How to Commission Artwork: Cost, Process, Timeline & Real Examples

Why People Commission Artwork

Commissioning a piece allows the artwork to be shaped around the space it’s meant to live in. Scale and proportion are considered early, giving the artist a clear sense of how the work will exist within its environment. When done well, the result feels fitting, responding naturally to the space rather than feeling placed after the fact.

A successful commission also depends on trust in the artist’s voice. While references and conversation play an important role, the artist must remain in control of the creative direction. Over-directing a commission often pulls the work away from what makes the artist compelling. The strongest outcomes stay aligned with the artist’s existing practice and feel like a natural extension of their work.

Commissioning is also a solution for collectors who discover an artist through a piece that is no longer available. Rather than recreating what has already been made, a commission allows a similar sentiment to be explored through a new work. The result feels familiar without being repetitive, rooted in the artist’s language while remaining entirely original.

The Commissioning Process 

Most commissions begin with a conversation. This early exchange helps establish direction, context, and whether the project aligns naturally with the artist’s practice. Reference images can be helpful, but they are best used to communicate tone rather than dictate an exact outcome.

Once there is alignment, the artist outlines an approach and discusses timeline and scope. Communication continues at key moments as the work develops, allowing the collector to stay connected while preserving the artist’s creative momentum. When trust is established early, the process feels fluid and focused, giving the work room to evolve.

Payment Structure and Expectations 

Commissions typically begin with a deposit before work starts. In most cases, this is fifty percent of the total cost, which allows the artist to formally commit time and resources to the project. This structure is standard across the industry and helps set clear expectations for both parties.

For artists in especially high demand, full payment may be required upfront. This reflects the level of commitment involved and the limited availability of the artist’s time. Clarifying payment terms early keeps the process straightforward and allows the focus to remain on the work itself.

Timeline and What to Expect

Timelines for commissioned artwork vary depending on the artist’s medium, process, and level of demand. On average, most hand-painted commissions are completed within about a month once the direction is finalized and the artist begins work. These timelines tend to be more predictable when the artist’s practice is rooted in painting or drawing.

More complex processes often require additional time. Sculptural and materially driven commissions, such as those created by Federico Uribe, move at a slower pace as they involve sourcing materials, building structure, and working through multiple stages before a final form emerges. For artists whose work is highly labor-intensive, a longer timeline is part of preserving the integrity of the work.

Availability also plays a significant role. Artists in high demand may schedule commissions several months out, with timelines extending three to six months in some cases. While the wait can feel protracted, it often reflects the artist’s momentum and the level of attention their work is receiving.

When commissions are facilitated through an established gallery like Artist Replete, collectors benefit from an added layer of communication and structure. Artists with full schedules are often deeply focused on production and may not always be available for frequent updates. A gallery helps manage timelines, provide progress check-ins, and keep the process moving smoothly without interrupting the artist’s creative rhythm.

From a collector’s perspective, timing can also carry an unplanned investment advantage. In certain market conditions, collectors are able to secure a commission at a current rate even as demand continues to rise. On select occasions, we’ve seen commissions completed months later arrive with increased value, simply because the artist’s market advanced during the waiting period. The work is delivered finished, but its value has grown along the way. In this sense, patience isn’t just part of the process. It can be part of the return.

What Makes a Commission Successful

A successful commission begins with alignment. The strongest projects happen when a collector is drawn to an artist’s work as it already exists and allows that voice to guide the outcome. Commissions work best when they build forward from an artist’s practice rather than attempting to redirect it.

Time is part of the experience. Commissioned artwork develops through focus and intention, not urgency. Collectors who approach the process with patience tend to find the experience more rewarding, as the work takes shape gradually and with care.

From a value standpoint, commissioned pieces should not be viewed as secondary to existing works. A well-executed commission stands on equal footing within an artist’s body of work, shaped by intention and context rather than availability. In certain historical moments, commissioned works have gone on to hold even greater significance, particularly when they capture a specific relationship or turning point in an artist’s career. When done diligently, a commission doesn’t feel dated or situational. It feels timeless.

Commission Questions, Answered

Q1: How long does it take to commission artwork?
Most commissions take between four weeks and several months, depending on the artist’s medium, process, and availability. Painting-based commissions tend to move faster, while sculptural and assemblage works often require additional time.

Q2: How much does commissioned artwork typically cost?
Pricing varies widely based on the artist, scale, and complexity of the work. In most cases, commissioned pieces are priced in line with the artist’s existing market rather than at a premium simply for being custom.

Q3: Is commissioned artwork a good investment?
Commissioned works can hold equal artistic significance within an artist’s body of work. In select cases, commissions have increased in value by the time they are completed, particularly when an artist’s market advances during the production period.