Making a living with Art Commissions by Shanti Marie

By: Shanti Marie ( View Profile - Contact )

Making a living with Art Commissions by Shanti Marie

The Correct way to approach a commission.

I make my living from Art commissions.  Please read these simple steps to making a commission worthwhile and even enjoyable.

Usually when I get an inquiry regarding a possible commission I make sure to ask a lot of questions.

The first will always be:

1. Where did they see my art?  Also, which piece did they particularly like?

This bit of information will be the most important question because my work is displayed in so many ways. On web sites, in several brick and mortar galleries, on EBay and believe it or not, even in a showroom of an Infinity dealership! Knowing what they saw and the price range gives me an idea as to what they are expecting.

If they say they were looking at a web site, I know thumbnails can be misleading so the next question is..

2. Ask about the size of the work they are interested in and did they realize the paintings online are only 6 by 6 inches or conversely 48 by 48 inches. 

The key to making a commission work is your ability to be flexible and work with people. A commission relationship only succeeds when you respond effectively to the other party's concerns, requests, and needs (which hopefully aren't too numerous). Put another way, if you don't work well with people, don't take commissions.

3. Once the size is decided ask what colors they had in mind and in which medium. Oil, Watercolor etc. and make sure they know the differences of each and the pricing structure as these may be different. Also… when dealing with colors, you may have to discuss their idea of what the colors look like to them. Have them point out the colors they want in your other paintings or paint some swatches for them to approve. 

4. Find out if there is a specific deadline for the finished painting.  Be sure to explain the general turnaround time for a commission in the size requested.   Remind them of Shipping and handling times (and expense) if they are not picking up the painting.  Often folks will think of a gift for a spouse or loved one only a few weeks out.  I always tell a potential customer how many commissions are ahead of theirs so they know I’m working on other paintings and not just being difficult if I can’t get their painting finished right away.

5. Ask if they will be the only person approving the finished product, if the answer is no… consider the fact that you may be less likely to please all of them.

6. Ask if they want to arrange to periodically view the work in progress-- not every day, but perhaps two or three times before completion. That way, you can address concerns before they get serious. You don't want to present a finished piece to someone who had a totally different concept in mind. For example, if you're painting a portrait, the subject should think it looks like them

7. Ask the customer how many people (pets) will be featured in the painting. If it’s a portrait, do they want a full body or just a head and shoulders and what type of background?

8. Ask to see the photos if the customer wants you to paint from a photo before accepting the commission. 

9. Make sure to ask how they are framing the piece and check to see if the size requested is custom or off the shelf.   Explain to the customers the pros and cons of each because it wouldn’t be the first time a customer failed to add the price of framing into the piece.  You may want to suggest Gallery Wrap if framing is a problem.

If your work is loose and intuitive, you should point this out.  Tell them your work will have some artistic license and not all paintings look exactly as the sketch but you will try to capture the feeling and use the colors they requested.

Finally… give them a quote and require an advance, usually about 1/3 the total cost of the commission. Receiving partial payment ahead of time takes pressure off of you to finish the art fast, and also commits the other party to wanting a positive outcome. The advance should be nonrefundable. If the other party backs out, they should understand that you've still invested time, labor, and materials.  You should also let them know if they do not buy the painting, you reserve the right to sell the piece.

Ultimately, you decide what you're willing to put up with when working on commission.  Working on commission, creating a work of art from scratch for someone other than yourself, is totally different than selling a finished painting.

	About The Artist
	Shanti Marie ( View Profile - Contact ) ( 4 lessons, )