How the Commission Process Works
04/15/2011
I have four basic steps to doing commission work.
STEP 1
I begin by discussing, via phone or email, what image(s) is in the client's mind and what the general size of the piece needs to be. I usually ask if there is a particular budget we are working within. Clients who approach me for commission work are usually familiar with my style, but it's helpful to have a sense of where the piece will go. If possible I meet with them in their home or ask for them to email photos. This stage usually involved several discussions. I try to pick their brain and really get a sense of their vision.
Currently I am working on two paintings for a client in Indianapolis. He has emailed me pictures of the interior of his home and some of the artwork he currently has hanging. He has followed my career for over 10 years, so he is familiar with my painting style and palette. He emailed photos of some of the local images he would like included.
STEP 2
Once we have decided on the complexity of the image as well as the general size I try to come up with a price range that works. If the price is too high, we can talk about maybe reducing the size of the piece or simplifying the image. If it's lower than expected, than usually I am not grasping something that the client has in mind. The medium used - oil painting, charcoal drawing, pastel etc. - can also be adjusted for pricing purposes.
Once we agree on general size and price I ask for a deposit of 1/2 of the completed price. I also set a timetable for completion. Often a client will say it doesn't matter when the piece is done, but I believe it's important to set a date of delivery anyway. Of course this delivery date is subject to the client getting preliminary drawings, paintings and responses back to me on a timely basis. Time tables can be adjusted if something comes up for the client, but I try very hard to never make changes due to my schedule.
The Indianapolis client and I agreed upon a price and the client sent his deposit. The paintings are to be oil on canvas, both the same size, and he has sent me pictures of where they are going to hang in his home. One is to be a painting of his home and the other is to include, among other things, the dome of the capital building. Our timetable is 60-90 days. In addition to pictures he sent me, I hired a local Indianapolis photographer to take additional images for me. Needless to say, the internet makes all of this possible and relatively simple.
STEP 3
I make three preliminary drawings, usually charcoal with a bit of pastel to show a little color. I try to include various images and various perspectives. I try to get these to the client within a couple of weeks of receiving the deposit.
In the interest of privacy, I am not going to post the drawings of his home, but here are the ones for the dome painting.
The client's job is then to review these drawings, making notes as to what he/she likes and what he/she finds unnecessary. Perspective is decided. Then the drawings come back to me and, after a bit more discussion, I start the painting.
...to be continued...
Posted in Commission Work.
Share on
StumbleUpon, Delicious or Digg.
