June 29th, 2016

6 Things an Artist Wish You Knew...

I've had the pleasure to be around and talk with other artists lately. Online, email , and at shows, doesn't matter the venue, or medium they use, the stories are so similar! So I thought I would share a few tid bits on us, as artists, and what we are thinking.

These are a few guidelines to follow when you want to order a commission:

1. We can't read minds. What an artist envisions in their mind will be totally different than what you are envisioning. The piece will NEVER turn out exactly the way you want it or pictured it.

2. Smaller is not cheaper. One thing that needs to be realized is that your asking the artist to put all the same detail into a smaller work space. It most likely will take longer to create.

3. Haggling is awkward. Art is a luxury item. Either you love it enough to spend the money or you don't purchase it.

​4. Nit picking is not an option. Find an artist you believe in and embrace their art. Don't ask to have areas changed within the work. A change of color, or a blade of grass that you think needs to be added.

5. Artists don't like to be rushed. Thinking that your piece can be pulled out of a hidden orfice is a mistake. Order your commission with plenty of time to spare. You might think 3 weeks for an 8x10 painting is ample enough time. The artist might have 10 commissions, 3 shows, and a life, ahead of what you want done.

6. Never back out of a commission. If your not prepared for the price, or possible variation between what you picture and what they may create, do not place the order.

So there it is. I know now your saying, "well la de dah, heavens forbid if we do something wrong to an artist!" I'm just putting it out there so that you may know what an artist is thinking, and avoid any disappointment on your end about your expectations. People do not realize the amount of time it takes to create something. It's not cookie cuttered out of a factory. It's not printed off a computer screen. Every stroke, every line, every detail is done manually. Art takes time, MUCHO time, and time is precious.