At Create.Vegas we are firm believers that supporting local artists is a great way to support your local community. Many artists aren’t represented at galleries and can only be found at Indie-style and underground art events. Whether this be meeting them directly at art shows and exhibitions or word of mouth through art owners, or even through networking, the act of appreciating locally currated artwork is essential to a thriving ART scene. The act of commissioning art directly from artists will give you the satisfaction of collaborating with a local artist, while having a touch of your own self in the work, but for many they don’t know where to start. In this article we hope to put your mind at ease while providing useful information on what to expect when you commission a local artist to complete work for yourself.
Commissioning Versus Buying Artwork
Art is personal. So personal that you should never buy artwork unless you love it. Even if it’s for your business, or a communal space, or even for an AirBNB that you rent to random strangers. If you find yourself drawn to a particular artist but want to see something different, whether it be design or applicationm it is worth it to speak to the artist and find out if commissioning work makes sense. Reaching out to local artists may pose a challenge. Afterall, it’s not like artists publish their phone number on their work. Unless you are at a gallery or know someone that can help you get in touch with them, tracking down artists can pose a challenge in and of itself.
From contact through commissioning the final artwork, there are several steps that you may need to take in order to make your vision become a finished product.
Step 1) Connecting With The Artist
Social media is a great way to start in your journey of connecting with a local artist, but many have pages that don’t use their name as a brand, which can make this route challenging. When you exhaust general Google and social media searches it’s time to think outside the box and go the extra mile. This may include reaching out to gallery owners, individuals that own their work, and even other artists to make that direct connection.
Step 2) Speak To The Artist To Determine General Interest
Most artists are honored to provide commissioned work on canvas, outdoor, and even mural settings. In a sense it is a type of artist collaboration. When initiating a conversation of the work you have in mind it is most important to determine availability and flexibility towards the collaboration. If you have something more specific, be sure to get the artist to approve this in a general way before moving forward.
Step 3) Estimating The Project
This is without a doubt one of the trickiest parts of commissioning an artist. Most artists are fiercely independent and want to be able to “do their own thing without constrictions” but simultaneously want to make money. They will want you to love the end result, but you must be flexible enough to understand that you are commissioning work that will be performed according to the artist’s discretion. In the estimate you must lay out all the ideas and specifications you have. This should include the number of pieces, size, medium, subject matter, color preferences and timeline.
Some artists can create your vision in their own unique way. It is utterly important to ask for examples of similar works or completed projects if you have a tight timeline or rigid requirements. Your artist should provide an estimate of cost and time and include materials deposits, fees, special requests, shipping costs, and even what to do if you are not satisfied with the final product. Setting the tone during the estimation period will ensure the best outcome for all parties.
Step 4) Stand Back & Let The Artist Work
Creative work generally needs creative space. Checking in on the work isn’t unusual, but should be done when the artist has finished a segment or completed work for the day. In larger projects this may come as part of a payment schedule as well. While work is in progress it can be deflating and prohibitive for artists to have someone checking in an providing feedback. Oftentimes it is better to set the expectation of dialogue or checking in on the work beforehand so that the artist may be prepared to receive feedback, good or bad.
Step 5) Enjoy The Process & End Result
If an artist engages you to provide feedback it is important that you provide honest responses. If you want to see more of something or less, let them know. Artists that engage with their clients in this manner often want direction, and as long as you are being constructive it is welcome. Some clients prefer not to be engaged in the process, and if this is you, simply let your artist know. Having a positive experience is mutually beneficial between yourself and the artist. When the work is done you should be ready with the final payment to ensure that the project wraps nicely.
Be prepared to have inquiries as to the artist of your work. Having a truly unique collaborative work provided by a local artist invites a lot of recognition. Compliments and requests are almost certain to follow as great works of art generate emotions and enhance their surroundings.
Now that you have some information about commissioning local artists to create unique collaborative designs, be sure to let us know if you have any questions or comments as we are sure that readers would like to know more as well.