Draw Me Something!

Handmade art always takes time. It takes skill. It takes a horrendous number of mistakes.  It takes sleepless nights and years of practice.

No one wakes up one day and just says “oh, I know! I’ll become a talented artist today!” Yeah, that’s not how it works. It takes a lifetime to earn the skills.  The amount of patience that’s required is more than the “average person” can spare.

When you commission an artist to create something special. You know, something *just* for you… This artist is taking a portion of his/her life and dedicating it 100% to you. That artist’s entire world revolves around only you at that moment. Nothing else exists… sometimes not even the realization that the artist also need to eat… Absolute commitment goes into making you happy. Or, at least as much as possible.

Messaging an artist with the “maybe I will commission you” line will result in an artist who is reluctant to follow-up on the notion.

There are a few things you can do before you send the first message.

Check out artists’ work.

Do you like their work?  Awesome!  Share it, comment on it, make sure the artist knows.  You can virtually support an artist, without commissioning, just by getting the word around about his/her art.  It’s really appreciated.  Look around at different artists.  No one has the exact same style.

Research your potential artists.

Make a list, if you need to.  Find their commission information.  If you can’t find it, you can ask for it.  Most artists are happy to hear someone is interested in their work.  But, sometimes, an artist doesn’t take commissions.  And that’s ok!  Just carry on with your research.

Save up some money!

This part is IMPORTANT.  An artwork is part of an artist’s soul and well worth what that artist charges. If you want to purchase an artwork, be sure you save up a couple of hundred bucks before you even start asking. That way, you won’t be startled by the price you are given.  Always save before speaking to an artist.  That way, you can always say “Hey!  I have that much!” or “I am almost there!”

And be ready to pay all or part of it up front.  There is nothing worse than starting a commissioned work and the client deciding they don’t have enough to pay for it.

There is no greater joy to an art enthusiast than to see that wonderful work of art in person for the first time. When everything works out for the artist and the client, it makes for a great experience for everyone. Enjoy your new art!

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