FAQ: Commissions & Pricing

How do I commission a piece of art from you?

The process is easier than it seems and I will make the greatest effort to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. First, please contact me with what you are looking to do and we can discuss the particulars of the project together. It would be best if we could speak over the phone. I am also open to meeting clients in person if they live close enough to me. I usually work from a photograph provided by the client. Once we have agreed on the particulars of the commissioned piece, I will send a contract to the client for their review. Half of the agreed upon price is due with the signed contract and the remaining half is due upon completion and delivery of the work.

Which photograph should I choose?

I can work with any photo as long as it is a high-quality image. That means it must have a high resolution and not be blurred or screened in any way (unless that is the look you are trying to achieve!). I am more than happy to consult with you about staging your photo, poses, lighting…etc. If you live close enough to me (Belmont, MA) then I am more than will willing to meet with you in person to help in the process of taking and arranging the photo.

What media will you use?

All portraits are drawn on the highest quality paper. All of the portraits shown on this website were drawn on smooth, high weight, acid-free paper. Clients can choose different colors and surface textures, between a smooth surface or one that is more textured. Each create slightly different artistic effects and will need to be discussed during the initial phase of the commissioning process.

What “particulars” affect the pricing of a given commission?

This question relates mostly to portrait commissions and the short answer is that there are a number of factors that contribute to the unique price of a given commission. They are as follows:

  1. Size: most portraits I draw are between 12-15” high and 12-15” wide or some combination in between. That is the baseline I work from. All drawn (head and neck) portraits start at $1,200. If you want a larger size single subject portrait, we can discuss what that additional cost could be on an individual basis.

  2. Number of subjects in the portrait: depending on the size and complexity of the drawing being commissioned, the price will vary. Generally, each additional subject (head to mid neck) will be an additional $500. If you want each subject to have more than head and neck shown then it will include an additional cost.

  3. Amount of subject(s) body shown: Full body portraits of one or more subjects will be evaluated on an individual basis so that I can provide an accurate quote that matches the unique request of each client.

  4. Style: do you want a hyper realistic, smooth, nearly photographic style or one that is more abstract? My default approach is something I refer to as “abstract realism”. Again, each commission and client are different and, as such, they are evaluated individually.

  5. Speed of Delivery: If I am swamped with work and you need your commission earlier than the time I originally quoted, we could discuss an extra fee to rush delivery of the commission.

How long will it take for my commission to be completed?

The longest time I would ask anyone to wait is six months. That would be an extreme case as I am able to deliver most commissions much earlier. If I quote a six-month delivery time that means I am working at maximum capacity. It is possible to request a rush delivery for an additional cost. My ability to honor such a request depends on busy I am and the complexity of the work in question. I will do my best to meet your needs as best I can. ONE THING IS CERTAIN: I WILL NEVER BE LATE IN DELIVERING YOUR COMMISSION. Timely satisfaction of my client’s needs is paramount.

What if I want to make changes or not satisfied with the progress or finished product?

Obviously, the potential for miscommunication exists which is why I rely on a very strong and constant mode of communication with the client from the beginning to the end. I will periodically send images of the progress I’ve made so that we can avoid any disagreements over how the work is progressing. The point here is to avoid any surprises or any major points of disagreement upon delivery of the work. The client is encouraged to share their thoughts and input throughout the process and I will do my very best to meet your needs to the best of my ability. I’ve never had a dissatisfied client.

Will my commission include a frame?

No. You will receive the artwork in paper form, signed by the artist.

How will I receive my art?

I am willing to ship anywhere in the world. All shipping-related costs are additional. PLEASE NOTE: UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST IT, I WILL NEVER ROLL UP MY ARTWORK AND SEND IT IN A TUBE AS I CONSIDER IT A SACRILEGE. Therefore, if your commission is being shipped, it will be sent via the delivery service of your choice in a deluxe padded box (Link) to ensure your work is not damaged. If you are a local client (50 miles or less from Belmont, MA), I would be happy to meet with you and personally deliver the art free of charge. I welcome the chance to meet my clients and “unveil” the work to them for the first time.