Commissions - A Case Study

Commissioning a painting can be an ambiguous and scary option for interested buyers. Recently I sat down with Kristin, a fabulous client from Dallas, TX. She's just been through the process so I wanted to get her perspective. Here's what Kristin had to say:

R - First off, what do you think of your painting?
K - We love it! We saw pink lightning and you saw a blank canvas on which to create “Light Rising”, which now hangs in the sacred space above our bed … a canopy of creativity under which we get to sleep, per chance to dream.

R - When it came to thinking of a painting for your space, what made you reach out?
K - Collaborating with you to create a unique, personal and expressive piece of art for our new home was a joyful experience for both me and my husband. I had met you previously and loved your work, and so I hoped it would be a great fit. 

R - What was it like working together? 
K - We had never commissioned a piece of art before and didn’t know what to expect. We spoke at length on the phone so I could give you a sense of what we were looking for in terms of size, style and color. After the phone call I sent some pictures of the room in which we wanted the painting to hang. I also searched the internet for images that might serve as inspiration, or a jumping off point. My favorite was a photograph of a huge grey storm cloud with vibrant pink lightning bolts cracking open the sky -- how you created what you did, from those small bread crumbs I provided, speaks to both your talent as an artist, and your intuitive spirit as a creative human being. You saw what we saw, then you envisioned what we couldn't and breathed it into life. 

Many customers like Kristin want to know more about the commission process. It's designed to be a stress-free, enjoyable experience where we collaborate to create something truly unique and special. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What are the benefits of a commission? 
Commissioning a piece of artwork offers the chance to build a relationship with a contemporary artist, learning the inner workings of their creative process, and in the end owning a piece of fine art where you, the client are part of the story. 

Other benefits include the ability to tailor a color palette and customize the size and dimensions of your painting, to fit your space or budget. 

What does the process look like? 
Over a Skype/FaceTime call, telephone call or in-person meeting (where distance permits), I gently guide the client through a series of carefully crafted questions that enable me to envision what it is that the client is looking for and what expectations the client has. This meeting is also the place where we discuss timing and how best to share progress updates. The updates I provide invite clients into the evolution of the painting, giving them windows into the creation of their painting at critical points throughout the process.

How much do commissions cost?
The cost of a commissioned piece is the same as the cost of buying an original painting through my network of galleries. Prices change over time, but currently it is $2 per square inch.

How long does the process take? 
Typical lead times are from three to six months. Where possible, I try to accommodate special events and dates. 

What if, in the end, I don't like it?
Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance to me. With all of the communication from the start of the journey to the completion of the painting, clients are invited to participate in the process, give feedback and suggestions. Approval is sought by sharing a variety of photos before any final topcoats are applied. However, in the end, if the client receives the painting and is unhappy, I will happily redo the painting or provide a refund to the client. 

I love commissions because they give me the opportunity to develop a relationship with my clients and experience first-hand the excitement and satisfaction of creating something completely unique and tailored to what they are asking for.

Does a commission sound right to you? If you're interested, please reach out! Reply to this email or email rachelle.kearns@outlook.com to start the conversation about how I can paint something beautiful for you!