Artist to Artist Challenge: Tip #19 Asking Questions for Commissioned Artwork

While I might not always ask every single question on this list, I’ve found that most of them are invaluable in understanding the scope and specifics of a project. Here’s a list of questions that I use, and I hope they inspire other artists to develop their own approach to client inquiries. If you have any additional questions you like to ask during the initial inquiry phase of a commission, please share them in the comments below. This kind of resource can be especially helpful for any artist just starting out in creating custom artwork.

Questions to Understand the Scope of a Commissioned Painting

• General Vision and Purpose
  • Can you describe the overall vision you have for the painting?
  • What is the primary purpose of this painting? (e.g., a gift, a personal piece, a decoration for a specific space)

• Subject Matter and Theme
  • What is the subject of the painting? (e.g., portrait, landscape, abstract)
  • Are there any specific themes or stories you want the painting to convey?

• Size and Dimensions
  • What size and dimensions are you envisioning for the painting?
  • Do you have a specific space where you plan to display this piece?

• Color Palette
  • Do you have a specific color palette in mind?
  • Are there any colors you want to avoid?

• Composition and Elements
  • Are there specific elements or details you want included in the painting? (e.g., certain objects, backgrounds, or features)
  • Is there anything you definitely do not want in the painting?

• Emotional Tone and Mood
  • What kind of emotional tone or mood do you want the painting to evoke?
  • Are there any particular feelings or memories you want the painting to capture?

• Budget and Timeline
  • What is your budget for this commission?
  • Do you have a specific deadline or timeline for when you need the painting completed?

• Ongoing Communication
  • How would you prefer to communicate throughout the process? (e.g., email, phone, in-person meetings)
• Additional References
  • Do you have any photos, sketches, or other reference materials that could help convey your vision?
• Background Information
  • Is there any background information about the subject (if it’s a portrait) or context (if it’s a scene) that would help me understand better?

Final Thoughts

Having a structured list of questions can significantly enhance the initial communication with your client, ensuring that you capture their vision accurately and create a piece of art that they will cherish. These questions help to clarify expectations, prevent misunderstandings, and build a strong foundation of trust between you and your client.

I invite you to share your own experiences and any additional questions you find helpful during the initial inquiry phase of commissioning a painting. Let’s create a valuable resource together for artists who are just starting their journey in creating custom artwork.

Happy painting and happy listening!

Linda

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