How to Request a Custom Art Commission: Step by Step Guide

Benjamin Therrien

Aug 2

9 min read

Commissioning art should feel exciting, not awkward. You’re asking an artist to create something personal, maybe something that will hang in your home for years, become part of a collection, or mark a meaningful moment. A little clarity at the start makes the whole process smoother for everyone.

The best part is that you don’t need to know all the “right” art words. You just need to share what you like, what you’re hoping for, and any details that matter. A good artist can help shape the idea from there.

This guide walks through how to request a commission, what information to include, how timelines usually work, and what to expect from payment to final delivery.

Start with a clear idea of what you want

Before reaching out, spend a bit of time thinking about the piece itself. It doesn’t have to be fully planned. In fact, most commissions start with a mix of clear preferences and open questions.

Try to answer these three things first:

What is the subject?

A portrait, pet, landscape, still life, abstract piece, favourite place, family home, or something symbolic.

Where will it go?

A living room, hallway, office, bedroom, cottage, gallery wall, or private collection.

How do you want it to feel?

Calm, bold, nostalgic, playful, elegant, moody, warm, minimal, dramatic, or bright.

That “feeling” part matters more than people think. Two paintings of the same lake can feel completely different. One might be soft and misty, while another feels colourful and full of movement. If you can describe the mood, the artist can make better creative choices.

If this is your first time requesting Commission Artwork, don’t worry about having every detail perfect. The goal is to give the artist enough direction to understand your vision, while leaving room for their style and skill.

Choose the right artist for the piece

A custom commission works best when the artist’s existing work already feels close to what you love. If you want a loose, expressive portrait, choose someone who paints that way. If you want a detailed watercolour of a historic home, look for an artist who has shown they can capture architecture and fine details.

Spend time looking at:

Recent portfolio pieces
Past commissions, if available
Colour choices and brushwork
Subject matter they return to often
Size and format of their finished work

You’re not looking for someone who can copy another artist. You’re looking for someone whose style naturally fits your idea.

A helpful question to ask yourself is this: “If the finished piece looked like it belonged in this artist’s portfolio, would I be happy?” If the answer is yes, you’re likely in the right place.

Prepare the key details before you send your inquiry

A strong first message saves time and prevents back-and-forth confusion. You don’t need to write a novel, but include the basics so the artist can understand the scope of the project.

Here’s what to gather before you reach out.

Share the size you have in mind

Size affects the price, timeline, framing, shipping, and how much detail can fit into the artwork.

If you know the exact size, include it. For example:

40 cm by 50 cm
61 cm by 76 cm
24 in by 36 in

If you don’t know the exact size, describe the space where the piece will hang. A photo of the wall can help, especially if there’s furniture nearby for scale.

You can also say something like:

“I’m looking for a medium-sized piece for above a console table, probably around 60 cm wide, but I’m open to your suggestion.”

That gives the artist a practical starting point without locking you into one format too early.

Describe the subject matter

Be specific about what or who should appear in the piece.

For portraits, mention how many people or pets are included. For landscapes, describe the place, season, weather, and any favourite details. For abstract work, share the colours, mood, and inspiration behind the piece.

Helpful subject details include:

Number of people, animals, objects, or buildings
Whether the piece is based on one photo or several
Any details that must be included
Any details that should be left out
The overall mood or story behind the piece

If the commission is a gift, say so. Artists can often help make the piece feel more personal without making it overly literal.

Explain the style you’re drawn to

Style can be hard to describe, so use plain language. You don’t need art school vocabulary.

Try words like:

Soft and painterly
Detailed and realistic
Loose and expressive
Modern and simple
Colourful and bold
Warm and natural
Moody and dramatic
Light and airy

You can also point to specific pieces in the artist’s own portfolio. For example:

“I love the colour palette in your lake painting from last autumn, and I like the soft edges in your floral pieces.”

That’s much clearer than sending ten unrelated images from the internet. Artist portfolio references help because they show what you admire in the artist’s own work.

