Have you ever considered commissioning original artwork?
Some things just cannot be found in a store or among Etsy’s incredibly broad range of unique products.
You might be able to find an adorable painting of a basset hound, but it isn’t the same pet whose ears your toddler clung to while learning to walk. Those roses are beautiful, but nothing quite matches the blossoms that covered Grandma’s bushes every June.
However, commissioned artwork can capture those highly personalized images.
Maybe it’s a special bouquet—that gorgeous arrangement of perfect blooms that beautified and honored your wedding, or a dream combination of rare wildflowers you would never dare pick (if you could even find them all at the same time) but would love to see daily on your walls. Or a single, favorite bloom.
Maybe it’s a beloved pet—that spritely, new kitten that everyone has fallen in love with, or that old, gray-faced dog that has been a cherished part of the family for more than a decade. That one, fluffy chicken who has more personality than some of your co-workers.
Or maybe it’s a special idea or image you just can’t get out of your head. Something that has meaning for your family or company, or a representation of your values. For example, Arlene of Sprout (a non-profit organization focused on strengthening community through the local food system, art, and culture) pulled a pair of carrots from her garden. The two carrots had completely entwined around each other, but what made them even more special was the colors: one was purple, the other yellow. Sprout strives to strengthen community while also celebrating diversity, and that pair of carrots perfectly represented the goals of their non-profit. She brought me the entwined vegetables and commissioned a drawing of them.
Is there something you’d love a picture of that you can’t find anywhere else? Check out my artwork to see if my style would be a good fit for your idea.
Here are some examples of previous commissions:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you charge for commissions?
Commissions are $1.50 per square inch. For example, an 8×10 would be $120 (8×10=80 inches; 80×1.5=$120). An 18×24 would be $648 (18×24=432 inches; 432×1.5=$648). Taxes and shipping (if applicable) will be added on in the official estimate.
How long will it take?
It depends on the size of the drawing and my current schedule. Typically an 8×10 or 12×12 can be completed within three weeks of the start date. An exact schedule and due date will be determined before starting, so you can know exactly when you will receive the commission. Rushed commissions might be possible, but for an additional fee.
What sizes can you do?
Anywhere from 8×10 to 18×24 inches. Anything less than 8×10 risks being too small for detailed work, but depending on the subject, I might be persuaded. If you want something larger than 18×24, I can special order greater sizes of paper, but there will be a surcharge, and you can expect a much longer time to complete the commission.
How do I contact you regarding a commission?
The best way to get in contact with me is to fill out the contact form on my website. From there we can keep communicating by email, or we can work out something better!
Do you need to look at the real thing, or can you work from a picture?
I can do either, though with living creatures (particularly when doing pet portraits), I will only work from photographs. I can make a replica of the photograph, or use them as a reference to create an entirely new image. For example, the portrait of Duchess, the Australian Shepherd, was created by looking at photographs to capture her coloring and shape, even though none of the reference photos captured the pose we were going for.
This portrait of Sophie, on the other hand, is a replica of the original photograph, but with a simpler background.
What if I don’t have a picture, just an idea?
That works too! I’m happy to hear an idea and sketch a mock-up or two. Then you can confirm it or request changes as needed before we commit to starting the final piece.