If you have always imagined owning something unique and original or like to be distinctive and stylish and can’t find what you are looking for on the high street then commissioning could be the way forward. 

If you are nervous about taking the next step and uncertain what is involved, here is an introduction to the key stages covering: what do you want, research, writing a brief, budgets, timeframe and communication.

Step 1  What do you want?

What is it for?  Where do you think the piece will sit/hang?  What medium are you interested in?  What style do you like – modern, traditional, contemporary?  What colours do you like?  How much can you afford to spend?  What materials would you like to use and can you afford them?   Remember, although a commissioned piece is likely to cost more than something that is mass produced it will be unique, original and high quality.

Step 2  Research

Research styles and ideas – use the craftscotland maker directory for ideas – and check to see if they do commissions and see the price range for their work.  If you want to see a maker’s work in person check our events listing to see if they are exhibiting anywhere or contact them to make an appointment to visit them.

Step 3  Write a brief & discuss your ideas

Write a brief for the maker and discuss it with them.  What space do you have available – photographs or sketches of the room and any architectural features can be useful.  Take along magazines or anything which might illustrate what you have in mind. Does it have to meet any practical purpose, ie, storage.  What do you need it for – is it purely decorative or does it also have a practical use?  What do you want to wear it with?

There will also be different things to consider for each medium and the maker should talk you through these.  For example, if it is ceramic, what finish do you want, if it is jewellery what metal do you want to use, and with textiles how do you want it to look, feel and be hung.

Step 4  Discuss the Budget and Get a Written Quotation
 
When you have agreed the remit with the maker agree the costs and get a written quotation.  Is there a design fee?  The materials and finish, such as the type of wood or amount of detailing in furniture, can make a difference to the cost so agree materials, size and finish.  Agree payments and expect to make an advance payment or deposit.  Agree when the work will be ready and when the total amount will be paid.

Step 5  Agree the Time Frame

Discuss the procedure and agree a time frame.  Do you get sketches and when?  Plan any appointments for viewing the work in progress. Can you make adjustments to the design before it is made? Agree the materials and finish.  Remember some things take more time than others to make. Also, the maker may have other work to do so you may be on a waiting list. 

Step 6  Communicate Regularly

Keep in touch with each other.   There needs to be trust on both sides, so don’t keep contacting them just to make sure everything is ok, but if you are worried about something get in touch.  Also, encourage the maker to let you know if there are any delays so you know what is happening.

Remember, because the process is about communication, there is the potential for misunderstandings and differing expectations by the commissioner and maker. Make sure you have thought the process through before proceeding and ensure all aspects are clarified in writing before you begin including the quotation, payment schedule, time frame etc. If you are worried about the legal issues you can find a draft contract for commissioning the work and for buying the finished work from the maker along with other useful advice on moral rights, right of refusal and copyright at www.artquest.org.uk/artlaw/contracts/commissionartist.htm

And finally……Enjoy it

The opportunity to commission a piece is an exciting experience and can be rewarding to both the maker and the individual.  As long as you are prepared, and keep communicating with each other,  you will become the owner of a unique and special piece of work which will bring hours of pleasure and will be the envy of your friends. 

 Print Discuss