The Art of Listening: A Crucial Skill for Commission Artists
Hello and welcome back to our challenge for artists. In this challenge I’m hoping to inspire and motivate not just me but my fellow artists in ways to improve our skills – both artistically and business skills. As a commission painter with over a decade of experience in creating commissioned paintings. Today, I want to share something that I’ve found to be indispensable in my career— the art of listening.
Jack Canfield, in his book “The Success Principles,” beautifully articulates the essence of listening. He writes, “there is a big difference between hearing that is simply receiving communication and truly listening. Listening is the art of paying thoughtful attention with a mind toward understanding the complete message being delivered. Unlike simply hearing someone’s words, listening requires maintaining eye contact, watching the person’s body language, asking for clarification, and listening for the unspoken message.”
As commission artists, we must hone this skill to build successful and meaningful relationships with our clients. Often, especially for first-time clients, they might struggle to find the exact words or terminology to describe their vision. It falls upon us to bridge this communication gap and bring their ideas to life on canvas.
Why Listening Matters
Listening goes beyond just hearing the words our clients speak. It involves understanding their emotions, desires, and expectations. When a client commissions a piece, they are entrusting us with their vision, and it’s our responsibility to interpret it accurately. Effective listening can prevent misunderstandings, ensure satisfaction, and ultimately lead to a stronger, more trusting client-artist relationship.
Bridging the Communication Gap
Here are a few strategies I’ve found effective in improving my listening skills and enhancing communication with clients:
- Maintain Eye Contact: This shows your client that you are fully engaged and interested in what they have to say. It helps build a connection and trust.
- Watch Body Language: Non-verbal cues can tell you a lot about what your client is feeling. Are they excited, anxious, unsure? Understanding these cues can help you respond more empathetically.
- Ask Clarifying Questions: Never hesitate to ask follow-up questions. If a client says they want something “bright and lively,” ask them what colors or scenes come to mind. Get as specific as possible.
- Listen for the Unspoken Message: Sometimes, what a client doesn’t say is as important as what they do. Pay attention to their tone, hesitations, and enthusiasm.
- Summarize and Reflect: After listening, repeat back what you’ve understood in your own words. This not only shows that you’ve been listening but also allows the client to correct any misunderstandings.
Navigating Phone Conversations
Sometimes, when I’m talking to my clients for the first time, it’s over the phone rather than in person. Without the benefit of visual cues, it’s even more critical to listen carefully and ask the right questions. Here are some tips for effective listening over the phone:
- Take Notes: Jot down key points as the client speaks. This helps you keep track of important details and shows that you are taking their input seriously.
- Use Verbal Affirmations: Simple phrases like “I see,” “I understand,” or “That makes sense” can reassure the client that you are actively engaged in the conversation.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the client to elaborate on their ideas. Questions like “Can you describe that in more detail?” or “What feeling are you hoping the painting will convey?” can provide deeper insights.
- Clarify and Confirm: Repeat back what the client has said in your own words to ensure you have understood correctly. This also gives the client a chance to make any corrections or additions.
- Listen for Tone and Emotion: Pay close attention to the client’s tone of voice and emotional cues. These can often reveal more about their true desires and concerns than their words alone.
Learning from Experience
There was a time early in my career when I received a commission for a pet portrait. The client gave me a brief description, and I thought I understood what they wanted. I dived into the project with enthusiasm but without asking enough clarifying questions. When I presented the painting, the client was disappointed—it wasn’t what they had envisioned at all. I realized I had failed to truly listen. From that moment, I learned the importance of asking the right questions and ensuring I had a complete understanding of the client’s vision.
Final Thoughts
Listening is an art in itself, one that we, as commission artists, must master to ensure our clients’ visions are brought to life in the way they imagine. As Jack Canfield aptly puts it, listening requires thoughtful attention and a genuine desire to understand the complete message.
I leave you with this encouraging quote by Stephen R. Covey: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” As artists, let us strive to be the exception.
Have you had any experiences with listening to a client that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear your stories and insights. How do you ensure you truly understand your client’s vision?
In my next blog post Tip #19 I’ll share a list of questions I like to ask when it comes to discussing a commissioned painting.
Happy painting and happy listening!
Linda
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