Why should I commission a piece of art? (and how do I do so?)

Why Commission a Piece of Art?

Art is highly subjective. Tastes vary so drastically from one individual to the next, that one artwork might be considered a masterpiece by one person, yet an absolute atrocity by another. Some people are satisfied with mass-produced reproductions found in DIY and home furnishing stores, while others are drawn to unique originals or limited-edition prints. There is something to suit everyone, and if you appreciate a piece that speaks to your soul, a commissioned artwork might be the perfect choice.

My mother, one of my biggest fans, often asks me to create artwork she can give as gifts. I frequently remind her that just because she enjoys my style, her intended recipient might not share the same enthusiasm. That said, I happily take commissions from clients who have seen my work and are confident in the aesthetic and style I offer.

Reasons People Commission Artwork

Many people commission pieces based on emotional connections. They might have a photo of a loved one, a cherished pet, or a meaningful landmark and want it captured in a unique artwork. Commissions allow someone to preserve these connections, holding them in a moment in time that can be relived whenever they view the piece.

Sometimes, commissions are purely aesthetic. A client might want a specific size or style to complement a space in their home or office. The right artwork can transform a room’s atmosphere, drawing attention and creating a new tone for the environment.

How the Commission Process Works

If you are interested in commissioning a piece, you might wonder about the process and the cost. Every artist has their own approach, but here is mine, with an example to illustrate.

"The Garden Party" commissioned ink drawing 104 x 84 cm

I once created a commission for a client who wanted a drawing of family members ("The Garden Party"), both living and deceased, as well as several pets, some of whom had passed away. The client submitted at least one photo for each subject and had no other instructions besides including everyone. The client was very open for me to create this in a manner that I thought would make a good piece, so I chose a theme of a garden party and threw in a few extra characters (the band) and animals (the peacocks) as well as creating an imaginary garden setting just to tie everyone together. When submitting photos, high-resolution images are ideal. However, some clients only have older or grainy photos, and I do my best to create accurate representations in those cases.

Step 1: Layout Sketch

The process begins with understanding the client’s brief. I create a preliminary pencil sketch of the composition and request a 20% deposit at this stage. The client can review the layout and request changes easily, as it is still in pencil.

Step 2: Rendering or Painting

Once the sketch is approved, I begin the final artwork, either ink rendering, watercolour, or acrylic, depending on the client’s preference. At this stage, possible changes are minimal, if at all, mostly very minor adjustments.

Step 3: Review and Delivery

When the artwork is finished, I send the client an image for approval. Final payment is due at this point. While most commissions are completed remotely, local clients in or around South County Galway, or those content to travel there, are free to book an appointment to visit my studio to see progress in person. Depending on the client’s preference, I can frame the artwork and either deliver it in person or ship it safely to the requested address.

Pricing

Pricing is based on the size and complexity of the artwork, which reflects the time required to complete it. A simple piece that takes a few days is priced accordingly, while a large, detailed work requiring weeks of effort will be higher. For example, "The Garden Party" commission described above took three weeks to complete, and the price reflected the time, materials, framing, and shipping.

Some may wonder if the work could be completed more quickly, but I have almost 15 years of professional experience and know my own workflow pretty well. It is in my best interest to work efficiently while maintaining quality, and my reputation depends on consistently delivering artwork that is at my best possible standard.

Questions I Ask Before Starting

Before providing a quote or beginning a commission, I usually ask the following questions:

Have you seen my previous work, and do you know what style you want (ink drawing, ink/watercolour, acrylic on canvas)?

What size do you want the artwork to be?

Will it need framing?

Will you collect the finished work, or should I ship it?

Do you have reference photos, or are there specific elements you want included?

Answering these questions helps me provide a clear price and ensures the final artwork meets your expectations.

If you would like a quotation or want to discuss commissioning a piece, please email me at terrismithart@gmail.com I look forward to helping you create a unique artwork that you will treasure.