Art is not something you are born with. Art is something you learn. When in school, you learnt how to form letters and write words. Before school you learnt how to talk and walk. There isn’t much in this world that you haven’t had to learn. For those who have not as yet had a chance to learn how to create art or who would only ever like to appreciate the final work, commissioning can be an easy option for getting the image you want and not having to fret about the potential mess created by your efforts. Commissioning is for those who would like to fill that space on their wall with a piece straight from their own mind but don’t know how to wield a brush or pencil in an artistic manner.

Finding an idea for a commissioned piece is like putting on the mantle of an artist. The idea has to be one that can be translated into a solid medium successfully. Some thoughts you have are more like stories and need words, others need sounds while yet others need pictures and sculptures. Emotional ties can be expressed by art either through a picture of the one you care for whether friend, family or pet. Thoughts about the world can be made into artworks by recreating events and places. Political viewpoints can be expressed by the mood of a scene or a blatant statement. Social comments can look like a landscape of a picture of people picnicking. And then you have the fun and quirky artworks that are an expression of the things that make you giggle while walking through a crowd, your love of a cartoon or of an activity. A lot of ideas can be translated into artworks but some need the writers pen or the producers camera crew.

The idea is yours but the artwork has to be created by the artist. To convey your idea you can use other examples, photos, sketches and descriptions. The style of your choice can be conveyed in the same way but the artist will have to be able to work in this manner for the final piece to be successful. Choose your artist by looking at their previous works but especially at any that are currently exhibiting. You can approach any artist regarding commissioning artworks but not all will accept the offer as some artists work best from their own thoughts and emotions. Translating other people’s ideas can be uncomfortable; like wearing other people’s clothes. The idea just won’t fit, the concept is too rough or broad, the style too constricting. Each artist will make the decision based on their previous experiences, their expertise and whether they would like to complete a work for someone else. Do not be offended or put off if your offer is rejected. You likely just need to find another artist.

Once you find an artist willing to take on the project you have in mind, discuss options with the artist to find out if a different way of approaching your idea will work out better. Colours, textures, the location you wish the work to be placed, style, layout and other issues should all be discussed in order for the concept to be finalised. This process should be conducted in order for the final work to be exactly what you are after. Once these negotiations are finalised the artist will set to work. If your idea has been conveyed well, you will end up with the perfect artwork for your home once the artist has completed the piece.

Happy thinking.