What is Commissioned Art? Definition, Cost, Process, and Rights

An original is one of a kind. A print is a copy. Ready-made art is someone else’s story.

If you want a piece that says “you,” commission it. We’ll show you how the process works, what it costs, and what to expect. At Photo2Painting, we handle commissions every day, so you’re in safe hands.

What is Commissioned Art? - Meaning

Commissioned art is custom artwork you hire an artist to create for you. You share an idea or a reference photo. The artist makes a one-of-a-kind piece to your brief.

It’s not a print or a ready-made piece. It’s made for you, from scratch. You choose the subject, size, and medium. You agree on the style and timeline. You get updates, give feedback, and approve before it’s finished.

People commission portraits, pet paintings, wedding scenes, family homes, favorite places, and brand pieces. It’s a simple way to turn a memory or story into real art. See some of the art commissioned from our artists, 

Quick note on rights in the US: you own the physical artwork. The artist usually keeps the copyright unless your contract says otherwise. If you need to reproduce the art, ask for a license or an assignment in writing.

“Art is power. It can influence perception, opinion and values.” - Nina Baldwin.

History of Art Commissions

The history of art commissions goes way back. In the past, kings, queens, and other powerful and rich people often commissioned art.

They would ask famous artists to create paintings and sculptures that often showed important people or events, or sometimes just beautiful scenes. This was how many artists in the past made their living, and it's why we have so many beautiful and famous artworks today.

During those days, commissioning art was a way for the rich to show off their wealth and power, but it was also an important way to preserve history and tell stories.

Art commissions today aren't just for the wealthy and powerful. Everyone can hire an artist to create something unique for them. This makes art more personal and special for everyone.

“Artists in the Renaissance did not make art without the support and purpose that was provided by a patron.” - Rebecca McInerney.

How the Process of Commissioning Art Works

Commissioning art has become very simple with the internet. You choose a subject, pick a medium, find the right artist, agree on scope, then move through sketch, painting, and delivery. Expect a deposit, a few planned check-ins, and clear approvals. Keep everything in writing.

1) Pick the Subject and Gather References

Think about the story you want to show. A person, pet, place, object, or a mix.

• Use clear, high-resolution photos in natural light.

• For portraits, eyes in focus. Include a close-up and a full view.

• For groups, send separate photos and say who goes where.

• Add context: mood, background ideas, colors, and where it will hang.

• If photos are old or low quality, send extras so the artist can cross-check details.

Checklist: subject, 3 to 6 strong photos, wall size, preferred colors, deadline.

2) Choose the Medium and Size

Match the medium to the vibe, budget, and timing.

• Oil: rich texture, classic look, longer timeline because of drying. At Photo2Painting, oil paintings are the most popular.

• Acrylic: bold color, durable, faster than oil.

• Watercolor: soft feel, budget friendly, quick turnaround.

• Charcoal or graphite: elegant black and white, fast.

• Digital: flexible edits, very fast, easy to print on paper or canvas.

Pick a portrait size that fits your wall and common frame sizes. Decide canvas vs paper.

Tip: tight deadline or gift date soon? choose watercolor, charcoal, or digital.

3) Find Artists Who Fit Your Style

Look where the style lives.

• Search marketplaces, gallery sites, Instagram and TikTok, local galleries, art schools.

• Shortlist 3 to 5 artists who already work in the style you want.

• Check recent portfolio work, reviews, and sample prices.

• Look for consistent results and clear examples similar to your subject.

Red flags: very few real photos, no recent work, vague pricing, no contract.

4) Request Quotes with a Clear Brief

Make it easy to quote accurately.

• Send a short message: subject, size, medium, deadline, references, budget range, and any rights you need.

• Ask for a written commission proposal that lists scope, total price, timeline, deposit, check-ins, included revisions, framing, shipping, and rights.

Example line: “Portrait of two people, 16×20 in acrylic, calm mood, soft background, gift date June 20. Two revision rounds at sketch stage. Personal display rights only.”

5) Compare and Choose

Balance fit, clarity, and timing.

• Compare style match, communication, price, and schedule.

• Read the contract. Look for payment schedule, revision limits, delivery terms, and a simple cancelation or kill fee.

• If unsure, ask for two client references or more recent examples.

Pick the artist who clearly understands your brief and timeline.

6) Pay the Deposit and Set Milestones

Most commissions start with a 30 to 50 percent deposit.

• Agree on milestones: concept sketch or digital preview, progress update, final approval.

• Confirm what counts as a minor vs major change.

• Confirm where feedback will happen and when.

7) Approve the Concept

This is where you shape the piece.

• Give specific notes: pose, crop, background, color tweaks.

• Keep feedback in one message per round for clarity.

• Use your included revision rounds here. Big changes later can add time and cost.

8) Production and Updates

The artist creates the work.

• Expect updates at agreed points.

• Stay consistent with feedback and keep your reference photos handy.

• If a delay happens, ask for a new date and what will change, if anything.

9) Final Approval and Balance

Review the final images carefully.

• Check likeness, colors, and any details you requested.

• Approve or request last small tweaks if included.

• Pay the remaining balance once approved.

10) delivery and aftercare

Plan the handoff.

• Confirm packaging, shipping with tracking, and insurance for high-value pieces.

• Ask about framing options and care tips.

• Keep a photo of the final work and a copy of your agreement.

Care basics: avoid direct sun and high humidity. Follow varnish or glazing advice.

Direct Artist VS Using a Platform or Agent

• Use a platform, gallery, or agent when you want vetted artists, secure payments, clear policies, and help if something goes wrong. Helpful if you are short on time.

• Go direct when you love a specific artist’s voice, have flexible timing, and are comfortable managing the brief, contract, shipping, and rights yourself.

One Last Thing: Rights - Who Owns the Artwork?

Put rights in writing.

• You own the physical artwork.

• The artist usually owns copyright unless a license or assignment says otherwise.

• If you plan prints, ads, or merch, ask for a license that states where and how you can use the image.

• Ask whether the artist may share the work in their portfolio or social posts.

What Factors Affect the Price of Commissioned Art?

The price of custom art can vary widely based on several key factors. Understanding these can help in anticipating the price range for a commissioned piece.

If you want a detailed breakdown, refer to our article about the cost of commissioned art.

Is a Commission Right For You?

A commission is a good fit when you want the art to say “you.”

Great fit if:

• You want a personal subject: a person, pet, home, place, or moment.

• You have a clear idea or solid reference photos.

• You want control over size, medium, and colors.

• You’re getting a gift that needs meaning, not just decor.

• You need a piece to fit a specific wall or brand look.

• You’re fine with a deposit and a few planned revision points.

• You can wait for a realistic timeline (and drying time for oils).

Maybe not the best fit if:

• You need it tomorrow or this week.

• Your budget is very tight for the size or medium you want.

• You expect unlimited changes after painting starts.

• You prefer a surprise rather than guiding the work.

• You expect full copyright transfer by default.

• You don’t have usable photos for a portrait.

• You dislike check-ins or giving feedback.

Smart alternatives:

• Buy a ready piece from the artist’s portfolio.

• Order a print.

• Pick a smaller size or a faster medium (watercolor or digital).

• Give a gift card so the recipient chooses the details later.

Not sure? Send your photo and wall size. We’ll suggest size, medium, and a timeline, then give you a clear quote. We do this every day. We'll make sure your custom painting comes out perfect!