Commissioning Art? Here’s How to Get the Best Piece Possible

Commissioning a piece from our award-winning artists is an exciting way to contribute to the creation of an incredible one-of-a-kind piece of art. We find that the whole process is really inspiring and delightful for both artists and collectors! But having choice can also be overwhelming, so we’ve broken down some key points to help guide you as you dream up your next great gift — for yourself or a loved one. And we’re always available for a 1:1 chat to help you refine your vision for the perfect, personal piece.

1. Choose your audience.

Who is the piece for? Is it for yourself, for a friend, a family member, a coworker, a lover? Understanding who will be receiving the piece and what they like will help you decide on things like the content, color, and style of the piece.

2. Choose your subject.

What do you want the artwork to depict? A landscape, an intimate moment, a headshot, a cozy interior, a beloved object? You might choose to have people within a setting, so think about whether you want the focus to be on the people or on the environment. 

If you choose a portrait, think about their environment. Do you want them on a clean, blank background or within a situation? How many people do you want to include? Do you want them to be up-close to the camera or far away showing their full bodies?

3. Choose your style. 

Do you want something super detailed or softer, more impressionistic vibe? Do you want it to feel abstract or photorealistic? There’s no right answer here, it’s just a matter of preference!

Also think about colors. Do you like neutrals or bright colors, is there a specific color that’s meaningful to you or the recipient of the piece? It may also be worth considering whether there’s a specific place you plan on showcasing this work — does that room have a distinctive style or color scheme? 

4. Choose the mood & tell a story.

Along with style, think about the mood or vibe you want from your piece. Do you want it to feel intimate, celebratory, peaceful, nostalgic, serious, playful? It also helps to tell your artist about your connection to the people, places, and events in your images. The more they can understand and really feel the meaning behind your pictures, the more they can bring them to life!

5. Choose your reference images.

Having a quality photograph is the #1 thing you can do to make sure you get a great commission. 

• Share an image that best embodies the spirit and aesthetic you want from your piece
• Include images with good lighting and clear detail. 
• Use color images (unless you want your piece to be in black and white!)
• We recommend avoiding selfies — we find these usually don’t translate as well to portraits as other images.

While our artists always want to be true to your vision for the piece, we find some of our best results come from collectors who are open to experimenting and leaning into the artist’s ideas! If you want to get creative with us, we’re always excited to work with you on shaping your commission. 

Ready to get started?