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Commissions And You!
17 years ago
The following is for all of you non-artists out there. Even some of the artists might want to take note. There is a little unspoken part of the process of commissioned or gift art. It is a minute detail, but a critical one. Attention paid to this step could mean the difference between you receiving a masterpiece or chickenscratch.
Here's the deal. Typically, when you've commissioned a piece of art, it is good practice for the artist to present a preliminary version for you to approve or suggest revisions to before they move into the permanent or final stages of the picture. Upon receiving this, the quality of your finished piece hinges upon your next move.
To receive a good picture, immediately express enthusiasm. This is key. If the first words from you after viewing the picture are positive, then the artist's mood might reflect that. Maybe you aren't really happy with this version of the picture - that's fine, but you should still pretend to be excited. It doesn't have to be genuine; this is social engineering. Your reaction reflects the artist's reaction.
Start out with a "Wow!" or "Very nice.", but wait a moment before launching into your list of changes. Perhaps you're a perfectionist and you'd like that your commission be ab-so-lute-ly perfect. Understandable. But presenting the artist with a laundry list of nitpicks will not win you masterpiece points. An irritated artist is an artist who'll half-ass your commission. Unless you paid three figures for this picture, you can probably let that sixth earring on your right ear or the misplaced spot on your left buttcheek slide.
When you do present your requested changes, do so in a friendly and suggestive manner. "I love it, but would you mind adding a pair of glasses?", "I really like the shirt you drew. Is there any way you could make it green instead of black?". If you treat the problems as if they are opportunities for change and not errors or oversights, the artist might be far more willing to accommodate you.
Finally, do not critique. There's another time and place for that. Unless the artist specifically asks for it, keep art suggestions relating to anything other than your commission to yourself. Many artists find unrequested critique impolite, and again, the artist's mood at this stage may very well reflect itself in your final product.
Follow the above and there's a good chance your requested art piece will turn out well. Make the wrong move at this stage, however, and don't be surprised if your commission doesn't turn out as well as it could have.
Here's the deal. Typically, when you've commissioned a piece of art, it is good practice for the artist to present a preliminary version for you to approve or suggest revisions to before they move into the permanent or final stages of the picture. Upon receiving this, the quality of your finished piece hinges upon your next move.
To receive a good picture, immediately express enthusiasm. This is key. If the first words from you after viewing the picture are positive, then the artist's mood might reflect that. Maybe you aren't really happy with this version of the picture - that's fine, but you should still pretend to be excited. It doesn't have to be genuine; this is social engineering. Your reaction reflects the artist's reaction.
Start out with a "Wow!" or "Very nice.", but wait a moment before launching into your list of changes. Perhaps you're a perfectionist and you'd like that your commission be ab-so-lute-ly perfect. Understandable. But presenting the artist with a laundry list of nitpicks will not win you masterpiece points. An irritated artist is an artist who'll half-ass your commission. Unless you paid three figures for this picture, you can probably let that sixth earring on your right ear or the misplaced spot on your left buttcheek slide.
When you do present your requested changes, do so in a friendly and suggestive manner. "I love it, but would you mind adding a pair of glasses?", "I really like the shirt you drew. Is there any way you could make it green instead of black?". If you treat the problems as if they are opportunities for change and not errors or oversights, the artist might be far more willing to accommodate you.
Finally, do not critique. There's another time and place for that. Unless the artist specifically asks for it, keep art suggestions relating to anything other than your commission to yourself. Many artists find unrequested critique impolite, and again, the artist's mood at this stage may very well reflect itself in your final product.
Follow the above and there's a good chance your requested art piece will turn out well. Make the wrong move at this stage, however, and don't be surprised if your commission doesn't turn out as well as it could have.
