![]() However, if you get approvals along the way and create to the specifications, but the collector doesn't appreciate the final, you should retain both the 50% down payment and the work with a right to sell. If you, as the artist, went off-spec and were unable to get the job done - refund the initial 50%. If you create enough commissioned work, a failure is bound to happen. There is a level of risk involved for any collector commissioning an artist, and this is something you should make clear from the onset. Provided you have created what the contract stipulated, you have held up your end of the transaction. You may find yourself in a situation where the piece is delivered, but the response is underwhelming. Communication from start-to-finish is paramount. A collector will expect a certain result, and it's up to the artist to deliver. The most important aspect of any commission is managing expectations. This shift is critical in an artist's development, and for this reason, the increase is justified. Not only are commissions difficult to navigate, they take up quite a bit of extra time versus a spec piece. However, as your market develops, this relationship should inverse, with commissions being more expensive. Accordingly, many artists, particularly those starting out, offer commissioned works at a lower price point. On one hand, a commission is guaranteed money. Remember, if the commission is private, it's not unreasonable to ask for additional compensation, as you will be spending a great deal of time on this piece, and sharing your work is a major component to business development. It's a good idea to let the collector decide whether or not you will have this privilege. Have this conversation up front to avoid any issues down the road. When a collector sees you are authentically busy, you build desirability and ultimately create a sense of urgency to schedule when the window opens.Ĭommissions can be sensitive, and the collector may not wish to share the process or final piece publicly through your site and/or social media. Beyond the site, keep your audience aware of any commission availability through social media. If you intend to offer commissions, make this information clear and visible on your website. Here is a link to a sample of my commission contract. Signatures: Ensure both parties sign, with each retaining an original copy. ![]() ![]() ![]() Retain Rights: For each work of art, reserve reproduction rights, as well as the right to exhibit the work with the collector's permission.Visual References: Always reference 1-2 similar works next to the proposed composition you intend to create (ideally, cropped exactly to-frame) these details will offer protection should any questions arise over the final product.Payment Terms: Standard protocol calls for 50% upon signing the contract, and 50% upon completion (prior to delivery) - never deliver a work of art until it is paid-in-full.Introduction: Define both parties (Artist and Collector) and clearly state the work to be created - specificity is important.Like traditional sales, all commissions should be done under contract. Wrapping Up: Clearly discuss the final payment, approval protocol and shipping strategy.In-Creation Process: Will you be sharing visual updates throughout the creation process? If so, let the collector know when they can expect updates and how they will be sent (jpeg by email every four days, etc.).Clearly outline what you require from the collector to begin (if it's a portrait of their spouse, include detailed image requirements "please send four or more clear images in a contrapposto stance, at least 1000 pixels wide"). Initial Creative Process: Elaborate on the minutia, including: gathering the source images and selecting the composition.Timeline: Cover everything - how long it will take to turn around the contract, a payment schedule, the deadlines for receiving materials from the collector, when you will have a compositional preview, how long it will take to create the work, define a clear approval process, discuss shipping options and provide an overall time estimate.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |