How to Commission Artwork that is ‘You’

Choosing art for yourself can be daunting, especially if it’s a large piece and more so if you are starting from scratch.

I thought I would share a simple process I’ve used to help both in my ‘Towards Abstract’ workshops and with clients commissioning my art. In both cases I have loved watching their ideas and personality come through so they end up with a piece that is meaningful to them.

The Creative Process

The creative process I usually follow has six steps:

1. Inspiration
2. Research
3. Brainstorming
4. Refining
5. Execution
6. Review

If you are planning to commission art then you can choose how far through this process you want to go and in how much detail. Step 1 (Inspiration) can be enough as a starting brief for me and then I can help you with the next steps and feed back to you at each stage. You may want to have a more personal experience in which case being more involved in Steps 2 to 4 (Research, Brainstorming, Refining) can help achieve that.

Step 1: Inspiration

This is about filling the blank page with something , anything! Find your starting words by asking the questions below. Write anything and everything that comes to mind. No one else has to see it and you can cross it out later.

Who?

Favourite things, favourite people, likes, dislikes, connections, ‘I love…’, ‘I hate…’, ‘I am…’

What?

Shapes, objects, flowers, quotes, poems, books, art, movies…

When?

Past, present, future, occasion, time, season, age, events, hopes…

Where?

Location, atmosphere, holidays, where do you feel good?…

Why?

Meaning, memory, practical reason, why do you want a painting? Why do you want it now?…

How?

Colours, materials, textures, method, size…

Step 2 and 3: Research and Brainstorming

Gather information and knowledge related to your starting words. Don’t overthink the relevance or the end result, just write down what you find.

You can just write words in a list, scatter them on a page or link them in a mind map. I use google, dictionary, books, or whatever associated word comes into my head, even if it feels irrelevant or unconnected. I love finding mythology and floral connections but it could be anything that interests you.

Step 4: Refining

You’ve spread your thoughts out on to paper, now it’s time to start bringing it back in. Review and evaluate the words you now see on the pages. Highlight what stands out and resonates. Pick out colours, textures and shapes. Some of these might be your starter words but you may find some surprises that click. During this exercise try not to think about the finished piece and what it might look like. Try not to focus only on your starter words. Let your instincts respond first.

Step 5: Execution

If we haven’t shifted the process to me in previous stages, this is where I take over.

I’ll use your words to sketch out a composition and start to turn them into a visual representation, keeping you in the loop at each stage.

Once we’re both happy with the ideas generated I will begin making the fibre piece. It’s worth noting that the words and sketches will usually get put to one side at this stage. I may occasionally refer back to them but I don’t use them a visual references while I’m creating the artwork as this can stifle the creative flow and sometime makes the piece too ‘rigid’. I find it better to allow new things to come in or some things to leave during this stage as the piece progresses.

Stage 6: Review

When the piece is finished, but before it’s lifted from the mat, I will review and check I’m happy and you’re happy. I usually leave every piece to settle for few days at least as it needs to breath, before final work over with the needles. There is time to see what comes up for you, refer back to your starter words and brainstorming and make small adjustments. Sometimes a small addition or subtraction can make it all click into place.

Your Finished Artwork

My commissioned pieces are priced and delivered without framing as this keeps your costs down, makes packaging and shipping easier, and means you can choose your framing. I’m available to guide and advise you with the framing process as needed and if you’re local to my studio I would recommend my lovely framer Kate from Well Hung Framing in Watchfield. If you prefer I can also arrange the framing at cost so you can collect a framed, ready to hang piece.

You can browse some examples of my commissioned artwork here. Start your journey by contacting me for an initial, no obligation chat. Artists don’t bite and we love to hear from you!