in contact with the artist, to see if they are open for commissions. A quick summary of what you want is usually fine at this stage. Examples of similar work from the artist website might be useful. Ask if they need any more information from you.
Do: Give short clear description of what you want to commission, with examples or references if possible.
Don’t: Assume the artist will take on your commission. What you are suggesting might not be something they are able to take on, or they might be fully booked.
3. Agree on the Details
Once the artist has responded and is happy to take on your commission, take time to work out the exact details of you commission and timeframe, before any work starts. For the buyer this is one of the most important stages of the commission process. The artist might have a procedure that they follow, if so be guided by their advice. Always ask questions or clarifications if there is anything you’re unsure about. Often artists will have a purchase order form, or a contract, for you to fill in at this stage.
Things to think about:
Brief
Try to keep the artist brief as clear and concise as possible. Things you might want to include: technique to be used, size of the artwork, subject matter, any reference images that you will supply, style (if the artist works in different styles), colours to be included, any text to be included on the artwork.
Price & Payment Plan
Find out exactly what is included in the price. How many revisions or changes are included? How and when do you pay?
Timescale
When can you expect initial sketches? When will you get first draft and final artwork? Is there a deadline when you need the final artwork?
Copyright
Artists will retain copyright of the artwork by default. Any commercial or licensing rights will have to be worked out at this stage and if needed they will usually entail a higher price.
Do: Ask exactly what is included in price, how to pay and when you can expect the final artwork.
Don’t: Be vague and assume the artist knows what you mean and what you like.
4. Feedback & Revisions
Remember that revisions are a normal part of the commission process and the artist will be expecting some feedback from you. Check in with the artist as the commission progresses, but don’t expect constant updates. Do ask to see a sketch or work in progress early on, to make sure the commission is heading in the right direction.
Keep in mind that some art techniques are more difficult to edit than others. Digital art is easier to edit, even at a more final stage. With other art techniques, such as oil painting or printmaking, it is more important to see sketches, or work in progress early on, as changing the final artwork will be more difficult.
Don’t expect the artist to accept endless requests for revisions. Big revisions, or a changes to the brief, at a late stage of the process, will mean a lot more work for the artist. Such requests might be subject to an extra fee. If possible refer back to what you agreed in the initial order form or contract.
Do: Remember that revisions are a normal part of the process and the artist will expect feedback. Be polite and friendly when giving feedback.
Don’t: Expect endless changes, or to be able to change the brief at later stages of the commission process.
5. Final Artwork & Delivery
Once you have approved the final artwork, work out how it will be delivered safely (even better if this is worked at the beginning). Pay any outstanding fee promptly. If you are happy with your artwork, do give positive reviews, or recommend the artist to family and friends!