Commission Projects: The Process
Interested in learning more about the commission process?
I consider this process to be very sacred; working with clients in such an intimate setting often requires a perspective shift. one that i welcome the challenge of within my creative process. honestly, i believe it to be fundamental to my own practice. Having an outcome geared toward someone’s elses’ experiences, narratives, or viewpoints pulls me out of my own normalcy, and allows me to drop in to the challenge of ENVISIONING something through a stranger’s eyes. the dance of remaining true to my own artistic notions while formulating a composition for someone else’s awareness is a very delicate one. and when i’m asked to do so, it’s not one i will ever take for granted. there is nothing more meaningful than hearing someone’s story and being able to embody it through a piece. whether it’s to take back a power that feels lost, convey an emotion through color, or depict a pattern of growth and healing; these processes remind me how interconnected we truly are. art is only the medium of remembering.
Like most things, it begins with a sketch
no matter the concept or project, we begin with my foundational: drawing. This is the best way to get thoughts to paper without too much overthinking, tweaking, or filtering. most studies will be done quickly, in a gestural format. the work always evolves and changes the more we proceed. we begin with the most important tools: Charcoal, pastels, and newsprint. it’s my way of communicating directly with you.
Working together to nail down a concept requires trust in the creative process
After discussing your basic needs as a client, these studies will be created solely for your project. If you are envisioning a figurative piece, this is the time when clients chose the pose and narrative that fits the end goal. Each client is different; some like to be more involved than others.
for example, some have a basic emotion they are looking to convey, and i formulate ideas with poses, color, composition. others dream of having a specific piece created off of photos of their own body. both are ACHIEVABLE! The amount of involvement is completely up to you, as the client. If working together on a piece for your body specifically, we walk through a step-by-step process on preparing photographs for the work. this part is often the most empowering for many!
Please do keep in mind that the creative process cannot be ultimately controlled down to every detail. there must also be a willingness to let go as trust the creative process.
After the client approves these concepts, the final project is started. If the client prefers, some progress photos can be sent along the way as well.
Commissions can take anywhere from 2-8 months, depending on the size of the project and workload surrounding the project. A final date will be projected at the start of the process, and i always keep in touch if something changes or needs more time.
some examples of commission work
FAQ:
i have a specific piece in mind that i was originally drawn to. can we use this in the process?
Yes! one of the first things we discuss are the pieces you are most drawn to in my collections. we will work together to bring similar aspects to your piece
i don’t want to pose nude, but have a concept i want created. is this possible?
of course. not everyone wants a piece representing their own body. as the artist, i hire models to sit for your piece until we reach the desired outcome!
i want a painting done of myself, but feel nervous about posing nude.
It’s natural to be nervous with something so intimate and vulnerable. we will work through the process together to make sure you are completely comfortable and feeling empowered. i have a step by step guide that will work to make the photo process simple and natural, in the comfort of your own home! we want this to be empowering rather than intrusive. by the end of the photo sessions, every single client has mentioned feeling more comfortable and proud of being in their own skin. thats the goal!
what is the investment of a custom piece?
prices vary depending on the scale and detailing of the project. a pricing list can be sent for all inquires. to secure a space for a 2023 commission, a deposit is required. this small deposit will go toward the final payments of the piece. commissions can also be paid in installments of up to 10 months. This can be discussed upfront so all parties feel comfortable, and will be written out in a signed contract before the start of the project.
Do you take clients internationally?
yes! I have COMPLETED commissions for clients in austria, london, AUSTRALIA, berlin, and more. we will work together to ensure a shipping strategy with work being secure and affordable.
“working with sam one on one to create a visual narrative of my own story was not only an incredible process, but a healing and empowering one as well.”
