Artist Tips: How to Sell Custom Ordered Paintings!

Selling Custom Ordered Commissions

By Annie Strack 2006©

(First publication:  March 2007, Art Calendar Magazine)

  

Creating art on commission can be a significant source of income for any artist. However, most of the artists that I know routinely turn away commissions, fearing that the work is either too difficult or just not worth the effort. We’ve all heard horror stories from other artists about commissions gone bad, clients from hell, rejected paintings, etc., but often these situations arise from misunderstandings and lack a of communication between the artist and the client. Successful commissions are the result of clear understanding of the process and requirements by both the artist and the client. 

When customers initially inquire about commissioning a custom work of art, I start the process by giving them my sales brochure, which shows color samples of my work and describes the commission requirements and benefits. Prices are clearly listed according to the size of a piece of art, and the brochure clearly states what is included and what is not, such as framing or matting. Other pertinent information and limitations are also stated in the brochure, including the clear statement that the price includes a single subject and simple backgrounds, and the invitation but clarification that surcharges are added for multiple subjects or complex backgrounds. Having this printed information readily available helps to introduce the client to the commission process, and clearly spells out the basic terms of the commission agreement. The brochure allows the client to take this information home with them to review before making a final decision, and it also alleviates any confusion that would ultimately arise later if the commission prices and terms had been relayed verbally.

Rather than following a set contract, I prefer to work out the details of each commission individually with each client.  Although my prices are firm, I may offer to adjust the schedule or stretch out the payments to better suit the needs of the client.  I avoid the use of the word “contract” when discussing or writing out the terms of the commission, preferring to use the friendlier term “sales order.”  I try to make the process comfortable for my clients by avoiding the use of terms that the customer may find confusing or intimidating. 

To write the sales orders, I use a separate order book that is larger than a regular sales receipt book, and allows for plenty of room to write down all the necessary details of the customer’s order. I write down the specifications for the painting such as colors, size, subjects, perspective, background, in addition to price, payment schedule, etc. While talking with the client during this process, I write every detail down in the order book. After the customer confirms and agrees to the written order form, we each sign it.  The client receives the original as their receipt, and I retain the duplicate for my reference. Before the client leaves, I know exactly what they want and they know and understand exactly what they will be receiving. I don’t start the painting process until we are both in total agreement of expectations. 

Connie C, Commissioned Watercolor Painting (sold)

I prefer to shoot my own reference photographs for my paintings. I let the client select the final reference photos before I start the painting, but I don’t allow him to to view the painting in progress. Occasionally I will work from photos provided by the client. When the client provides photos, I record these on the order form to alleviate any confusion that might later arise concerning the number of photos that later need to be returned, and I make sure we’re not violating someone else’s copyright. 

I don’t start a painting until I am confident that the client and I are completely sure we understand each other. Since my paintings appeal to a specific audience and I’m known for a particular style, my clients know that they can expect a painting reflective of my established style and they have always been happy with the final product. Many become repeat customers and send me referrals. 

A useful tip -- I don't call these works "commissions," I refer to them as "custom-ordered commissioned paintings". My paintings for general sales and display are priced much less than commissions; for instance, some of my 12x16 spec paintings start as low as $395, but my 12x16 commissions start at $600. Sometimes I have to remind clients that it’s like ordering custom made drapes from a decorator, versus buying curtains off a shelf at Walmart. Anything that is custom ordered costs more because it is custom tailored to the client’s individual specifications, increasing the degree of difficulty and requiring more time for production. When I explain it this way, customers are more likely to understand why the prices are different. Women especially understand the drapery analogy. We've all been there, and we all know what custom made drapes cost! I also remind them that spec paintings are priced lower because they are merely generic samples of my work, and are created to appeal to a broader audience rather than to any individual collector with more specific expectations and taste. These lower priced works of art do not contain the same level of detail and perfection as the custom ordered paintings. I gently suggest that if the price of a custom painted original is currently beyond their reach, then perhaps owning one of these less expensive paintings would be a more affordable alternative for them at this time.

Custom ordered commissions account for 80% of my sales of original paintings. Because I do so many commissions, I am usually fully booked a year or more in advance.  

When I inform potential clients of my waiting list, I also remind them that I raise my prices after the first of each year, however if they book their custom ordered painting now, they will lock in at the current price rate. This strategy helps me to maintain a steady schedule of commissions by encouraging potential customers to book well in advance, and not procrastinate. Additionally, the client gets excited at the prospect of purchasing a work of art from a “hot and popular artist”, and is pleased by the idea of saving money by ordering in advance. They also like the fact that my prices are pre-scheduled to rise annually, and therefore their purchase will likely also rise in value. Telling clients they are going to be on a waiting list often clinches the deal!  
 

I usually schedule around four paintings for each month, but some I schedule with more or less working time due to the size or complexity of the painting. For example, I have a couple of large commissions scheduled for January and February, and they are very complex so I scheduled each of them in a month all by them selves. I also figure into my schedule extra time to create paintings for juried shows, time to sell at art festivals, etc. For instance I know that October and April of each year I can't work in the studio at all because of my hectic seasonal exhibit schedule, and I also need to dedicate at least two solid months to creating paintings for juried shows, so I schedule the commissions around these times. If I finish a painting ahead of schedule I use the free time to either get an early start on the next scheduled commission, or to paint spec paintings to build up my inventory.  

The primary keys to guaranteeing successful commissions are clear communication with the client, advance agreement of services, and realistic scheduling. There is nothing inherently scary or mysterious about the process, nor is there any need for either the artist or the client to be confused by the proceedings or disappointed by the results. 

Commissions not only provide a reliable and steady source of income, they can also be downright enjoyable. 

###

Annie Strack earned Signature Membership from dozens of artist societies and she’s an Official Authorized Artist for the U.S. Coast Guard. Her art has received hundreds of awards and hangs in collections worldwide. She’s a popular juror for art competitions, and is a much sought after workshop instructor. Annie draws experience from her former career in corporate management to build a successful art career, and she shares her knowledge of business and marketing in her articles for Professional Artist magazine. Visit her at https://AnnieStrackArt.com