Here at La Luna Gallery we take care of each side, the client and the artist, to assure a professional, smooth communication with trust and openness for creative flow, to create your soul’s desires and dreams. 

" An artwork commission is when a client or art advisor approaches an artist to make a custom artwork specially for them, rather than buying an artwork that the artist had already created. When you commission a piece of art, you collaborate with the artist to develop ideas for the artwork – you may have a vision in mind, a purpose for commissioning art, or an intended place for the art commission, and you communicate this to the artist. The artist then creates custom art based on your preferences. “

So that the artist understands your expectations, take time to contemplate your aesthetic ideas. Are you inspired by a particular style, or wanting to convey a certain theme? Are you looking for an artist working with a specific material or technique? Do you have something specific in mind, or are you happy for the artist to have the freedom to creatively explore your proposed idea? Take into account logistics, timelines and budget as well as location and scale. Identify special requirements, such as durability against weather or resistance to damage in an area of high footfall.

Look at the evolution of their work and what art they are creating now, and assess if you can have a good working relationship

Once you begin working with an artist, take the time to understand their vision, materials and practice. If you recognize how their work has evolved, you are in a better position to understand the themes and trajectory of their interests, and discuss how their current practice can be relevant to your project. Working with an artist, rather than a manufacturer, relies upon forming a personal connection with the maker of your artwork. It is fundamentally important to assess whether you can work with the person themselves, and not just whether their art is suitable. For a successful commissioning process, you will have to be able to understand each other and have a good line of communication. Take time to visit the artist in their studio to assess their studio capacity, whilst getting as closer sense of how the artist works and how professional they are – after all, this will be a business contract with potentially quite a lot at stake.

Artists can build on your ideas, and understand their materials better than the client

Before the artist starts creating the artwork, artist and client should collaboratively develop ideas beyond the initial brief. Listen to the artist's insights and suggestions, as they have an intimate knowledge of the possibilities of their material, as well as being accustomed to developing intelligent concepts for artworks. In turn, be sure to openly put forward the ideas that you want to be explored, and express them clearly. Regardless of whether you have a preconceived idea of what you’re after or if you’re happy for the artist to interpret an open brief, it’s essential to allow the artist creative freedom as they develop the artwork. As they are not a manufacturer, there will always be nuances and subtleties to what they produce which will slightly differ from the initial sketches or their previous artworks. Remember that this is in fact the benefit of collaborating with an artist, as they can evolve the piece and make something unique to you.

Establish the specifications for your art commission, such as scale, finishes, colours, composition, materials, time-frames and budgets.

Once the concept is decided upon, establish the specifications for the artwork together with the artist. This includes deciding which materials will be used, what kind of finish will be achieved, and the color palette. You can also discuss the final composition for the artwork, using sketches to articulate ideas. Know your expectations, and respect the limitations of both the artist and their materials. At this stage, discuss the timelines for the project, setting milestones for when you would like to see reports on progress and receive samples. When setting the final deadline, take into consideration time for delivery and installation, as well as leaving room for any unexpected delays.

Ensuring client commitment, financial security for the artist, and protection against cancellations or unexpected changes.

A deposit not only demonstrates the client's commitment but also provides financial security for the artist. It serves as a safeguard against cancellations or modifications to the commission's scope. The deposit amount may vary depending on the artist's agreement and the overall cost of the artwork, with a typical deposit ranging from 30% to 50%.

There is no need to oversee every aspect of commissioning art, as the artist’s space should be respected, but decide upon when they will give you updates.

As the commission gets under way, give the artist adequate space. While management is important, respect that artists need time and space to make the work – if they feel like they are being over-managed, their creativity may feel stifled. Be in tune with how the piece is developing, but appreciate the artist’s way of working. It is also important to maintain your close working relationship with the artist and for you to take time to visit the studio at regular intervals. A successful way of managing the project is to establish milestones of when you will communicate. You will be assured through getting these updates, in whichever forms had been previously agreed – updates could come in the form of samples, photo documentation, or calls to fill in on progress. Artists often appreciate encouragement and support, which also makes them feel more comfortable to reach out should any new questions or concerns arise. Remember that many subtleties, effects and nuances in artworks cannot be captured by photography, so be sure to view the work in person in the studio before it is delivered.

Communicate with the artist on options for shipping, and how the artwork should be handled, and find suitable art specialists to fulfill this.

The highest level of care in shipping and installation is paramount, and often underestimated. By far the greatest risk of damage to the artwork comes in unpacking, handling and installing the artwork, and fixing any damage can be exceedingly expensive. To avoid this, communicate closely with the artist; they are likely in the best position to safely pack the artwork, so can advise on unpacking and any particular areas of fragility.Be honest about whether the people who have been assigned to handle the artwork can do so risk-free. It is advisable to hire an experienced art handler to unpack and install the artwork, as they have specialist training in how to ensure damage is limited. In addition, establish a thorough audit trail, so that it is clear who is responsible in case of damages. Ensure you have specific art insurance in place with a trusted company that will have you covered not matter what happens. The insurance cover should not only cover the replacement value of the artwork, but also the return shipping and any other associated costs you may incur.Shipping art internationally also demands preparations for the artwork to travel through customs and multiple shipments, so appropriate packing is especially crucial. Customs officials are also entitled to open the package, and may unwittingly damage the artwork or its packaging in the process. Be sure that the insurance for the artwork covers all eventualities.

Curate the artwork commission, considering view points and lighting, as well as practical maintenance.

Consider how the artwork can be curated within the space to maximize its effect. Examine different viewpoints, and how it is placed – wall art, for instance, should be at an optimal height, and not competing with too many other artworks on the same wall. Lighting is another make-or-break factor; no matter how well-executed the artwork, if it is not lit properly it can lack lustre and impact. Think about how existing light sources could bring the artwork to life, and consider potentially installing new lights to specially enhance the artwork. Key elements of the presentation also include frames or plinths. It’s essential that the frame or plinth is elegant and subtle, in keeping with both the piece itself and the design of the room. Specialist fixings may also need to be designed, in order to display the artwork safely and securely, without detracting from the artwork. Presenting artworks is a specialist practice, and often the artist is not in the best position to advise on the most effective and visually pleasing presentation solutions. A professional third-party can offer helpful input: an art technician or framer can give focused guidance on how to select or develop the presentation, in order to make the most out of the artwork.