Commissioning a custom artwork, whether it’s a pet portrait, a landscape, or a personal piece, requires clear communication between you and the artist. A well-written commission brief ensures that the artist understands your vision and has all the information they need to create a piece that meets your expectations. Here’s a guide on how to write a commission brief that covers everything from style and size to key details about your vision for the artwork.

1. Start with an Introduction

Begin your commission brief with a simple introduction that explains the purpose of the project. This helps set the tone for the request and gives the artist context for what you’re looking for.

• State Your Purpose: Briefly explain why you’re commissioning the artwork. For example, is it a gift, a memorial, or a personal piece for your home? A simple introduction like, “I’m interested in commissioning a custom portrait of my dog as a memorial piece,” helps the artist understand your intentions.
• Specify the Type of Artwork: Clearly state the type of artwork you’re looking for, such as a pet portrait, family portrait, or landscape painting. If you’re requesting a specific medium, like oil, watercolor, or digital, include that in the introduction as well.

2. Describe the Subject

The next step is to provide a detailed description of the subject of the artwork. Whether it’s a person, pet, or place, the artist will need as much information as possible to create an accurate and meaningful representation.

• Provide Photos: If you’re commissioning a portrait of a pet or person, include high-quality reference photos. Choose photos that clearly show important details, such as facial expressions, eye color, and any distinctive markings.
• Describe Key Features: In addition to photos, describe any important features you want the artist to highlight. For example, “My dog has a small white patch on his chest that I’d like included,” or “Please emphasize my cat’s green eyes.”
• Include Personality Traits: Describing the subject’s personality helps the artist capture their essence. For example, “My dog was very playful and full of energy, and I’d like the portrait to reflect that,” or “I’d love the portrait to show my cat’s calm and gentle demeanor.”

3. Define the Style and Mood

Artists work in different styles, so it’s important to specify the style and mood you’re envisioning for the artwork. This helps ensure that the final piece matches your aesthetic preferences.

• Choose a Style: If you have a specific style in mind, describe it in detail. For example, do you prefer realism, impressionism, or a more abstract approach? If you’re unsure, reference examples of the artist’s previous work that you admire.
• Specify the Mood: Consider the overall mood or tone you want the artwork to convey. Should it feel joyful, serene, or dramatic? For example, “I’d like the portrait to have a peaceful, calming feel,” or “I want the portrait to capture my pet’s playful, happy personality.”
• Color Palette: If you have specific color preferences, mention them in the brief. For example, “I’d like the background to be soft pastels,” or “Please use warm tones to create a cozy feeling.”

4. Provide Details on Composition

The composition of the artwork refers to the arrangement of the subject(s) and elements within the piece. Clearly outlining your preferences for composition ensures that the artist creates a balanced and visually appealing final product.

• Pose and Position: Specify the pose or position of the subject. For example, “I’d like my dog sitting and facing forward,” or “I want a side profile of my cat.” If you’re unsure, you can ask the artist to suggest a pose based on your references.
• Background Details: Indicate whether you want a simple background or a more detailed one. For example, “I’d prefer a plain background with a soft gradient,” or “I’d love to include a garden scene in the background, as my dog loved spending time outside.”
• Additional Elements: If you want to include additional objects or elements in the artwork, such as toys, collars, or symbolic items, mention them in the brief. For example, “Please include my cat’s favorite toy in the portrait,” or “I’d like to include a rainbow in the background as a symbol of the Rainbow Bridge.”

5. Specify Size and Medium

Clearly state the size and medium of the artwork to ensure it fits the space where you plan to display it and meets your aesthetic preferences.

• Size: Provide the exact dimensions of the artwork. For example, “I’d like the portrait to be 16x20 inches,” or “I’m looking for something smaller, around 8x10 inches.” Make sure the size fits the intended display location in your home or office.
• Medium: Specify the medium you’d like the artist to use, such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, or digital. If you’re open to different options, ask the artist for recommendations based on the style you want.

6. Set a Timeline

It’s important to agree on a timeline for the completion of the artwork, especially if you’re commissioning it for a specific event or occasion. Be realistic and considerate of the artist’s process when setting deadlines.

• Desired Completion Date: If you need the artwork by a specific date, such as a birthday or anniversary, mention this in the brief. For example, “I’d like to have the portrait completed by August 1st as a gift for my partner’s birthday.”
• Flexible Deadlines: If you don’t have a strict deadline, let the artist know you’re flexible. This can help them manage their workload. For example, “There’s no rush—feel free to take your time with the piece.”

7. Discuss Budget and Payment

Be clear about your budget from the start to avoid any misunderstandings later in the process. Most artists offer different pricing tiers based on size, complexity, and medium, so it’s important to align your budget with the artist’s rates.

• Set a Budget: If you have a specific budget, mention it upfront. For example, “My budget for this project is $500. Could you let me know what’s possible within this range?”
• Payment Terms: Discuss payment terms with the artist, such as a deposit before the work begins and final payment upon completion. Make sure both parties agree on the terms before the project starts.

8. Include Contact Information

Provide your contact information so the artist can reach you with updates, questions, or revisions. Ensure you’re available for communication throughout the process to provide feedback and ensure the artwork is progressing as expected.

• Email and Phone: Include your preferred contact method, whether it’s email, phone, or messaging apps. For example, “Feel free to contact me via email for updates or if you need additional information.”
• Feedback Availability: Let the artist know when you’ll be available to provide feedback on drafts or progress updates. For example, “I’ll be available to review any drafts during the week but may not be available on weekends.”

Conclusion

Writing a clear and detailed commission brief is essential to ensuring that both you and the artist are on the same page from the beginning. By outlining your vision, providing reference materials, specifying details like style, size, and medium, and communicating openly about deadlines and budget, you set the stage for a successful collaboration that results in a beautiful and personalized work of art. A well-written brief helps guide the artist’s creative process and ensures that the final piece aligns with your expectations.