How to Commission Art

Congratulations! You’re wandering your favorite gallery, and you’ve finally found the perfect work of art — it’s precisely what you want! But then you notice the tiny red dot on the label next to the piece. What does that even mean? The red dot indicates that another buyer has already purchased the artwork. What now? Will you be forced to start the search all over again?

Here is another scenario: You have been looking for the perfect abstract piece of art to hang in your office — a work that inspires and motivates you. Artwork that serves as a conversation starter and is open to individual interpretation. Easy, right? Not quite, because it must fit between two large windows, hang above a chair rail, meet corporate standards, and align with your office aesthetic. You have several favorite artists, but none of their pieces are available to meet your needs. What to do?

These are just two of many scenarios where commissioning a unique work of art may be your best solution. 

What Does “Commissioning Art” Mean?

Commissioning art means contacting an artist to create a custom piece of art specifically for you. In other words, the artwork you desire does not exist yet. Instead, it becomes a collaborative effort between you and the artist. You might have a theme in mind, a color palette, or specific spatial requirements for the intended work of art. By commissioning art, you purchase custom art based on your preferences. 

This article outlines the art commission process and helps you to feel educated and confident when approaching an artist. Continue reading to learn the necessary steps when commissioning art. 

Outline Your Vision and Parameters

Define what you want. Do you have a vision in mind? What are your specific needs? Are you excited to let the artist have creative freedom while exploring your idea?

Share all relevant details. What is the subject (landscape, still-life, portrait, etc.)? Do you have a particular style in mind? Are you seeking realistic, abstract, pop, street, or other types of art? Would you prefer a painting, sculpture, photograph, installation, or digital artwork? 

If you have a specific space in mind, describe it. What are the dimensions? Are there any architectural elements that could interfere? Consider the lighting. Is it natural or artificial? What about the delivery of the piece? Is there an elevator that it needs to fit within? Will it be in a high-traffic setting? 

Lastly, what is the artwork's purpose? It may be personal or intended as a gift. Is it meant for public display? Will it be added to a collection? All these details are essential for creating the artwork you desire. 

Explore Artists

When commissioning art, you must find an artist whose aesthetic aligns with your taste and needs. To achieve this, immerse yourself in a wide range of art. Browse social media platforms like Instagram and art marketplaces like Etsy or Artsy. Enjoy the discovery of art and endless scrolling. Attend art events like gallery openings, artist talks, and demonstrations. Learn about different art forms and appreciate various artistic techniques by taking an art class. The more exposure you gain to diverse art forms, the better you refine what you want (or don’t) want to commission. 

Once you have narrowed your search, review portfolios and resumes, read reviews, and browse past commissions. Gather all information that helps you evaluate an artist's professionalism, expertise, and collaborative efforts. 

Contact and Evaluate the Selected Artist

Many artists can be contacted directly via social media. Some artists publish contact information on their websites. If a gallery represents an artist, you will have to contact the gallery first. Once you have made an introduction, ensure the artist is a suitable match for a commission. Although the artist is skilled, they may not be able to fulfill a commission. They may have limited availability or lack experience working on a commission basis.

When commissioning art, you must be realistic and direct about your expectations. Share your vision and all the details about what you would like. Provide reference images for inspiration. Communicate the timeline and budget for the commission. Make sure that the artist feels confident in meeting your needs. 

An art commission is a form of collaboration. Your connection with the creator of your artwork is vital. Decide if you can work with the artist long-term. Maintaining clear communication is essential for a successful commissioning process. Spend time visiting the artist in their studio to gauge their capabilities and better understand their working style and professionalism. After all, this will be a business contract with potentially significant stakes.

Agree on Concept

Once you select the artist you will collaborate with, and they agree to the commission, outline the conceptual details together. Spend time exploring ideas as a team. Develop ideas that go beyond the initial brief. Listen to and learn from the artist; they have extensive knowledge to share. This creative has a deep understanding of materials and artistic concepts that you will want to grasp. 

Be sure to articulate any themes you want the artist to explore. Whether you have a specific vision in mind or prefer the artist to interpret a broad brief, it’s essential to give the artist creative freedom as they develop the artwork. Their work will have nuances and subtleties that may vary from the initial sketches or previous creations. 

Remember, this is the true benefit of collaborating with an artist, as they can evolve the piece into a truly unique artwork for you.

Terms

Before you create a contract, you and the artist must agree to the commission terms (more below). These terms include the budget, payment terms, timeline with deadlines, shipping/delivery, installation, usage rights, and all other pertinent details. 

Budget: Just as the price of artwork in a gallery fluctuates, so do commissions. Communicate your budget to ensure that the artist can create what you desire within that limit. Consider additional expenses, such as shipping, installation, and lighting. Do revisions incur extra costs? Are there other environmental factors to consider, like weatherproofing an outdoor piece? Will you need to hire someone to assist with the placement of the artwork? All of these details significantly impact the budget. 

Payment Terms: A deposit demonstrates the client’s commitment to the project and provides security for the artist. Be sure to agree on the deposit amount (typically 25-50%) and final payments. Outline a payment schedule if necessary. Ask the artist what forms of payment they accept. 

Timeline: Establish a realistic timeline. Set deadlines for assessing progress and/or receiving samples. Clarify the artist’s terms regarding revisions. When setting the final deadline, factor in shipping and installation and allow for potential unexpected delays. 

Shipping and Installation: Often underestimated, shipping and installation require the highest level of care. The risk of damage is highest during transport. Determine the best modes of delivery with the artist and decide whether to hire a professional art shipper and handler. 

Create an audit trail to clarify accountability in the event of damage. Regarding damage, you should obtain art insurance. If damage occurs, the insurance should cover the replacement value of the artwork, return shipping, and any other related costs you may incur.

International shipping carries extra risks. Properly packing the artwork is essential, especially for multiple shipments. Customs officials have the right to open packages, raising the risk of damage. Ensure that your art insurance covers all possibilities.

Usage Rights and Ownership: Verify ownership of the final artwork and specify your rights to ownership, including reproduction, display, and resale.

Draft a Contract 

Commissioning art is a business transaction, so a contract is necessary. The contract ensures that the client and artist equally understand the terms of the agreement, avoiding potential misunderstandings. Make sure the following line items are included in the commission contract. 

1. Title
2. Parties’ names and contact information
3. Scope of work, including detailed description (medium, size, etc.) and all agreed-upon requirements
4. Timeline and deadlines
5. Payment terms
6. Copyright and usage rights
7. Revisions
8. Cancellation and refund policy
9. Delivery 
10. Dispute resolution
11. Confidentiality 
12. Liability and indemnification
13. Signatures of all parties

It could be beneficial to consult a lawyer for legal language and requirements. 

Consider Hiring an Art Consultant

If the commission process seems daunting, you can hire an art consultant. These industry experts provide comprehensive services for the art commissioning process. Art consultants help source artists, communicate on your behalf, manage projects, and provide industry expertise. Consultants handle shipping, placement, and insurance needs. They also create effective commission contracts. Hiring an art consultant can be very beneficial if you are new to this process.

Conclusion

Commissioning art can be an enriching experience. The process is deeply personal — it allows you to bring your vision to life with the help of an experienced artist. Whether you’re seeking a custom piece for your space, a thoughtful gift, or a way to commemorate a person or special moment, the commissioning process fosters collaboration and creativity between you and an artist. 

By exchanging ideas, establishing expectations, and trusting the artist’s expertise, you can collaborate to create a piece of art that genuinely reflects your personality and vision. A journey unfolds as you partner with an artist on a commission. The shared creativity that culminates in a tangible work of art makes it genuinely unique.