What You May Need to Know Before Commissioning a Custom Art Piece: A Guide for Clients
Have you ever had the thought that having a unique piece of art that was made just for you, something that no one else could have, and is truly just yours? Whether it’s a personalized portrait, a custom mural, or a one-of-a-kind illustration, working with an artist to create something tailored to your vision is an exciting journey. But before you hit send on that message or email, there are a few things you should know to make sure the process is smooth, enjoyable, and ultimately results in a piece you love.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what you need to know before contacting an artist for a custom piece. From communication to setting expectations, to allowing the artist creative freedom, this guide will help you navigate the commission process like a pro!
1. Communication is Key
Clear and open communication is essential when commissioning a custom art piece. The more specific you are about what you want, the better the artist can understand your vision. Think about details like:
What kind of artwork are you looking for? (Portrait, mural, digital illustration, etc.)
What’s the intended use? (Is it for a gift, personal display, or branding?)
What’s the style you’re after? (Realistic, abstract, cartoonish, etc.)
Do you have a color palette in mind?
Are there specific elements you want to include? (Certain symbols, patterns, or imagery.)
The artist will likely ask you some of these questions, but the more you think about it ahead of time, the easier the process will be. And remember, artists aren’t mind readers. If there’s something specific you want, don’t be shy—say it! The more clarity on your end, the better they can deliver exactly what you're hoping for.
2. Be Clear About Your Expectations
It’s important to have a conversation about expectations right from the start. This includes discussing:
Timeline: How soon do you need the piece? Artists often have multiple projects going on, so make sure you’re both on the same page about deadlines.
Budget: Be upfront about your budget and ask for a price range from the artist. Custom pieces can vary greatly in price depending on size, complexity, and medium, so it’s important to have a clear understanding before work begins.
Revisions: Ask about the revision policy. Most artists will allow a few rounds of revisions to make sure the piece matches your vision, but it’s good to know how many tweaks you can request without incurring extra costs.
Remember, custom artwork is a collaborative process, but it’s also important to respect the artist’s time, skills, and workflow. Having these conversations early on helps avoid misunderstandings later.
3. Give the Artist Creative Freedom
One of the biggest joys of commissioning a custom art piece is allowing the artist to bring their unique style and vision into the work. If you’re commissioning an artist whose work you already love, trust them to do what they do best!
If you don’t have a super specific idea in mind, that’s okay too. In fact, some of the best custom pieces come from letting the artist’s creativity flow. Simply tell the artist, “I’d love something made entirely from your imagination” or “Feel free to put your own spin on it!” Artists thrive when they have the freedom to interpret your concept in their own style.
When You’re Unsure, Say So!
If you’re more flexible about the final result, communicate that! You can say something like, “I love your work, and I’m happy to give you creative freedom with this piece.” This shows trust and encourages the artist to take risks they might not otherwise take.
4. Understand the Artist’s Process
Each artist has their own process when creating a custom piece, and it’s helpful to understand how they work. For example, they might:
Provide a sketch or mock-up for approval before starting the final version.
Offer regular updates to make sure the piece is going in the right direction.
Have certain milestones where payment is required (like a deposit upfront or partial payment after a sketch is approved).
Knowing these steps helps you feel more confident in the process and allows the artist to stay focused on creating.
5. Patience is Important
Good art takes time. Once you've discussed timelines with the artist, give them the space they need to create. Rushing the process could result in a piece that doesn't reflect the artist’s best work. Be patient, and trust that your piece is being crafted with care.
6. What to Do When You’re Not Sure What You Want
Sometimes, you might want to commission something but aren’t exactly sure what you want. That’s completely fine! Many artists are great at brainstorming ideas and helping you figure out what direction to take.
If you’re unsure, be honest about it. Tell the artist, “I’m not 100% sure what I want, but I love your style and would like something unique from you.” This gives the artist room to explore possibilities and come up with something you might not have thought of.
7. Respect the Artist’s Boundaries
Every artist has limits in terms of what they’re willing or able to do. They might not take on every commission that comes their way, and that’s okay. If an artist turns down your request, it’s usually not personal—they may just feel that their style isn’t a good match for your vision, or they may be booked up at the moment. Respect their decision, and don’t be afraid to ask if they’d be willing to recommend another artist who might be a better fit.
Ready to Commission a Custom Piece?
Now that you know the ins and outs of commissioning custom art, you’re ready to start the process! If you’re looking to work with me, Renee at RNE ART Studios, I’d love to chat about your ideas and bring them to life. Whether you have a clear concept or want to give me creative freedom, let’s create something amazing together. You can contact me through email at reneeb4andafter@gmail.com or send me a dm on Instagram. I really hope you found the information in this blog useful.
Got social media handles? Drop them in the comments so we can connect, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@rneartstudios) and Threads (@rneartstudios) to stay updated on new posts, behind-the-scenes looks, and all my latest projects.
Let’s create something beautiful!
By taking the time to communicate openly, manage expectations, and trust your artist’s vision, you’ll end up with a custom piece that’s truly special and unique to you. So go ahead, take the plunge—commissioning custom art is a fun and rewarding experience!
