How to book a custom commission painting

Let's talk commissions. Every so often I receive messages asking if I do custom commissions. YES! I absolutely do. I take on select spots each year and I love creating something that is so personal. Commissions are very special, but I completely understand that it can be slightly daunting to ask about the process and to know how it all works, so I thought I would share with you the step-by-step process below. I work very closely with you to distill a strong brief and direction before I begin painting - as I know that this is an investment piece that you will have for years to come. I hope the following list helps to answer any questions and if you would like to book a spot in with me, please send me an email at emilydaystudio@gmail.com. (Please note, that for admin and calendar purposes, a booking is only secured once a 30% deposit has been paid). Step 1: Pricing, Selecting Your Timeslot and Size The first step in the commission process is that I would send you a list of my current pricing (pricing remains valid for 3 months). I offer a range of sizes from 50x50cm as the smallest, up to 1x1metre and more. Paintings are acrylic paint with a gloss finish on timber board, professionally framed in natural oak. Once you've locked in the size that you would like, we would chat about timing. I would let you know when the next available timeslot in my calendar is (and I would also let you know if I can work to a particular deadline, like a birthday or wedding!). Step 2: Still Life or 'All Over' Florals Next, we'll explore whether you envision a classic still life arrangement or an 'all over' florals piece. Interestingly, most of my commissions are an 'all over' florals piece! You can see the difference in the images below.

Left: an 'all over' floral commission from 2022 Right: a still life arrangement commission from 2022

Step 3: Selecting Florals and Colors With the arrangement decided, we'll dive into the details of which specific florals and colors you'd like to include (or exclude!). For example, some people might say that they want banksias, bottlebrush, kangaroo paw and gum blossom flowers, with a focus on pinks, greens, yellows and oranges (but they don't like blue, so leave that out). They might like earthy and warm tones as this would compliment their style/ is a colour palette they are naturally drawn to. Something like this is a great start for me! Alternatively, some people don't actually mind what florals are included, so we may just talk about a colour palette only or a particular vase they want included. Step 4: Inspiration & previous works At this stage, I encourage you to send me screenshots of previous works that I've done that resonate with you. This provides a really great insight into what you like! You may even like to explain what you like about each painting of mine that you've selected. For example, you could like how the flowers are arranged in one, you might like the vase in another, you may like the background colour in one and the overall colour palette in another.

A recent commission which was a hybrid between a still life and an 'all over' florals piece. You can see a little bit of the background and vase, but it's not the focal point. The colour brief for this one was oranges, yellows, deep pinks and rusty orange, with eucalyptus greens and blue/greys.

A recent commission which was a hybrid between a still life and an 'all over' florals piece. You can see a little bit of the background and vase, but it's not the focal point. The colour brief for this one was oranges, yellows, deep pinks and rusty orange, with eucalyptus greens and blue/greys.

Step 5: Sketch & Deposit Invoice With all the details gathered, I will then sketch out a rough composition to send through to you. This ensures that we're aligned on the brief and direction and it allows for any adjustments (like changing out particular florals or changing the shape of the vase) before I start painting. Changes are much easier at this point than after I have started! I can't guarantee that certain things can be changed once it's painted. Upon your approval, I will then send you an invoice for 30% of the commission fee to secure your booking.

This was the sketch that I sent for the commission above!

Step 6: I paint! This is when you can just relax, while I paint. I let you know when I start painting so you're aware that I'm working on your piece. From sketch to painting, my process typically takes 8-10 weeks, inclusive of framing and delivery (these are also included in the price). Occasionally I do finish a little earlier than this, depending on the number of other pieces I'm working on, which is a nice bonus! I can send progress photos as I go if you wish, however most people are happy to let me work away and see the finished product, as my work takes on many layers! Once I've completed the painting, I send a couple of photos to you for your approval and then I send it off to the framers. A final invoice is sent before delivery is made.

Progress photos above & delivered painting below!

Step 7: Delivery Day! This is the lovely message I received after this piece was delivered (for a 30th birthday present!): ' Emily, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for my beautiful art work! My dear friend Hannah, with some help from my Mumma had it commissioned and I just can’t believe how beautiful it is, and how me it feels- the colours, the flowers, the movement - I love it so much- thank you all!' I definitely have the best job, and I'm always so grateful when I see where my paintings end up. I hope you found that information helpful!

If you want to see the whole process of how this painting came together, you can watch this reel.

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www.studioemilyday.com