Commission Possible: 8 Tips to Navigating the Commission Process

I have painted family homesteads, an inn where a couple got engaged, an apartment building, one specific Italian doorway, a garden shed, a favorite fishing spot, and sailboats — all on commission. I have also painted babies, kids, and dogs, many, many beloved dogs: at play, at rest, as puppies, aging, and in loving memory. My most unusual commission request was to paint a scene from a TWA magazine ad that a woman had kept for more than 40 years because she loved its “feel.” It is one of my most popular paintings (see below).

Painting based on an ad in a TWA magazine

Painting on commission is terrifying — much more so than painting just for myself. Granted, I am usually my loudest critic. But painting something that both feels true to oneself and must please a specific other person, who is bringing a large set of associations and emotions to the subject, is daunting.

Here are the steps I follow to nail a commission.

1. Meet in person, back up in writing. We call this a “kick off” meeting in the biz. It is the best way to build a positive relationship before any work begins. Ask a lot of questions, such as what is special about this subject? Why did they choose you to paint it? In addition to collecting context, use this meeting to explain your process and terms: fee, timeframe for delivery, number of choices, size, ownership of digital rights, etc.
2. Collect a deposit. I collect 50% up front. I used to offer a money-back guarantee on my work. But after one experience where my client art-directed me through several versions and still wasn’t happy, I learned my lesson.
3. Set realistic expectations. Show your client past works and ask them which they like and don’t like and why. Explain (in writing and verbally) that you are an artist, not a photographer. When I paint dog portraits, for example, I explain that I like to use colors that don’t correspond to “reality”, weird proportions, and other choices that may seem unexpected to get at an emotion.
4. Give yourself a long lead time. Time pressure is the worst for cramping creativity. Even if you are using a quick medium like watercolor, allow enough time for multiple sit downs in case you get stuck and need to start over at another time. For me, a long lead time is a couple of weeks.
5. Create choices. I like to try a few different styles, approaches, and mediums for two reasons: (1) it gives the client options, which makes it easier for them to select their favorite(s); and (2) sometimes one style doesn’t work and another might, so this gives me more latitude. I create 3–4 pieces to choose from. Very frequently, they prefer the one I like least, and dislike the one I like most.
6. Don’t compromise. Don’t be afraid to say no. If the reference photo is bad, the timeline is too short, the price isn’t right, the client doesn’t feel like they will be an ally in the process, or there is any other red flag, it won’t be worth the fee you charge.
7. Don’t bargain. Write down your prices on a notecard and keep it handy in your studio. Literally hold it when you are discussing your fee. Pricing art is notoriously tricky, but it can be done. Research what others charge, consider all of the time, effort, and materials you have invested, and ask yourself what is fair — to clients and especially yourself. Don’t underprice yourself.
8. Ask for a reference. Once the transaction is complete, get a reference. I ask for a review on my Facebook page, a shout out on Instagram, and a photo of the framed piece hanging in its new home that I can share. I include several business cards when I deliver the final product and explain that these are for admirers to contact me. Don’t waste this opportunity to get your next job!

Nothing beats the feeling of first falling in love with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind painting of something you love, except maybe witnessing that reaction to one of your own creations. Whether you’re an artist or a client, good luck navigating your next commission.

About the Author: Ian Todreas is a business consultant by day and a painter whenever time allows — even in middle seats on airplanes. His work has been featured in local galleries, private collections, libraries, cafes, restaurants, and office buildings in the Boston area and beyond. He blogs regularly on the creative process, and his work is found at www.updoggallery.com, on Facebook, and on Instagram. He welcomes all comments, questions, and commission requests.

#art #commissionedart #painting #artbusiness #artsmanagement