Mention your budget range

Talking about budget can feel uncomfortable, but it’s genuinely useful. Artists usually price commissions based on size, materials, time, detail, and delivery needs.

You don’t need to guess the exact final price. A range is enough.

For example:

“My budget is around $800 to $1,200 CAD. Is there a size or format that would work within that range?”

This lets the artist suggest options that fit. They might recommend a smaller piece, a simpler composition, a study on paper, or a payment plan.

If an artist’s pricing is outside your range, it’s better to know early. No hard feelings, just clarity.

Include your deadline if there is one

If the piece is for a birthday, anniversary, holiday, exhibition, or moving date, share that right away.

Custom artwork takes time. The artist may need to plan the piece, gather materials, prepare sketches, create the final work, allow it to dry or cure, frame it if needed, package it, and ship it.

A tight deadline doesn’t always mean the commission is impossible, but it may affect:

Whether the artist can accept the project
The size or complexity of the piece
Shipping method
Rush fees, if the artist offers them

If there’s no deadline, say that too. Flexibility can make the process more relaxed.

Send a friendly first message

Your inquiry doesn’t need to be perfect. A warm, clear message is enough.

Here’s a simple template you can adapt:

Hi, I’d love to ask about a custom art commission. I’m interested in a piece featuring [subject], in a [style or mood] style. I’m thinking about [size], and my budget is around [$ amount CAD]. The piece would be for [space or occasion], and I’d ideally need it by [date], if possible. I’m happy to send reference photos and talk through options. Please let me know if this sounds like a good fit.

That message gives the artist enough to respond with helpful next steps.

If you’re contacting an artist through their website or commission form, fill out every required section as clearly as you can. If you’re reaching out by email, keep the subject line simple, such as “Custom commission inquiry” or “Portrait commission request.”

Send strong reference photos when needed

Reference photos are often one of the most important parts of a commission. This is especially true for portraits, pet portraits, homes, and specific places.

Good reference photos are:

Clear and well-lit
Taken from a useful angle
Close enough to show important details
True to the colours you want represented
Not heavily filtered
Shared with permission, if someone else took them

For a portrait, send several images if you can. One photo might show the best expression, while another shows hair colour, eye colour, clothing, or posture more clearly.

For a home or landscape, include wide shots and detail shots. If a certain tree, doorway, flower bed, cottage dock, or skyline matters, point it out.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which photo is best. Send a small selection and ask the artist which one would translate well into the artwork.

Review the artist’s proposal

Once the artist understands the project, they’ll usually reply with a proposed plan. This may include the size, medium, price, estimated timeline, payment terms, and what’s included in the process.

Read this carefully before saying yes.

Common proposal details include:

Detail	What to check
Size	Confirm the dimensions fit your wall or collection plan
Medium	Make sure you understand whether it’s oil, acrylic, watercolour, drawing, or another format
Price	Check whether tax, framing, and shipping are included
Timeline	Ask when sketches, progress updates, and delivery might happen
Revisions	Confirm how many changes are included and when they can be requested
Delivery	Ask how the finished piece will be packaged, shipped, or picked up

If anything is unclear, ask before paying the deposit. Artists would much rather answer questions early than untangle confusion later.

Understand the timeline from start to finish

Every artist works differently, and timing depends on the size and complexity of the piece. That said, most custom commissions follow a similar path.

Stage	What happens	Typical timing
Initial inquiry	You share your idea, size, budget, deadline, and references	A few days for discussion
Proposal and quote	The artist confirms the plan and price	A few days to 1 week
Deposit	You pay the first portion to reserve the project	Before work begins
Sketch or concept	The artist shares a rough direction, if this is part of their process	1 to 3 weeks
Final artwork	The artist creates the finished piece	Several weeks or longer
Review	You see photos of the completed artwork	Near completion
Final payment	You pay the remaining balance	Before delivery or pickup
Delivery	The artwork is shipped, delivered, or picked up	Depends on location and shipping method

Some artists work faster, and some book months ahead. Larger pieces, oil paintings, detailed portraits, and framed works often need more time.

