Alicia Hauff Studio

Mixed Media Fine Artist in Fargo, ND

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Three Tips for Commissioning Artwork

Commissioning an artist to create a custom work can feel daunting. Having completed several commissions as a professional artist, I gathered some insight (when am I not?!)  to share about this process. Many articles on the web discuss this, and I encourage you to do your research. I do not cover how to find an artist for commission, but I am aware of organizations and sites being able to assist with that.

Below are three takeaways from my experience thus far!

1. Know what you want.

Expect the artist to ask a lot of questions about the commission. To deliver the best experience and product, clear communication is vital. There are essential items such as size, a budget range for the work, what type of work (abstract, realistic), and color palette. Be ready to provide photos of the space where the work will reside, swatches of paint or textile color if possible, and any other helpful style details.

One other helpful hint is to let the artist know if you prefer progress photos. I recently asked a client for feedback based on some progress photos before proceeding with her commissioned work. She kindly mentioned that it was stressful to provide input as she did not want to “put the painting out of balance.” She loved the right half, felt the left half needed some lightening of a dark blue color, and asked if I would “tie it all together somehow.” I told her it was all great feedback and that it was my job to ensure the work was balanced and completed to her satisfaction. She ended up coming to see it in person and loved it.

2. Get to know the artist’s style and price point.

I am speaking as a mixed media artist with different styles here. I typically ask if an interested client has a favorite painting of mine and what the client loves about it. It can be the design, the colors, the textures, the subject, or a mix of all these things. Every artist has a primary style or two and dabbles in others. However, style can also include color palettes (bright versus muted/earthy), certain mark-making, specific media/materials, and composition.

Price points can feel awkward to discuss, but it is helpful. It is influenced by demand, competition, and perceived value. It costs a lot to create artwork. Consider the labor, including the initial research/mental labor of designing a composition and sketches. The physical labor includes creating the work–prepping the canvas, painting, and the finish work. Materials must be bought and accounted for, including brushes, canvas/paper, paint, matboard, tools, and other media. The last two items are more nebulous but need to be accounted for in an art business: overhead (rent, child care, utilities, marketing, etc.) and profit percentage. Why profit and not just labor? Growth of the company! I believe in transparency and am happy to discuss these details with my own business.

For further reading on this as an artist, I recommend visiting www.springboardforthearts.org. I am not affiliated nor receive any compensation for this mention.

3. Strive for clear communication and roles.

As stated previously, clear communication is vital, as are the roles of the artist versus the client. The artist gathers the essential data and begins the conversation to clarify the client’s desires. The artist negotiates a price and plan that reflects the value of the work and adheres to the budget. Most artists then create a contract outlining a timeline, rights, what is being made, a termination fee, and the final price, including shipping and sales tax. I researched a lot of contract templates before finding one that was as brief and clear as possible. One client did not even want to read the contract; she said she “trusted me.” I advised her that the contract is like an anchor of accountability and legal protection for the artist.

There must also be a balance between the artist’s “creative license” and the client’s wants for the artwork. This language can be outlined in the contract and verbally (I allow up to 5 minor changes to a work before further fees). It is primarily the artist’s job to delineate this along the way. I appreciated the client who did not want to take away from my style and skill, but I also wanted her to love her final painting. It is a dance!

 

What do you think? I would love to hear about your experience as an artist or client. Please share with me below!

If you found this helpful, let me know as well!

Thanks for being here. 

 

 

Work of Art: 5 Skills Needed for Professional Art

A Word

I enjoy the discussion of ideas; I do not enjoy sugarcoating anything. The heart of the matter is where I live. What I write can only come from my own experience and learning in this space and time. I might know something better tomorrow, but for today, this is where I am. We can share our honest thoughts, intentions, frustrations, and learnings. I share my story with the hope of connection, insight, and elevating the arts. 

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The Work of Art

     One limiting belief about creating art is that "it isn't real work." While I think the 'starving artist' trope is changing, we could use more discussion about the arts and artists alike. Professional artists wear many hats to connect their work to the community and sell it successfully. There is pressure to be proficient in writing and communication, marketing, design, finances/accounting, research, archiving, technology, and social skills. Artists bring beautiful things to the community table with different viewpoints, perspectives, and talents.

However, I have gathered there are five other skills needed for a professional art career. This is where one's art career blends with personal development and growth. This is my view about eight months into my professional art practice, and I hope to hear from other artists alike on this one.

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Five Skills You Might Not Know Are Needed for Professional Art

1. Grit. 

This term has been synonymous with tenacity, 'stick-to-it-ness,' and resilience. While that is all true, it means showing up in the art practice world. Showing up is about 75% of an artist's work. It means I come to the space where I create, wherever that may be, and do the thing. Even if I do not know precisely what I am doing, I know I always figure it out, that the answers will arrive. I show up however I am. Self-love is to show up for yourself and is connected to the growth mentality. Growth is complicated, messy, and humbling, but a professional artist understands that you must go through it. To quote a company slogan, "Just do it [the work]."

2. Trust in the process. 

There is an array of information about how to do every kind of technique and run an art business. I researched quite a bit before even coming close to launching, wanting to be prepared. It was overwhelming how many things I did not know how to do besides art and finding my style. Even artistic style and voice are these nebulous things that I wonder if I will ever reach or have reached. The one thing that keeps me going is trust in the process of becoming whatever artist I am supposed to be, the unfolding, the evolution. It comes with time and practice.

3. Intuition. 

Yes, I count intuition as a skill because everyone can strengthen it with practice. We all know what it is, but do we understand what it does for us? Beyond the "gut feelings" and "little voice inside," intuition is an internal guidance system and form of intellect. In art practice, I can best describe it as an inner, bodily knowing of the next right thing to do when creating. A painting is a series of decisions about many things and a mixture of planned and spontaneous. If you are an artist, you know the scenario of being stuck not knowing which direction to take a painting, waiting for the answer. This skill also comes with time. 

4. Organization. 

I would bet you have heard of the other artist trope--they are typically scattered, always late, and disorganized. A quick confession: I was usually running late, daydreaming about something, and loaded down with homework growing up. There is a long story there, but I learned time management skills in college (a little more mature).  Professional artists juggle a lot, wearing all those hats--commissions, working with clients, exhibits, volunteering, managing a website, marketing emails, and newsletters, to name a few. Every artist has their workflow, depending on the type and scope of work. I learned things like time blocking and creating a rolling to-do list. 

5. Nurturing.

I am sure you have heard of the expression, "You can't pour from an empty cup."  As the artist wearing all those hats, you are responsible for making sure your needs are met, whatever they are, so you can keep going. Self-care looks like various things that positively impact your relationship to self--mind, body, and spirit. For myself, I cannot create if I do not get the sleep, exercise, or outdoor time I need regularly. Meaningful connection with others also fills our cups--we need each other.  Artists influence and inspire each other in community with each other. Bottom line: do what serves you regularly to maintain your art practice.

What do you think?

Share your story or thoughts below!Â