I often find I have a complex relationship with taking and working on commissions. As a relatively young artist understanding and figuring out the place of commissions in my practice, there has definitely been a learning curve. From everything I’ve learned, I think it’s important to share how commissions work in my practice and the importance of commissioning artists, for both those interested in commissioning me, as well as for other artists as a resource for how to build a commission-based practice. 

I typically take a pretty wide range of commissions, and have done a variety of workin my time as a painter. From traditional portraits, pet portraits, still lifes, landscapes, album covers, even custom etched guitar pick guards! There really isn’t much I am not willing to try. I do not take  graphic design or traditionally illustration based digital commissions. 

But sometimes, I might not be the best choice for a commission, and that’s okay! Rather than turning a new opportunity down, I will typically recommend another artist I know who is more equipped to take on the commission over myself if I feel I wouldn’t do an acceptable job. I have been asked before if there is a “correct” way to commission an artist, to which I would say:, No! There’s no wrong way to commission an artist! With any artist you want to commission, you should check out their social media and website to see if they have a particular way to be commissioned. Whether it be a DM on instagram, to an inquiry form on their website, every artist does have their unique way that works for them.

For my own practice, I do require commission prospects to use the contact form on my website to reach out. From there, I will email them back to discuss details, and get them an estimate for approval along with my commission contract. 

Over the years, I’ve become a big fan of commission contracts.  Having a commission contract is important to not only keep your commissioners accountable, but to keep yourself as the artist ontop of your deadlines! I think some of the important points to touch on as well in a commission contract are your timeline, compensation, any revisions / change clauses, ownership rights, termination / kill fees. These are important for the protections of both client and artist to understand what they can expect from this collaborative experience of commissioning. 

Another question I often find myself answering is why should I buy original art or commission an artist instead of buying art decor from a store? There is a very simple answer to this, though often commissioning or buying original art can be more expensive, it will appreciate in value as the artist’s career grows, it is also finding something special for your home that no one else has. So even though it’s a bigger investment upfront, it is an investment to buy original or custom art. 

Commissioning artist, especially in your local community is a great way to uplift and support local artists. It can be tough, especially for younger, or emerging artists to get a foot in the door of the “fine art world” and commissioning artists is a great way to support them! Not only that, but this ties fine art appreciating in value with time -buying or commissioning work from emerging artists is a great way to start collecting. 

I am always excited to take a unique commission that is unlike my existing work or gives the chance to challenge me. Some of my favorites have been a large scale family portrait I did in 2021 that used a purple - greyscale palette. Another one of my favorites was the first album cover I did in 2018 which was a surrealisst ode to Idahoan wildlife. 

my commissions are always open unless I have my hands full, at which point I will put on both my homepage of my website and in my instagram bio that they are closed. All in all, checking one or both of those spaces is a good way to tell whether or not my commissions are open!