I receive many commission requests, and a significant part of my work involves creating custom pieces.
It’s wonderful, but I’ve noticed that many people are reaching out to an artist for the first time and understandably aren’t sure how to begin.
To make the process easier for everyone, I thought it would be helpful to create a straightforward guide to help you get exactly what you’re looking for on your first try.
First things first, why commission custom fan art?
As someone who paints custom pop art, I can say with certainty that there’s nothing like the feeling of working with someone to bring their creative ideas to life!
Why go for custom fan art instead of a print or poster? There are so many reasons that make commissioned artwork a truly special experience:
It’s one-of-a-kind, unlike mass-produced prints, commissioned fan art is completely original. It’s a unique piece brought to life through your idea and shaped by the artist’s creative vision.
Every commissioned artwork has a story into it, your inspiration, the artist’s interpretation, and the journey to create something truly meaningful.
The process is a creative partnership. You share your ideas, and the artist brings them to life in a way you might not have imagined.
A custom artwork isn’t just decoration—it’s a cherished keepsake and a reflection of your passions.
How to commission custom fan art
Here’s the breakdown of how to turn your dream idea into reality:
1. Start with your idea
Before you even approach an artist, take some time to think about what you really want.
What’s the subject? Is it a character, a favorite scene, or a mix of different inspirations?
What’s the vibe? Bold and colorful? Subtle and emotional?
What size? Think about where you’ll display the piece, this helps decide the dimensions.
Don’t worry if your idea isn’t fully fleshed out! A good artist can help you refine and develop it. I love collaborating with people to figure out the perfect direction for their ideas.
2. Find an artist
The next step is finding someone whose style matches your vision.
Check out artists online through their websites, online galleries or social media platforms.
Look for reviews and see what past clients have said.
Reach out and message the artist with your idea to see if it’s a good fit.
3. Share your vision
The better you communicate, the closer the artwork will match your vision.
Provide references like pictures, sketches, or even a mood board can help clarify your idea.
Describe the emotion by explaining what feeling or story you want the art to convey.
Be open to suggestions from the artists that bring creative expertise to the table and they might suggest things you hadn’t thought of.
I’ve worked with people who came to me with just a single phrase or a rough idea, and together we turned it into something amazing. Sometimes it’s the collaboration that makes a piece truly special!
4. Budget and timeline
If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be to take a look at the artist’s website before reaching out with your request.
Most artists have a specific style, work with particular materials, and structure their pricing based on the time and effort required for their creations.
For example, I work with acrylic paints, and sometimes my bold, detailed pop-art style means that larger or more intricate pieces take me longer to complete.
This is reflected in my pricing, as I need to account for the time and care each piece demands.
By browsing the work already available on an artist’s site, you can get a sense of their style, the materials they use, and a general idea of the costs associated with different sizes or subjects.
This will help you decide if their approach aligns with your vision and budget.
Also keep in mind that the price may vary depending on the size, complexity and medium of the artwork.
The same thing applies with the time needed to make the artwork.
Be sure to discuss both upfront with your artist.
5. Payment and agreement
Most artists will ask for a deposit before starting the project, with the balance paid upon completion.
Other artists, including myself, ask for full payment upfront.
Here’s why:
It covers materials and time: creating a custom piece requires supplies, studio time, and a significant investment of the artist’s energy and skill.
Upfront payment ensures that both parties are serious about the project. It protects the artist from starting work on a piece that might not be completed due to cancellations.
Just like booking other services, securing your spot with a full payment is a common and professional approach.
How much does it cost to commission art?
Ah, the big question! The cost of commissioning art varies based on a few factors:
Size and medium: larger pieces or traditional mediums (like canvas paintings) often cost more than smaller or digital works.
Complexity: a simple character portrait will typically cost less than an intricate scene with lots of details.
Experience: established artists may charge more for their time and expertise.
Commissioning art is an investment, but you’re getting something one-of-a-kind that will last forever. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to chat about your idea and create a piece just for you!
Why commission custom fan art?
This isn’t something mass-produced, it’s a deeply meaningful piece created specifically for you.
Partnering with an artist to turn your idea into reality is an enjoyable and inspiring journey.
Whether for yourself or as a gift, custom art is a unique treasure that leaves a lasting impact.
My final thoughts:
Commissioning custom fan art is more than just getting a painting, it’s about creating something deeply personal and special.
If you’ve been inspired to commission your own piece, I’d love to help!
Whether you want a vibrant pop-art painting of a beloved character or something totally original, let’s chat and bring your idea to life.
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