female artist painting on easel

How To Commission an Artist

Whether you’re painting a mural for your business or having your portrait painted, hiring an artist to do the job is a centuries-long practice. Artists’ work is incredibly valuable, as it brings creative visions to life that can make a meaningful impact.

If you’re looking for someone to bring your artistic vision to life, read more to learn how to commission an artist!

Commissioning an Artist: Your Job

Before you commission an artist, there is some work you have to do first–but don’t worry, it’s not difficult. Asking an artist to bring your creative vision to life relies on your needs.

To start, think carefully about the work that you want. This can include thinking about the medium, specific details such as size, colors, or even the art style. Artelier, an art consultancy company, suggests that even conveying a certain theme in your commission is something to consider as well. Having as many details as possible not only enhances the possibility that you will get what you want but it also helps to guide the artist through your creative vision.

Time to Commission an Artist

Now that you’ve had time to think about exactly what you want, it’s time to find an artist! Whether it’s commissioning a hat, a tattoo stencil, or a painting, a variety of resources can help you find the perfect artist. Many artists have a website or social media account that you can look at to see more of their art to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Similarly, there are many art consultancy websites that can help you  find an artist that fits your needs. 

Before you decide on a specific artist, it is important to know if they are accepting commissions or not. On social media sites like Instagram or X, many artists specify in their bios if they are open for commissions. Otherwise, you may need to contact the artist through their website or consultancy agency.

If the artist you’ve selected is accepting commissions, congratulations! The next step is to learn about their commission policies. This can include requesting a commission, their timeline or the process of creating their art, and payment policies. RiseArt, a company selling artwork from around the world, states, this is like creating a contract with your artist. As they suggest, like any business transaction, you will need a contract specifying the price, necessary expenses, and payment terms.

After your contract with an artist is approved, including payment, the artist will start working on your commission. Keeping in contact with the artist can be beneficial to both you and the artist, as they may send updates or ask for your input on their progress.

What’s Next?

With your art commission in progress, your job is to wait for your work to be finished. As stated previously, when discussing an artist’s contract with you, you usually have an idea of their timeline for your commission. While waiting patiently, just know that you’ve got custom artwork in the making for you, so hold on tight!

After your commission is finished, your artist will contact you, and you receive your new piece of art.! Depending on what you are commissioning, you may receive it digitally or shipped directly to you or your business. Always be sure to thank your artist for their hard work and to credit them for their artistry!

Conclusion

The world of art is an exhilarating place to find yourself in for all it has to offer. One of the most beautiful things about art and artists is their power to convey something unique, whether through painting, sculpture, or even clothing. Commissioning an artist is one of the best ways to support the arts, and it can help bring your ideas to life. Like any business transaction, commissioning an artist involves communicating payment, their timeline, and your input.

If you’d like to learn more about the significance of art in the community, read about the importance of murals at Ferry Godmother Productions.

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