You've created a vision for a piece of work of art that you want, or you've found an artist that fits perfect with your manner. So, how do you go about asking them to create a piece specifically for you?

If yous are because commissioning a piece for the first time, it tin be intimidating. Only, information technology can too be a fun and collaborative feel!

Follow these do's and don'ts , and then y'all can walk away happy with your custom piece and support an artist y'all capeesh.

Practice take care of of import details in the initial contact.

Reach out to the artist to see if they are taking commissions and volition take the type of work you would similar done. Many artists can be contacted by electronic mail or a gallery tin help make the connection for y'all.

Yous never get a second risk to make a first impression. So, make the initial contact a pleasant one. Let the artist know why specifically y'all would similar them to make the piece.

What is it about their work that intrigued you? Ready yourself to answer these questions artists might exist prepare to ask you when considering accepting your project.

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

And don't wait until the work has started to discuss important details. There are many reasons an artist may turn down an offer. Some artists have had awful experiences with commissions in the past, are currently working on other projects, or they may experience they are non a adept fit for your project. Information technology may put an artist's mind at ease if you lot enquire about the medium's they tin use, cost and timeline upfront.

DO provide the creative person with as many details most the piece yous want as possible.

They will demand to know what materials volition be needed to produce the piece you desire. Providing reference images is a great manner to communicate with them about what yous are looking for.

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

DON'T be vague virtually what y'all want or expect the artist to know exactly what you lot will like.

If the creative person accepts to piece of work on the proposed piece without a clear idea of what you lot want, at that place is a good chance you might not be happy with the stop issue.

Do expect a contract. Or, be prepared to make ane.

Yous should have a contract in place betwixt you and the artist earlier work begins. The contract should include the toll, with all applicable expenses associated with creating the piece, and payment terms. Many artists will also ask for l-percent up forepart or some sort of deposit.

The contract should as well include a timeline detailing when certain aspects of the piece of work volition be completed so that you know when to check in with them. The timeline should too include the date of completion and approval process. The contract will also be the place to include what rights you lot and the artist have for using the work.

Remember & Wonder Ink provides a great example of what the contract betwixt you and an artist would look like.

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

A formal contract keeps the process of commissioning an artwork every bit professional as possible by setting clear expectations for the project.

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

Keep in affect with the artist to brand sure the projection is staying within the timeline. Also, see if they need anything from you. Practise they demand more reference images or materials? By communicating clearly any concerns or questions to the artist you can both put doubts aside and be excited about the project.

DON'T lose contact with the artist.

Do not wait until the piece is close to being finished before you cheque in. If the creative person is on the incorrect track, large revisions could be expensive, timely, and compromise your relationship with the creative person. Well-nigh artists will expect you lot to be reaching out and communicating pretty ofttimes — information technology should be function of the procedure.

Everyone appreciates recognition and praise for their work. Commissioning a piece of work of art can exist slap-up for both collectors and artists, if it is done right. Equally a collector, it is your run a risk to be a part of the creative procedure and bring to life something that you will connect with forever. For artists, it's a gamble to build lasting relationships with collectors and stretch their creative boundaries.

Non sure where to search for artists who might commission pieces you similar? Artwork Archive's Discovery pages are a neat way to detect artists who would love to hear from you.