Custom artwork: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What custom artwork is

A custom artist makes original pieces such as paintings, illustrations, murals or drawings made for a specific person, space or occasion. You work with the artist on the subject, size, style and medium before the piece is made.

Signs you need it

  • You want an original piece for a room or a special place in your home
  • You want a portrait of a pet, a home or a loved one in a style you choose
  • You want a mural or wall art for a business, a nursery or a community space
  • You want a gift that is unique and cannot be bought in a store
  • You want a piece that matches a color scheme, a theme or a brand

What the pro does

  • Asks about the subject, the size, the location and the style you have in mind
  • Reviews your reference photos, colors and any sketches you bring
  • Makes a sketch or a small color study for you to approve before the final work
  • Chooses the medium, surface and materials that suit the piece and its location
  • Creates the piece in the agreed stages, sending progress photos if you ask
  • Protects, packs or installs the finished work and gives you care notes

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size of the piece and the surface it is made on
  • The medium, such as acrylic, oil, watercolor, ink or mixed media
  • The level of detail and the number of figures or elements
  • The number of sketches and revisions before the final work
  • Whether a frame, protective coating or installation is included
  • Whether the piece is a commission for a specific space or a gift for another person

What a written quote should spell out

  • The subject, the size, the medium and the surface
  • The number of sketches and revisions included
  • Whether a frame, varnish or protective finish is included
  • The completion date and the delivery or installation terms
  • Who owns the artwork and whether reproductions are allowed

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can I see finished pieces in the style and size I want?
  • How many sketches will I see before the final work is started?
  • What medium do you recommend for the location, and how will it hold up?
  • Can I see progress photos while the piece is being made?
  • Who owns the artwork, and can I make prints or reproductions?
  • How do you protect the piece in transit or during installation?
  • What happens if I do not like the final piece?

Red flags

  • Starts the final work without a sketch or a color study you approved
  • Will not say who owns the artwork or whether you can reproduce it
  • Cannot show finished pieces in a style close to what you want
  • Pressures you to sign off before the progress photos are shared
  • No written terms for revisions and what happens if the piece is rejected

What you can do yourself

You can make a simple gift card, sketch or painting yourself, and use reference photos to guide the colors. Choose a medium that is easy to learn, such as watercolor or colored pencil, and practice on paper first. Hire a custom artist for a commissioned piece, a portrait, a mural or any work that must match a space, a brand or a memory that is important to you.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for custom artwork, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for a portfolio of finished commissions and proof of art training, and check local rules before painting a public mural.

Custom artwork questions

How long does a commissioned piece take?

It depends on the size, the medium and the number of revisions. Ask the artist for a timeline with dates for the sketch, the progress photos and the final piece.

Can the artist copy a photo I bring?

Many artists work from reference photos. Ask whether the photo's owner gave permission to use it, and whether the artist plans to change the composition or add details.

How should I hang or care for the finished piece?

Ask the artist for hanging and care steps for the medium. Keep work out of direct sun and away from moisture, and use the framing or glazing the artist suggests.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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