How to Commission an Original Artwork: A Plain English Guide

Most people who want a commissioned piece of art never ask for one.

Not because they don't want it. It's moreso, that they're not sure how it works, and they don't want to get it wrong. They worry about wasting someone's time, or not knowing the right language, or asking for something and ending up with something else entirely.

I have been commissioned for forty years. Hotel lobbies, private collections, children's books, branded illustration, large-scale retail art. And in my experience, the people who hesitate longest are often the ones with the clearest idea of what they want. They just need someone to make the process feel straightforward.

So here it is.

Al Khozama Hotels Branded design for their 6 elevators in their KAUST hotel, complimenting their existing decor and designs.

You tell me what you're after.

A rough idea is enough. A photograph. A painting. An illustration for a hotel, a children's book, a branded collection. You don't need to have everything worked out before you get in touch. That's what the conversation is for.

We talk through the brief.

I'll ask about the space, the audience, the feeling you want the work to create and to find out what your non-negotiables are for inclusion in the piece. This is where I work out whether I'm the right person for the project too. Forty years of commissioned illustration means I can tell you honestly what will work and what won't.

You receive a proposal.

A written outline of what I'm going to make, why, and what it costs. No surprises, no ambiguity. Every project runs through a structured workflow, and from the initial brief through to final delivery you have your own client portal where all of our emails, contracts, invoices, design briefs, revision stages and approvals all live in one place. Even your entire project is mapped out on a task board including deliverables as the project progresses including dates and anything you need to do (approvals etc) so you always know exactly where things are at.

I make it.

With the level of attention that comes from doing this for four decades. You get updates along the way, and you get a final piece that isn't only made to last. I have a proven record of creating art that is meaningful and resonates with your audience. They will want to take it home and keep it on display.

The work starts with a conversation. If you have something in mind, get in touch.

Some other commissions for a wide variety of needs, from Jeddah based influences, schools, gifts, and VIP plates.