88 Artists Magazine May 2019
Outfit BUSINESS OF ART
c
ommissions are a sensitive
business. Some artists con-
sider them impositions on
their artistic integrity. Others love the
steady work but dread conversations
with the client about the project. Yet
others enthusiastically absorb clients’
suggestions and produce work on
demand in a variety of styles.
For most artists, commissions are
a welcome source of income; however,
they can be more than that. If you
enjoy interacting with others, then
working on commission can be a
rewarding experience.THE CLIENT
The most important aspect of accept-
ing commissions is recognizing thatthe work will involve someone else’s
suggestions and requirements. If you
bristle at feedback, any commission
you accept will become challenging, if
not unpleasant. It helps to get to
know the client in order to view him or
her as an artistic collaborator and to
be able to hear what the client wants
you to produce aesthetically.
Asking clients about examples of
works they don’t like can be revela-
tory. Beyond listening to what they
say, show clients examples of your
range of style to get a better sense of
what they like.
The reason for the commission
often impacts the experience. Try
to learn the underlying hopes that
the commission represents. Is it a
gift? Is it honoring a celebration?Is it a long-awaited treasure for a
specific location in the client’s home?
Understanding the context will help
you navigate the client’s expectations.APPROVALS AND
CHANGES
Clarify who will be approving the work
as it progresses. Ideally, you’ll work
with only one person. If others must
be involved, make sure you meet them
together so you can learn whether
they’re of one mind about the proposed
work. If there is disagreement among
the clients, you need to address it
immediately or include a clause in
the contract about the impact that
inconsistent feedback and change of
opinion will have on your time line.Is Everybody Happy?
Commissioned work can be highly satisfying to both
artist and client. Here’s how to make it so.
by C.J. Kent
CAIAIMAGE/AGNIESZKA OLEK/GETTY IMAGES