To begin with, commissioned artwork is creating a work of art on spec from scratch for someone other than me; this is totally different than selling a finished piece at a show, or at a gallery. Selling a completed work of art is an event; producing a work of art on commission for another party is a relationship, and I never confuse the two.

In my personal opinion, the key to successfully working on a commission or mural piece is the ability to be flexible and communicate with whoever hires me. A commission relationship only succeeds when the artist (me) is able to respond effectively to the other party's (you) concerns, requests, and needs. This is why it is very important for me to meet with my customers in person to discuss the project.

If we have the same basic vision for your piece it will insure satisfaction with the finished product, and even though I am confident that I can capture and produce many different styles, concepts and ideas I prefer that you take some time to see if my style is a good fit for your piece. It is important that I have an idea of which of my pieces you like the most, and the least. I encourage dialogue at all times, and I want my customers to feel comfortable asking questions, and expressing opinions about the art and its progress. I love hearing ideas and receiving input from your perspective. As the artwork is being created I encourage my customers to periodically come to view their piece. That way, we can address concerns before they become problematic, but I will not make any changes to the look of the art, no matter how inspired I get, unless it is discussed first and I get permission.

. I will not get offended or upset if our personal tastes differ, after all the piece is for you. Above all else honesty and straightforwardness is so important to the whole process because differences in initial perception could lead to problems later. Answers to questions like the following will help me better understand what your vision for the project is.

• Have you commissioned art before? If so, how many pieces?
• What do you want to see in your piece?  What feeling do you want portrayed? For example, what kind of message or what you want it to represent regardless of composition.
• Is there anything you don't like about my art or don't want to see?
• Do you have any other questions or requests?
• Will you be the only one approving the art?

Assuming the meeting goes well; we  will go ahead with the relationship and proceed with the contract. My contract is not complicated but it does address major points like basic characteristics of the art, payment schedule, any additional fees, completion time, and final delivery. After the contract is signed and all of the details of your project are noted I will require the nonrefundable design fee.

The design fee is usually a small percentage of the total cost of the commission and covers the design process, which includes gathering reference material and executing preliminary drawings.  If the excessive changes are wanted, or an entirely different concept is requested, additional design charges may apply. This fee is nonrefundable because of the invested time, labor, and materials, but it will go towards the purchase of the commissioned artwork or mural.  If, after the design process is complete, you decide to either cancel (or postpone indefinitely) the work, the fee will not be refunded. If for any reason I need to cancel or postpone indefinitely the commission or mural work, the design fee will be refunded in its entirety

Price quotes include all labor and materials. Each job is quoted individually. Hand-painted work done in mural form is usually charged by the square foot unless .There are many factors in determining the exact price, but I will always give a price quote before beginning a project.

There may be extra charges for the following:

• Work done on a ladder or scaffold; or likewise work which requires special equipment or working in precarious positions to complete
• Limitations in your schedule which allow me to only work a few hours each day or night
• Travel expenses (for murals which require overnight accommodations or excessive driving)
• Extreme detail or complexity of the design
• Additions made to the mural which are above and beyond the agreed price quote or require extra visits