I am privileged to have opportunities to create commissioned projects for a variety of contexts.
My goal in accepting commissions is for the experience to be both artistically gratifying for me and pleasurable for those who choose to integrate my art into their living, working, or worship environments. Unlike companies that produce multiple iterations of stock designs, I custom design each project for the specific community and space in which it will reside. This means that, while my conversations with arts teams might reference previous examples of my work, the resulting design will be distinctive to its particular setting.
The commission process begins with execution of a design contract and compensation for development of the project design. I have found that some people prefer to have me design their projects without restrictions as to cost, while others prefer to specify budget parameters and have me design a project to fit them. Although I am pleased to work either way, having some basic sense of the client’s budget at the beginning of the project enables me to responsibly steward both my time and the gifts that each individual or community brings to the process.
Because much of my work is commissioned for specific contexts, opportunities for me to get acquainted with each setting make an important contribution to my ability to customize my design process. I appreciate knowing the overarching vision for the project, where it will be installed, and how it will be integrated into the life of the individual or community. I also appreciate being provided with quality images of the space, precise dimensions of the area where the work will reside, and images of any elements with which the project should be compatible. When clients have interest and I have time available on my schedule, I am pleased to make brief on-site visits to the community where the work will reside.
Some aspect of this information-gathering process typically sparks an idea. A stained-glass window might inform a particular color palette. An architectural detail might evoke a shape or form that captures my imagination. Exposure to a community’s location, topography, or climate might prompt connections with hymns, biblical texts, theological concepts, or liturgical practice. Revelation of a community’s passion for particular ministry expressions might inspire an avenue of exploration.
What emerges is a design unique to the community in which each project will reside. Using the rich and varied technologies of Photoshop™, I create a detailed design, using it to create a proposal that includes a description of the inspiration and schematics of how the design will actually look in the space.
When we have achieved consensus for moving forward with a design, I prepare a commission contract. Most projects are structured for progress payments to be made at agreed-upon stages in the execution process, which I typically document with digital images of the work in-process forwarded by email. When the signed commission contract and first progress payment are received, I place each project on my schedule in the order in which it is received.
I welcome inquiries from those who have interest in exploring the commission process.
You may view a sample design contract here, and a sample commission contract here.
