You've created a vision for a work of art that y'all want, or you've found an artist that fits perfect with your style. Then, how do yous go nearly asking them to create a piece specifically for you?

If yous are because commissioning a piece for the kickoff fourth dimension, it can exist intimidating. But, it tin can also be a fun and collaborative feel!

Follow these exercise's and don'ts , then you can walk away happy with your custom piece and support an artist you appreciate.

Practice take care of important details in the initial contact.

Reach out to the artist to see if they are taking commissions and will take the type of piece of work you would similar done. Many artists tin can exist contacted past email or a gallery can help make the connectedness for you.

Y'all never get a second take chances to brand a starting time impression. So, brand the initial contact a pleasant one. Permit the artist know why specifically yous would like them to make the piece.

What is it well-nigh their work that intrigued you? Prepare yourself to answer these questions artists might be ready to ask you when considering accepting your project.

DON'T assume that every artist will want to accept your asking.

And don't wait until the work has started to talk over important details. There are many reasons an artist may turn down an offer. Some artists have had awful experiences with commissions in the by, are currently working on other projects, or they may experience they are not a good fit for your project. It may put an artist'south mind at ease if y'all enquire about the medium's they can utilise, price and timeline upfront.

Exercise provide the artist with as many details virtually the piece yous want equally possible.

They will need to know what materials will exist needed to produce the piece you want. Providing reference images is a great way to communicate with them about what y'all are looking for.

If the piece will be for a certain area of your home, provide the artist with an idea of the way and so they can understand how this piece with fits with your aesthetic.

DON'T be vague about what you want or wait the artist to know exactly what you volition like.

If the artist accepts to work on the proposed piece without a clear idea of what you want, at that place is a adept adventure you might non exist happy with the stop upshot.

Exercise look a contract. Or, exist prepared to make i.

Yous should accept a contract in identify between y'all and the artist before piece of work begins. The contract should include the toll, with all applicable expenses associated with creating the piece, and payment terms. Many artists volition as well ask for fifty-percent up front or some sort of deposit.

The contract should also include a timeline detailing when sure aspects of the work will exist completed so that you know when to check in with them. The timeline should also include the date of completion and blessing procedure. The contract will also be the identify to include what rights you and the creative person take for using the work.

Think & Wonder Ink provides a great instance of what the contract between you and an artist would await like.

DON'T assume that terms, price, and timelines will work themselves out or develop along the way.

A formal contract keeps the process of commissioning an artwork as professional equally possible by setting clear expectations for the projection.

DO communicate and have fun while working on a commissioned piece.

Keep in touch with the artist to make certain the project is staying within the timeline. Also, see if they need anything from yous. Do they demand more reference images or materials? By communicating clearly any concerns or questions to the artist you can both put doubts bated and exist excited about the project.

DON'T lose contact with the artist.

Practice not look until the slice is close to beingness finished before you check in. If the artist is on the wrong track, big revisions could be expensive, timely, and compromise your human relationship with the creative person. Most artists will expect you to be reaching out and communicating pretty often — it should be function of the process.

Everyone appreciates recognition and praise for their work. Commissioning a work of art tin be great for both collectors and artists, if it is done right. As a collector, it is your chance to be a role of the creative process and bring to life something that you lot will connect with forever. For artists, it'southward a take a chance to build lasting relationships with collectors and stretch their creative boundaries.

Not sure where to search for artists who might committee pieces you like? Artwork Archive'southward Discovery pages are a dandy way to notice artists who would honey to hear from you.