How to Commission Art: A Step-by-step Guide

February 19, 2024

Perhaps you’ve come across an original painting and know you want to make it yours – only to find out the piece you love has been sold. Or you love a certain artist's work but aren't ready to commit to a purchase because of the size, your budget, or another similar limitation. In these cases, a commission can be a win-win answer for both you and the artist.

The process of commissioning a piece of artwork may seem complicated or daunting. This guide will take you step by step through the process to help you understand the basics. Turns out, it’s really quite an easy, straightforward process!

Benefits of Commissioning Art

There is something extraordinary about commissioning artwork because it gives you a chance to own original artwork that’s personalized just for you, based on your specific wants and needs.

 Commissioning allows you to get involved in the artistic process, making it both a rewarding and creative experience. This involvement helps the artist create something with personal meaning for you. By working one-on-one with the artist, you allow them to create their interpretation of what you visualize. By blending your ideas with the imaginative vision of the artist, the outcome will be crafted exclusively for you.

1. Select Your Subject Matter and Style 

First, you need to decide on your subject matter and style.

How do you want the piece to make you feel? Can you describe it?

What aesthetic do you aspire to see? (loose brushstrokes, controlled lines, graphic shapes...)

Are there specific materials you’re interested in (oil paint, acrylic, ink, etc.)? 

What substrate will the piece be created on? Canvas? Wood panel? Paper?

Will the piece be framed? How will the final work be presented?

2. Choose Your Artist 

Know the artist with whom you want to work and understand why you want to work with them. What is it about their style, their personal story, or their portfolio that caught your eye? 

Are there specific pieces of theirs that resonate with you? Be ready to discuss what about their work appeals to you. It’s also beneficial to have examples of work by other artists you love as well and try to articulate what it is that strikes you about that work. Gather as many reference images as possible to help communicate your vision/ideas. 

3. Establish What You Want

Have as much information ready as possible before making any requests. 

Where will the artwork live? 

What size do you want it to be? (What size is the wall it will live on?)

Is there a color palette you’d like, or specific colors you don’t like?

Ideally, the artist will visit your space to get a feel for it, take measurements, and observe the colors and styles of the other items in the space. (If that isn’t possible, provide photos, measurements, and information about color schemes and other pieces in the room.)

4. Agree on a Contract

Just like any business transaction, you will want a contract*. Your artist should create a contract for you, containing: 

·      The price

·      Any necessary expenses

·      The payment terms, including any deposit agreements (some artists will not accept commissions without receiving a deposit payment first)

·      The timeline, including communication preferences (how often and how you will keep in touch)

·      Delivery and installation agreements (who is responsible for hanging/installing the final piece)

·      The approval process

·      Agreed rights of the artist and you as the commissioner, in case the unexpected happens

*If you are unfamiliar with commission contracts, you can find examples of contract templates online from legitimate sources. 

To help prevent any misleading expectations or assumptions, make sure you and the artist are clear and upfront about what is and isn’t possible.

5. Stay Connected with the Artist

Again, it’s best to establish an agreement in advance on how, and how often, you and the artist will keep in touch throughout the process. Discuss how you both prefer to communicate. Email? Phone call? Text message? Be sure you’re comfortable with how you are reaching out to each other. 

6. Be Patient

Give your artist the space needed to complete the project within your agreed timeframe. Indeed, this is an undertaking that requires a lot of faith. That said, if you have a clear understanding of what you want, what the artist can commit to, and have agreed on a delivery schedule and price, this process shouldn't be something to be wary of. 

I hope this guide has helped you feel ready and inspired to add a commissioned painting to your collection!

You can learn about my approach to commissions here.