If you’re commissioning for a special date, start early. For holiday gifts, spring weddings, milestone birthdays, or anniversary pieces, reach out well in advance. A thoughtful commission is worth giving room to breathe.

Know how payment usually works

Most artists ask for a deposit before starting. This protects their time and materials, and it confirms that you’re serious about the project.

Common payment structures include:

Deposit and final balance

You pay part upfront, then the rest before delivery.

Split payments

The total is divided into two or more scheduled payments.

Full payment upfront

Sometimes used for smaller commissions or limited commission openings.

Payment plan

Some artists offer this for larger works, often with the artwork delivered after the final payment.

In Canada, payments might be accepted by e-transfer, credit card, online invoice, cheque, or another method the artist uses. Ask what works best and whether taxes, shipping, and framing are included in the quoted price.

Also ask about cancellation terms. Since commissions are custom, deposits are often non-refundable once the artist begins work. Policies vary, so it’s better to know before you commit.

Give feedback at the right time

Feedback is part of the process, but timing matters.

If the artist shares a sketch or early concept, that’s the best moment to request changes to layout, pose, composition, or major details. Once the final piece is nearly finished, big changes may be difficult or impossible.

Helpful feedback is specific and kind.

Instead of saying:

“Something feels off.”

Try:

“Could the figure be slightly more centred?” “I’d love the background to feel warmer.” “Can the dog’s ears be a bit closer to the reference photo?”

Artists want you to love the piece. Clear comments help them get there.

At the same time, trust the artist’s eye. You hired them for their style, so leave space for their judgment on colour, balance, texture, and composition.

Confirm framing, care, and delivery details

Before the piece is sent or picked up, confirm the final practical details.

Ask about:

Whether the artwork comes framed or unframed
Hanging hardware, if included
How to care for the piece
Whether it should be kept out of direct sunlight
Shipping method and tracking
Insurance during shipping
Pickup or delivery options
Any paperwork, such as a receipt or certificate

For collectors, documentation matters. Keep the invoice, artist details, title of the work, date completed, medium, dimensions, and any care notes. This helps with your own records and can be useful for insurance or future collection planning.

If the piece is being shipped nationwide, packaging is especially important. Original art should be protected properly for the medium and size. A canvas, framed watercolour, and work on paper all need different handling.

Keep communication warm and simple

A commission is a creative partnership. The experience feels better when both sides know what to expect.

A few small habits make a big difference:

Reply within a reasonable time, especially when the artist is waiting on approval.
Say clearly when you’re happy with a sketch or direction.
Ask questions early if something feels unclear.
Avoid sending new ideas halfway through unless you’re open to extra time or cost.
Let the artist know when the finished piece arrives safely.

You don’t need to manage every detail. Just stay engaged enough that the project can keep moving.

Your commission request checklist

Before you send your inquiry, make sure you’ve included the essentials.

Subject matter

What the artwork should show or be inspired by.

Preferred size

Exact dimensions or a general size range.

Style and mood

A few words that describe the feeling you want.

Reference images

Clear photos or links to the artist’s own pieces you admire.

Budget range

A realistic amount in CAD, if you have one.

Deadline

The date you need it by, or a note that there’s no rush.

Display plans

Where the piece will live and whether framing matters.

Delivery location

The city or province, so shipping or pickup can be discussed.

The more thoughtful your request, the easier it is for the artist to guide you toward a piece that fits your space, taste, and collection.

What a successful commission feels like

A good commission process doesn’t feel mysterious. It feels clear, collaborative, and exciting. You know what the artist needs from you. The artist knows what you’re hoping for. Payment, timing, revisions, and delivery are talked through before the work begins.

The finished piece should feel like a meeting point between your idea and the artist’s hand. That’s what makes custom art so special. It carries a story, but it also carries the mark of someone who made it just for you.

Start with a clear message, share the details you already know, and stay open to the artist’s guidance. That’s the easiest way to turn an idea into a piece you’ll be proud to live with, collect, and enjoy for years.