Custom art is generally something that seems out of reach for most people. I grew up thinking that custom art was only something that really wealthy people could afford. This may be the case with very well known famous artists that are in high demand, but not for me, and not for most local artists I know. In my experience most artists are thrilled to make custom work. It’s the highest compliment in my opinion. I have personally paid numerous artists over the years to make me custom work for my own space. Many of them offer payment plans or even give a discount for custom work. Click the link below to talk about custom work OR keep reading and look through pictures of past custom commissions.
Think about it. I have all this inventory, paintings from years ago that have been taking up space in my studio. I paid for the materials, took the time to make the piece, maybe even hauled it around town to various galleries only to bring it back to store in my closet. I never saw any profit from it. It sits in my online shop for sale. It may sell someday, but most likely it will get painted over as my style and interests change.
With a custom commission I’m guaranteed a sale!
I’m not just adding another piece to my inventory. It’s so motivating to be able to work on a piece knowing where it will go and who will be appreciating it for years to come. Custom art can become a family heirloom, a keepsake, something special to pass on. I love this!
It is nerve-racking though to put so much pressure on a piece. That’s why I like to keep the client involved every step of the way. First, I’ll come to your space, take pictures, look at the other art pieces in your house, ask what colors you love, what’s important to you, etc. I’ll put together a vision board with colors and other inspirations and get feedback from you on that. Then I’ll start on the piece. Depending on how much or little you want to be involved I’ll send you progress shots. Some people want to be surprised and don’t want progress shots.
It’s up to you!
This is a vision board for a piece I did for my Granny. It has all the colors I planned on using, some leaves and grass for texture inspiration and old recipes from her mother. A lot of the art in her house is either abstract or landscapes. Her Oklahoma heritage and family history is important to her.
The finished piece turned out a little different from the vision board, but overall it gave her a good idea of what she would get in the end. The recipes peek out from behind the heavy texture, so when you get up close you can read bits and pieces of them.
me and my Granny with her finished custom art
In some cases people want something more focused on design, just simple color, texture etc, and that’s ok! This piece was just a turquoise background with this bold geometric silver leaf design. It fit in the client’s space and became a center piece of her home. In this case she didn’t really want something super sentimental with personal touches, but her late mother’s favorite color was turquoise, so in a way it’s still customized and special to her.
This next one was a favorite because it was for one of my best girls. I know her style and what she likes. Her house is so colorful and funky and quirky. She literally just gave me some color ideas and told me to do whatever I wanted. This was sort of a meditative piece for me. Up close hidden in the crazy patterns, I added some inside jokes and some of our favorite movie quotes. It’s quite different from my other paintings and is more in the style of my mixed media work. I think this is one reason I love custom work so much, because I can work outside of my normal “style” and it’s ok.
This piece was for a beach house. The rest of the house has a beachy theme and the other art was nature inspired. I kept it abstract but went for a water feel. To this client (my mom) the color was the most important thing. It creates a backdrop for the simple furniture and beachy sculptures.
in progress shot
This next client was inspired by the tree of life. Family and faith are important to her. She loves black and white and high contrast as well as metallics. Her vision board (which I don’t have a picture of) was a simple sketch of the tree, black & white paint, and silver & gold leaf. I added little personal elements within the leaves so she’d have to get up close to see them.
She is a repeat client and I absolutely love that! Over the years I’ve gotten a feel for what she likes. She has had multiple functional art commissions as well.
custom coaster set
custom stash box
These next coasters weren’t technically a commission, but more of a collaboration. The DRMCRSHR coasters have up-cycled crushed CDs and are still available in my shop. This was all DRMCRSHR frontman Derek’s idea. So if you have a crazy idea, don’t be afraid to ask.
Custom functional art commissions are available in my online shop and are so easy to order. I no longer offer the square coasters, but I have custom round coaster sets available as well as holiday ornaments. Fill in the form at checkout with color specifications and anything else important. I’ll email you to talk further.
Custom wall art is also fairly easy to order. Choose from work on wood or canvas in various sizes. If you don’t see the size you want, shoot me a message and we’ll talk.
I haven’t had any commissions yet for my new cyanotype work, but I have lots of ideas. I was thinking I could make custom bookmarks, journals or field guide covers. I could maybe even press your wedding bouquet and make a cyanotype with your favorite flowers. I just released new greeting cards, so custom greeting cards would be great! The possibilities are endless.
If you have an idea for a custom piece of artwork don’t be afraid to ask. It truly is one of my favorite things to do. If you’re not sure what you want yet or you want to give the gift of custom art, I also offer gift cards in my online shop! CONTACT me as soon as possible for commissions for the holidays.
Thanks for reading and supporting local art!
- Sarah