Commissioned Art: How It Works, Who It’s For, and Why the Right Fit Matters
- Steve Tame HH Dip (A.Th.).
- Dec 1
- 4 min read
By Steve Tame
There’s something special about commissioning a piece of art. It’s personal. It’s intentional. It’s a conversation between the collector and the artist — and when it’s done right, the result is a one-of-one work that carries real meaning.
But a good commission doesn’t happen by accident. It needs the right fit, clear expectations, a bit of trust, and a shared vision.
Here’s a simple, no-nonsense breakdown of how commissioned artwork works, what copyright means, and how to know if a commission is right for you.
Why People Commission Art in the First Place
Most people don’t commission art on impulse — they do it because they want:
Something deeply personal
A specific colour palette or mood for their home
A piece that honours a story, memory or moment
A custom size to suit their space
A legacy artwork to pass down
A commission is the closest you’ll ever get to having an artwork made just for you.
The Most Important Part: The Right Fit
This part gets overlooked, but it’s everything.
A commission only works when the artist and collector are aligned.
That means:
The client loves the artist’s existing style
The artist feels confident delivering the client’s vision
Both parties understand the mood, colour direction and purpose
There’s no pressure to “change” the artist’s style into something it’s not
A commission shouldn’t force an artist outside their lane. It should amplify what they already do best.
If an artist says “that’s not my style,” that’s a good thing.
It means they’re honest, professional, and want the best outcome — not just a quick sale.
Understanding the Artist’s Scope
Every artist has a wheelhouse — certain themes, techniques and tones they’re known for.
For example, I work heavily with:
atmospheric landscapes
emotional mood
storm energy
colour-based storytelling
If someone asked me to paint a hyper-real portrait of their dog, I’d politely decline. Not because I don’t appreciate it — but because it’s not my lane.
A good commission fits naturally within what the artist already does.
How the Commission Process Works
Here’s the simple breakdown of how I run commissions, and how most professional artists work:
1. The Initial Chat
We talk through:
What you’re looking for
Size, colours, emotional tone
Where the artwork will live
What drew you to my work
If it feels like a good fit — we continue. If
not, no pressure at all.
2. Quote & Deposit
A written quote is provided covering:
The artwork
Timeframe
Materials
Delivery/collection details
A deposit (usually 30–50%) locks in the commission.
3. Concept & Direction
Not tight sketches — more like mood, atmosphere, palette direction. You choose the general vibe; I handle the artistic decisions.
4. The Painting Stage
This is where the magic happens. I’ll keep you updated but without over-editing. Too much interference kills the work.
5. Final Review
You see the piece, we make small adjustments if needed, and once approved, the balance is paid.
6. Varnish & Delivery
The artwork is sealed, cured and ready for its forever home.
Let’s Talk Copyright (This One Surprises People)
A lot of clients assume that if they pay for a commission, they own everything.
But legally — and for good reason — the artist always keeps copyright, unless formally sold or licensed.
What you do get:
The original artwork
The right to hang it, gift it, display it publicly
Full personal enjoyment
What you don’t get automatically:
The right to reproduce it
The right to print it
The right to sell copies
The right to use it for business, album covers, branding, products, etc.
If you need reproduction rights, that’s a different agreement called a license — and any professional artist will walk you through it.
Copyright protects both the value of your original and the integrity of the artist’s work.
Red Flags to Avoid (For Both Artist and Client)
Let’s keep it real for a moment.
A commission is NOT a good idea if:
You want the artist to copy another artist’s style
You expect a photo-perfect replica of a reference
You plan to art-direct every brushstroke
You don’t like the artist’s existing body of work
You want something outside the artist’s scope
You want it “cheap” or “fast”
A commission should feel collaborative, not controlling.
Why Commissioned Art Holds Its Value
A commissioned piece isn’t just decoration. It’s:
Personal history
Emotional currency
Storytelling
Legacy
A one-off, never to be repeated
When people come into your home and say, "Where did you get that?”…you get to say, "It was made for me.”
That’s the kind of value money alone can’t buy.
Final Thoughts
A commission is part relationship, part trust, part creativity — and when it clicks, it’s magic.
If you're thinking of commissioning a piece, reach out. No pressure, no hard sell. Just a conversation to see if the fit is right.
You bring the story. I’ll bring the paint.
— Steve
Interested in a Commission? Let’s Chat.
If you’re thinking about a custom piece, I’d love to hear your ideas. We’ll talk through the vision, the fit, the process and the timeline — no pressure, just a conversation. Your story + my brush = a one-of-one artwork made just for you.
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