Commissioning an artwork can be a very exciting and anxious time for both artist and customer. It doesn’t have to be however, I have put together a few guidelines to ensure the process flows smoothly from both ends and our business together is an easy and enjoyable one.

I have done commissions of buildings, birds, people, kids, dogs, and horses. In my design career I have done logos, websites, brochures, illustrations so I am used listenings to client's needs and trying to satisfy a brief, in fact, thats the part I like!
I am always willing to try new styles materials or subject matters, just because its not shown here on the website doesnt mean i can't do it. So if you have something in mind why not send me some details in an email and I can see whether I am up for the challenge.

Below is information for commissioning artwork for portraits and fine artwork.

Please see my design and graphics website - steelkey designs for information on commissioning illustrations.

Size: (generally size are: 8 x 10", 10 x 12", 12 x 16", 16 x 20")
Medium: Coloured Pencil, Watercolour, Acrylic, Oil, Digital (mainly for illustration work)
Number of Subjects: Is it one object/person, or more
Complexity of Pose: Is a close-up, full figure shot,
Complexity of Background: Its is a colour, a shadow, sky/trees, buildings, interiors

It also depends on your reference material, whether i am coming up and sourcing my own ideas for for backgrounds, props etc and whether your reference photos are clear and defined (a poor photograph will result in a poor artwork) so therefore all photos are subject to approval.

What you need
A good reference photo, if you have a couple of photos of the same subject even better. The bigger the photo the better and above all it needs to clear. Not blurry or obscured in anyway. It doesn’t necessarily need to have a good background I can combine a couple of photos into one piece of artwork. If you are unsure, send them through I am happy to have a look. If you don’t have good photos and I am local to you (either Sydney Northern Beaches, Central coast or Scone NSW Australia) I might be able to arrange to take some I am regularly visiting these areas.

The process
If you are new to my work or commission an artwork it is important for you to have a look through my gallery and take a look at my style. My coloured pencil artworks are very realistic and detailed and my watercolours and other paintings have a looser quality. See which type you prefer.

Also, take a look at some of my works in progress on my blog, here is one of a pear and of a white horse. This is important so you can see how an artwork evolves and comes together at the end so that you don’t freak out when you see something which looks really messy (it all works out in the end – trust me).

Before I can give you a price you will need to also decide on your size, subject, medium, complexity and background. If you are unsure send me some of photos and we can see whether we can work out what would be best together and I can provide you with an accurate quote.

Once you have decided to go ahead with your commission and we have finalised all the subject’s details I will email you a contract for you to sign and an invoice and you will need to pay a deposit before I will begin or assign you into my schedule.

I generally require 50% deposit upfront and then the remainder 50% on completion before shipping the artwork to you (for large projects). I am also happy to do a 30% deposit and then split the balance into payments at various stages or time periods if that is more suitable, however the artwork will not be shipped under any circumstances until full payment has been made. Australians can direct deposit to my bank account. Or paypal can be arranged.

Depending on your subject, initial sketches and/or a photo mockup for approval maybe provided. Minor changes are welcomed at this beginning stages but it’s harder to change as the artwork progresses it is important to ensure at this beginning stage that things are as you require.

During the progress of the artwork you will be either emailed or given a website address for you to view the work in stages depending on the individual project.

Generally an artwork commission will take 6-8weeks (depending on size) for turnaround. An estimated delivery date will be given upon receipt of the deposit and is subject to availability.

When the work is nearing completion you will receive a jpeg for your final approval. If you are happy with it I will ask you to pay the remaining balance of before shipping the artwork to you.

All artwork will be shipped unmatted and unframed, either securely rolled or in a flat pack, unless otherwise arranged. Shipping costs will be extra and will be quoted prior to completion.

Fees are only for the original artwork and do not include copyrights or reproduction rights, which remain with the artist.

A few other important bits of information:
I only use archival acid free paper and artist quality materials in creating my artworks to ensure your product will last a lifetime. For more information on coloured pencil artworks please see > here.

Copyright
Please note that no copyrights are assigned with commissioned artwork unless arranged prior to work commencement. If you require to a piece to be reproduced in anyway after commission this will need to be arranged in writing prior to any work commencement. Commissioned work will not be sold as prints by me unless agreed upon prior to work commencement. I do retain the right to display the image on my website gallery for promotional purposes. Works of art cannot be modified without the permission of the artist. Photographs will also not be displayed on the internet without written consent by the customer and will be returned to the customer on completion of the project.

All repeat clients receive a discount on subsequent orders.

If you would like a quote please email me with your photos for approval, information on size, subject, complexity and background. For more information on how to contact me please see the contact page.