Commissioning custom art, whether it’s a pet portrait or a unique piece for your home, can be a rewarding experience. However, the process of commissioning art can also come with challenges if not approached carefully. From communication issues to misunderstandings about pricing, there are several potential pitfalls to be aware of. Here’s a guide to the most common pitfalls in commissioning art and how to avoid them, ensuring a smooth and successful collaboration with your chosen artist.

1. Lack of Clear Communication

One of the most common pitfalls when commissioning art is unclear communication between the client and the artist. Misunderstandings about expectations, style, or deadlines can lead to disappointment and frustration on both sides.

• How to Avoid: Be as clear and detailed as possible when discussing your vision with the artist. Share reference photos, specific ideas, and any particular elements you want to include in the artwork. Don’t assume the artist will understand your preferences without clear communication.
• Set Expectations Early: Outline the key aspects of the project from the beginning, including size, medium, style, color scheme, and deadline. The more specific you are, the better the artist can meet your expectations.

2. Not Understanding the Artist’s Style

Every artist has a unique style, and expecting them to deviate too much from it can lead to unsatisfactory results. A common mistake is commissioning an artist whose style doesn’t align with the desired outcome.

• How to Avoid: Before commissioning an artist, take time to review their portfolio and ensure that their style matches your vision. Whether you prefer realistic portraits, abstract art, or whimsical illustrations, choose an artist whose previous work reflects what you’re looking for.
• Respect the Artist’s Approach: Artists typically have a signature style and technique. If you like their work, trust them to bring their expertise to your piece. Avoid asking for significant changes that go against their established style.

3. Not Clarifying the Budget and Pricing

Misunderstandings about pricing can lead to issues later in the commissioning process. Some clients might underestimate the cost of custom art, while others may not realize that revisions or special requests could incur additional fees.

• How to Avoid: Have a clear discussion about the pricing structure before committing to the commission. Ask the artist for a detailed breakdown of costs, including the base price, additional fees for revisions, shipping costs, and framing (if applicable).
• Agree on Payment Terms: Clarify when payments are due—whether it’s a deposit upfront, payments in installments, or a final payment upon completion. Make sure you’re aware of any policies regarding deposits and non-refundable fees.

4. Rushing the Process

Commissioning art takes time, especially if the artist has other projects or is working with a detailed style. Rushing the process can result in a lower-quality product and a stressed relationship between you and the artist.

• How to Avoid: Give the artist plenty of time to complete the work. If you’re commissioning art for a specific occasion, such as a birthday or holiday, approach the artist well in advance to ensure they have the time needed to create the piece without being rushed.
• Be Patient: Good art takes time. Be prepared for the process to take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the project and the artist’s availability.

5. Not Understanding the Revision Policy

Some clients expect unlimited revisions or changes during the creation process, but most artists have limits on how many revisions they’ll accommodate before additional fees are applied.

• How to Avoid: Ask about the artist’s revision policy upfront. Most artists offer one or two rounds of minor revisions, but additional changes may incur extra costs. Be respectful of the artist’s time and avoid asking for extensive changes unless absolutely necessary.
• Make Feedback Clear and Timely: When providing feedback, be specific about what you want changed. It’s important to provide your input early in the process, especially during the sketch or mock-up phase, to avoid larger revisions later on.

6. Not Considering Framing and Shipping Costs

Framing and shipping can add significant costs to a commissioned artwork, and not factoring these in can lead to budget surprises later on.

• How to Avoid: Ask the artist if framing is included or if it’s something you’ll need to arrange separately. If the artist offers framing services, discuss the options and associated costs. For shipping, especially for large or delicate pieces, ask about packaging and delivery fees upfront.
• Protect the Artwork During Shipping: Make sure the artwork will be packaged securely and inquire about insurance for high-value items. This ensures the artwork arrives safely without damage.

7. Unrealistic Expectations

Commissioning custom art requires a balance between your vision and the artist’s creative process. Having unrealistic expectations—whether in terms of speed, pricing, or outcome—can lead to disappointment.

• How to Avoid: Keep an open mind and trust the artist’s expertise. While it’s important to communicate your vision, also remember that part of commissioning art is allowing the artist to bring their unique interpretation to the piece.
• Respect Creative Freedom: Give the artist creative freedom within the guidelines you’ve discussed. This allows them to bring their full artistic skill and vision to the project, often resulting in a better final product than micromanaging every detail.

8. Not Having a Contract or Written Agreement

A verbal agreement or casual email exchange may lead to miscommunication about important details such as deadlines, payment, and revisions. Without a written contract, there’s little protection for either party if problems arise.

• How to Avoid: Always ask for a written agreement that outlines all key details, including project scope, pricing, deadlines, revision policies, and any other terms that are important to both you and the artist. This ensures transparency and protects both parties.
• Review the Contract Carefully: Before signing, read through the contract to make sure you understand all aspects of the agreement. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification to avoid misunderstandings later.

9. Not Respecting the Artist’s Time and Boundaries

Some clients may not realize the amount of time and effort that goes into creating custom artwork. Constantly checking in on progress or asking for frequent updates can disrupt the artist’s workflow and cause unnecessary stress.

• How to Avoid: Respect the timeline set by the artist and avoid requesting updates too frequently. Allow the artist the time and space they need to work on your piece, trusting that they will deliver within the agreed timeframe.
• Set Check-In Points: Agree on specific milestones when the artist will share progress, such as after the initial sketch or halfway through the project. This helps maintain communication without micromanaging.

10. Misunderstanding Copyright and Usage Rights

Many clients assume that once they’ve purchased a custom artwork, they own full rights to it, including the ability to reproduce or sell it. However, artists typically retain the copyright to their work unless otherwise agreed upon.

• How to Avoid: Discuss the usage rights with the artist before commissioning the piece. Ask whether you’re purchasing the original artwork only or if you’ll also have the rights to reproduce it for personal use, such as making prints.
• Respect the Artist’s Copyright: Unless specifically granted, you likely do not have the right to use the artwork for commercial purposes or distribute it in any way. Be sure to clarify these details in your agreement.

Conclusion

Commissioning custom art can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls to ensure the process goes smoothly. Clear communication, understanding the artist’s style, setting a realistic budget, and having a written agreement are key steps to avoid common issues. By fostering a respectful and collaborative relationship with the artist, you’ll be more likely to receive a piece of artwork that exceeds your expectations and becomes a cherished part of your collection.