Working on commissioned artwork is truly a juggling act: I want to please you but must also please myself. It is a very personal kind of interaction, and is based on the assumption that I will have the latitude to realize the vision that develops during the process. Client input is important to get to that vision, but ultimately, it’s art-making, not house-building. You will have to trust that I will listen carefully and know intuitively what the work needs to be. Here are the steps.

Client Intro:

  1. Research: A client must always like my artwork enough to know they want to commission some of it. Reviewing this website and doing a Google search for “Lee Shiney” are starting points for further research.
  2. Vision: From there, I need a description of what the vision is for this finished work. Any and all details are useful, and following the old journalism maxim of “who, what, when, where, why, and how” is helpful. Color and style suggestions are welcomed, because they give me a starting point.
  3. Budget: I am not inclined to dance around the issue of money. I’ll need to know the budget involved, because it shapes how much time will be involved and what kinds of materials I need to consider. Generally, an initial down payment is made prior to start with the balance due before delivery, unless other arrangements have been made.
  4. Deadline: This sets a target on a timeline to work toward. Hanging or installing finished work is the responsibility of the client, unless we make other arrangements.

My Response: I will address all the variables documented by the client in The Client Intro. Expect me to ask some pointed questions, because that is how I will get a sense of where I need to go with the process.

Confirmation: After enough back-and-forth discussions to satisfy everyone, I will submit a contract or final description.

  1. Written client approval is required. And,
  2. Initial down payment must be received.

Execution: I will document this process with photographs that will generally be emailed to the client so that the progression can be seen. I may ask questions along the way, but ultimately, by this time, this is a solo climb to the top of the mountain.

Final Approval: When I am satisfied that my work is finished, final photos or a studio visit by the client will confirm completion of the commission. Final payment is generally due at this time, and arrangements will be made for delivery.

Review: Because this is essentially a collaborative process, I like to conclude with a short discussion of how the process worked for the client. I take commissions very seriously, and expect complete satisfaction by the client. I also like to solicit a written endorsement or quote to use in my future marketing.

If you are interested in commissioning artwork, and are up to the challenge, contact me to begin the process.

 

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