Have you ever wanted to acquire an artwork by an artist that you love, but realized it had already been sold to someone else? Instead of planning a heist, there is a very easy (and legal) way to get your hands on the artwork of your dreams. Commissioning an artwork at SINGULART. How does it work? A client hires an artist to create an artwork based on the client’s requests. The question is, is it right for you?
Some people might prefer the ready-made artwork and skip the waiting time, or would rather see the piece in its finished form before committing themselves. Not all artists accept commissions, which can be a source of disappointment. Others might very well enjoy the whole process of discussing their ideas with the artist, seeing their vision come to life, negotiating a price, and where the client feels involved in the artistic process of creation. More and more artists work under commission, which opens doors and opportunities to making art widely accessible.
Pros of commissioning art
Making your vision come to life
There is nothing quite as exciting as commissioning an artwork and seeing it through to completion. Seeing your vision become reality is an unparalleled experience for art lovers. For those who like things to look just right and who admire a high level of accuracy and precision, commissioning an artist might just be what they are looking for.
Taking part in the artistic process
Commissioning an artwork allows you to take part in the artistic process and discover what goes into making a work of art from scratch, making it a rewarding journey, which may also be full of surprises. Who knows where your initial vision might take you?
Building a relationship of trust
Working with an artist is built on a relationship of trust. The client knows that the artist will listen to their ideas and may suggest new ones, working hand in hand towards a common goal. Communication is key to ensure that they both feel respected and heard. The client lets the artist into their personal world, which in turn builds intimacy and authenticity between both parties. It’s a meeting of minds which produces unique results!
Changing things up
In the scenario where a client has a crush on an artwork, and loves everything about it, from its composition, subject-matter, shapes, scale… But they really can’t stand the colors. This is where commission comes in handy. You can ask the artist to make the exact same artwork using different colors. Or, if the painting is too big or too small for your taste, simply ask the artist to change the scale. The possibilities are infinite, and these choices give a lot of freedom to the client. Commissions reflect the buyer’s tastes and will always produce a unique, unparalleled and personal result catered to the client’s needs.
Cons of commissioning art
The end result might not suit every client’s tastes
There’s no guarantee that the client will be happy with the end result. They might find that the end result might not measure up to his expectations. This might create feelings of dissatisfaction. Consequently, the client might not wish to repeat the experience.
Long waiting time
Artworks commission might not be adapted for clients with low levels of patience. Delays and minor flaws are inevitable, and you simply have to accept it will take to be completed, and that it might not come out exactly the way you wanted it to be. Bide your time, be patient and expect the best results!
Higher cost
Artists tend to charge more for a custom piece. The higher price reflects the unique value of the artwork, which was created for a specific client in mind. The choice of mediums will also reflect the price (oil paint is more costly than watercolor or acrylic). Most artists will charge a set daily rate. The more renowned an artist is, the more their time becomes valuable.
Make sure your visions align
In worst-case scenarios, the client wasn’t clear about their vision or wasn’t able to communicate it with the artist. Inexperienced art collectors might feel uncertain about what they’re after and might not reach agreement with the artist. Furthermore, a client might request a piece in a style that the artist has never done before, which isn’t without its challenges. That is not to say that the artist can’t rise to the occasion!
Commissioning artworks could be best suited for experienced art collectors
Commissioning an artwork can be one of the most exciting and rewarding endeavors for an art collector. Taking art commissions builds an intimate and authentic rapport between the artist and the collector, where both visions meet to achieve an astonishing end result. Commissioning an artwork is not without its challenges. The client is putting a lot of trust into the artist, and expects the best service possible. This is where communication comes in, in order to avoid any misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations. The higher cost and longer waiting time reflect the time and care put into producing a high quality artwork, but could turn some clients off the idea. Commissioning artworks might be best suited for more experienced art collectors and/or artists who are used to this kind of practice. That is not to say newbies can’t try it either! Put a few strategies in place before taking the plunge.
