I’m in the incomprehensibly fortunate and blessed position that although I’m a professional painter for “5 minutes” (not a “hobby painter” anymore), I can barely catch up with my commissions.

I thought it might be helpful to write a few lines about this concept. An artist is given, and beside her knowledge, her personality, her flow and inspiration are equally important essences in the creation; and a customer is also given who, in addition of trust, he also makes a financial investment to get something valuable into his home. Something unique, and unrepeatable.

It is a special thing when someone trusts an artist to make him or her a personalized artwork. It is an organic, sensitive process that requires time and energy. There is an excitement from the artist’s side and there is an excitement from the customer’s side.

What is the secret of a successful commission? It would be arrogant to ‘preach’ based on just few experiences, and it is not my intention to do so. I’m only sharing my thoughts and the small experience I’ve earned in this area so far. Everything I write down here is my own, current way and thoughts – obviously as many as we are, we approach it in as many various ways.

What are the steps of a commission ?

I always like to get to know the environment in person where my piece of work will belong. I take photos of the interior, which can be of use later, just as when choosing the concept, as well as when I’m “fine-tuning” it. I refer here to some artistic play, with creative juggling of colors to make that picutre really fitting to the environment. If the customer does not have a specific and precise idea, we will figure out the size and location of the canvas together.

Once these fundamental questions have been sorted out, the exciting part comes. What should be the subject? Like in many other similar situations, something great can born when “just enough” comes from both parties.. If the customer has too strict expectations and the artist has just a tiny room for creativity, the hands and the spirit of the artist are tightened, which will have an impact on her creativity and vision. “I have to do this.” When was the last time you did something with joy that you “had to”?

The best case scenario is when the customer is a little uncertain about the topic and leaves more space to the creator about how the final result should be. As the extremes are usually not, here either, it isn’t good when the customer is too hesitant. He wants something, but he has no idea what. “This, or that, even that could be good…” A bit more space for the creativity. Or too much?

Continuous communication is very important throughout the whole process. I always share my thoughts, ideas; when there is no specific idea, we look for reference pictures, we talk about colors and mood, or we can refer to a prior work. If that doesn’t help either to get closer to the concept, then comes the sketch . I like to do smaller studies to see if the concept comes together, whether the colors work, whether it has some fantasy or it does not make any sense.. This is anticipated by a lot of research, browsing, thorough attunement and contemplation. It is a time consuming and conscientious task that is “not out in the window”. These are not visible but elementary parts of the work.

Once we’ve figured out what the subject of the painting is, I’m happy to send in-progress photos where I only give blurry hints how the work looks like. You can see it, but not clearly. I feel it risky to send a clear, sharp picture of a semi-finished work, as I know where we are going, but somone who is unfamiliar with this process may be frightened by the semi-finished painting. It is not his business to see what is going to be more highlighted, more elaborated, and so on. It is mine. It’s 95% done in my head in advance. (The remaining 5% is ‘magic’ :)) Which only comes up at the very end; detached from all the references. It comes from pure inspiration and goes exactly where it belongs.

What are the dirty finances?

If you wish to read some specific numbers here, a “from-to” range, unfortunately I have to disappoint you because it would be impossible to describe it and it is not a “service” like going to get a massage. Well, as the description of the processes’ possibilities described above, pricing is also a complex thing. Precisely because of the variables: size, vision, flexible concept, simple reference image, or a complex vision, with research, creativity, and other subtleties. These are all determinants of how long and how much energy a painting is going to take. Do you need it by a deadline? Maybe for yesterday? (In that case, perhaps a custom made painting is not the most ideal gift idea .. :))

The commission will become official when a part of the full estimated offer is paid in advance, and the required parameters are agreed. This is a nice clause of the deal, guarantuees that the artist will certainly not “waste” her time, also covers the mateial costs.

It is part of the discussion whether the customer wants to frame the painting or leave it “á la nature”. Should I put a hanger on it, or the framer will?

The handing over is, of course, the most exciting moment that both I and the customer are the most enthousiastic about. After a nice handover, life energy, joy and self-confidence just flutter in me. I feel self-affirmation and euphoria: ‘Yes! I love doing this! ‘ And the non plus ultra, when I get a photo of my framed, styled-up work in its new home a few weeks later. It’s an incomparable feeling to see that my creation is valued and highly appreciated.

I hope these few thoughts have helped to give a slightly clearer, more practical picture of how this sensitive process goes. If it sounds interesting and something that is for you, feel free to reach out to me!