The Commissioning Process

One of the craftsman's most pleasurable experiences is to be able to provide her clients with a piece of furniture that is exactly what they want - the right kind of wood, the ideal size, shape, style, color, and personality - to create something that will be handed down through the generations. Sometimes it's nearly impossible to stumble across exactly what it is you're looking for, and that can be frustrating. Many people are unaware of how easy and rewarding it is to work with an artist and together create that perfect piece. Only you know your likes and dislikes, as well as your personal situation. The artist, however, may be able to guide your decisions by offering creative solutions, not to mention putting a little twist on things to make your piece unique and extra special. The best part is that you can continue to have a dialogue with the artist as your project takes form.

The commissioning process begins with an initial consultation, where artist and client discuss ideas, materials, the desired look, rough dimensions and budget considerations. Sometimes the client provides sketches of his or her ideas, or may show photos that have inspired an earlier work. Depending on the scope of the project, the initial consultation should provide enough information that the artist can begin drawing/designing the work and come up with an estimate of the cost. Sometimes the initial consultation happens in the studio, or sometimes the artist will take a trip to the site to get the measurements and feel of the space for which the work is being created.

In the second meeting, the client and artist nail down their objectives and look over more specific drawings and samples of materials. The purpose of this meeting is to review the artist's drawings, making any necessary changes with the intent to O.K. them so that building can begin. A contract is then signed that states the specifications, cost and estimated time for completion of the job. A deposit in the amount of fifty percent of the job cost is usually necessary for work to commence. This allows the artist to start buying materials and is the initial payment on the job.

Next is the building process. During this phase clients are certainly invited to stop by the studio to examine their work in progress. Depending on the scale of the project and the certainty of the design, a client may want to check in more than once. The level of involvement changes with each client. Some people want to be actively engaged, while others confidently elect to leave everything up to the artist, trusting her judgement. The decision is yours. Once your piece is completed, it can be picked up or delivered, or it may need to be installed. The client and artist then go over the work to make sure that everything is as it should be, and the artist is paid the balance due on the job. The important thing to keep in mind is that you are commissioning this work: the process is flexible and can be designed around your needs. Communication is a vital part of the process, so don't be afraid to ask about anything!