Commissioning a piece of art is rewarding and can be very easy to do. The most difficult part of the project is most likely to be deciding which a rtist you would like to work with and what your subject matter will be. One may follow the other. If you are looking for a contemporary landscape to be commissioned then you will no doubt be able to find some based on that alone. If you are looking for a style then visiting some galleries will help you find someone with a style you like, who may already work with the subject matter you are interested in.
Looking online may be a good place to find local artists who you will be able to visit.
If you are looking for a piece of art work that you would like to live with then it’s important that you find the right artist. If you are buying work as a gift you need to be sure the artist works in a style that the person you are buying for. It’s a good idea to find a few artists whose work appeals to you and meet with them so that you can build a good working relationship. Meeting them will get an idea of how they work, what their unique process is and help in finding out if their way of working resonates with you or the person you are buying the artwork for.
Once you have found your artist you need to make sure that you give them as much information as possible so that you can establish the exact requirements of the project. Consider the following points when you are developing your brief.
Buying art for a friend, birthday, anniversary or retirement present will all require the work to be done to a timescale and budget.
Commercial premises may allow for a larger piece of artwork and be appropriate to the business. Artwork may need to be designed for a particular audience, say, the partially sighted. Artwork for someone’s home will need to able to be lived with. Do they love blue, but hate yellow? Will the artwork be placed indoors or outdoors?
What is the function of the art work? Does it need to convey a particular idea, mood or concept?
Are there restrictions on size or materials?
How much do you have to spend on your artwork? What is your budget? Remember to ask if delivery/insurance and installation is included.
When do you need the artwork for? Some materials take longer to dry than others for example and the artist may need time to consider a work and do preparatory studies for you to consider.
Once you have decided to go ahead an agreement should be drawn up detailing the scope of the art project including the size of the work, costs, timescales, materials and such like. Any project will run much more smoothly with an agreement in place and the responsibilities formalised. Many artists already have contracts that they can use when agreeing a commission.
Do you need some preliminary sketches or models produced before you go ahead?
How will you pay your artist? Some artists require a percentage up front then further payments as the artwork takes shape. The final payment is made upon completion of the work.
Materials may incur a separate cost depending on the project. If part of the project needs to be completed by a third party this would need to be taken into consideration.
Depending on where you both are in the world delivery needs to be decided and the costs and details factored into both the cost of the project and the contract.
When the artwork is being delivered it will require insurance. This needs to be decided and formalised.
It is possible that the artwork you are commissioning will need specialist installation. You need to be aware at the outset if this is necessary so that costs can be determined and a technician be on hand.
Agree how long it will take to finish the artwork upfront as this may well determine what materials can reaslistically used, size of project etc.
Now you have your commissioned artwork you’ll need to ensure that it is kept in great condition. Avoidance of direct sunlight may be important.
Under copyright laws the artist possesses first ownership of a work of art they themselves have created. Agree at the outset any ownership and copyright of the artwork.
Make sure you meet with the artist at regular intervals if necessary to review progress on your project. This may not be necessary for small commissions, but essential for larger projects.
Check everything looks okay and if the work is interactive make sure it works before signing off the work. Let the artist know as soon as possible if there is something wrong so they can make it right.
All feedback is valuable so let your artist know if you think they can improve the process and, of course, that you are happy with your artwork. Let them know what others think of their artwork.
Hopefully you like my work. If you so, you may be pleased to know I am happy to take on commissions. I can work from life or from photographs. Either way send me an email outlining your ideas and I'll be in touch. Here is a recent commission for a birthday present.
Costs will vary depending on the nature of the work: size, medium etc and your location. If you have a budget just let me know and where possible I will try and fit in with that.
In some cases a consultation fee will be applicable where I need to travel or do some preliminary work.
A deposit of 50% of the work will be paid before the work begins with the remainder upon completion.
Once the work has been completed the outstanding balance will be paid. Once this payment is received the piece can be collected from the studio or posted as appropriate.
Returns must be made within 30 days of delivery to qualify for a refund.
Refunds will be given to clients returning the work undamaged within 30 days of receipt.
I refer clients to the Terms and conditions.
Angelique's work is on show at Another Bigger Picture Project 2A Anerley Hill Crystal Palace, SE19 2AA
Angelique is available by appointment at the studio Gipsy Hill Workshops 14 Paddock Gardens Upper Norwood London, SE19 3SB View Larger Map