Commissioned art is a personal experience between you and the client. There are some things to consider. Every piece of art I create is to show off my skills as an artist and to attract new clients and customers.
When a person hires you to create a piece of art it is an honor because they are saying that they respect your skills and like your style of painting or drawing. It also validates your work in a personal way.
So even though they like your art can you produce the piece that they want? They want to see a confident artist and feel comfortable with their choice in picking you to capture something that they love. Your skill set is based on your experience and accomplishments. You are marketing your skills. Show your work and network everywhere because will develop a following of people who like you and your work. So even if they don’t necessarily want you to do something for them they may know someone who does. You have on chance to make a first impression.
Commissioned art is personal
Every client I work with wants to be a part of the process. They entrust you and that’s great. Now you have to trust them too because you are putting your time into the process that they hire you to do. You love what you do and need to protect yourself too. In the beginning I like other artist I was very trusting of people and that was because they had purchased my work before and we had built up a re pore of trust. That ended when I got burned. I don’t blame the client because it was my mistake for not protecting myself. I learned from my mistakes.
Where to start
I would start with a sales license if you don’t have one, a contract one that protects you and your clients. There are free forms on the web if you don’t care to write your own. You will want this before you start to except commissioned art work because it serves you both. By having this agreement you show the client that you are confident and willing to deliver what they want.
Now that you have a verbal agreement what do you charge? That is up to you depending on your skill level, time and your supplies. Say you spend $50 dollars on supplies, a reasonable wage like $25 an hour for 15 hours do the math. Example ($25 x 15= 375 +$50 = $425). The size only matters because the cost of the supplies and the time it will take you to accomplish the art. The agreement also should state if the work is to be framed by you and the extra charges involved. The contract must have everything that you will discussed with potential clients.
Commissioned art is an honor and validates our skills as an artist.