This blog has moved! A new and updated post about this can be found here. Please update your bookmarks as this blog will be taken down soon.
I'm now offering commissions from my Etsy shop. I would love to make something just for you. This page is a guide to the kinds of things I can do for you and how we will work together.
First up, take a good look around my Etsy shop. You might like to also click on SALES in the side bar, so you can look at pieces I have made that have sold in the past. This will give you a good idea of the sort of thing I can do. It's helpful if your request mentions specific pieces I have made and relates to them.
For example, you might say, "I would love a stencil painting that looks like this, but I would prefer these words instead, and could you do the colours like this other painting here?" That way, your request fits into the framework of items I already offer.
Here's a list of the skills I have to offer you:
I can paint portraits and figures. My portraits are stylised and fantastical. I don't do lifelike paintings but I can do beautiful images that represent the people you love, and can incorporate elements into the paintings that have meaning for them. I can consult with you to come up with ideas for a portrait for a gift for a loved one.
I can create collage artworks using prints of existing artworks. For example, I have a collection of paper dolls I print and use as a base for collage. This can be a cheaper option than an original painting.
I can render one of my stencils for you in the way that suits you best. For example, choose a stencil that you like, and let me know what colours you want behind it. I can paint it onto wood or a piece of tin, or paper ready for framing, or fabric... Just let me know what you want.
I can make jewellery for you. Please see past pieces I've sold in my shop, to understand what I can make. I make resin pendants with images inside them, wire wrapped pieces incorporating semi-precious beads, organic chain links and small pieces of cast metal.
I can even make a stencil especially for you. You could buy a painting made using that stencil, or you can even buy the stencil itself for your own use. Keep in mind that designing and cutting a stencil can take some time, and this will be incorporated into the cost.
I can screen print stencils onto fabric - this could be anything you choose - household blinds, a tote bag, T-shirts, tea-towels... you name it.
I can hand-carve you a rubber stamp. My rubber stamps have an organic, slightly primitive feel, very different from the perfect line of a machine-made stamp. I can also design the stamp to meet your needs. For instance, you might like a rubber stamp that depict's your child's favourite security softy. Send me a photo and I can use that to create a stamp.
When we have agreed on what you want, I will estimate the number of hours it will take me, and the cost of materials, and give you a quote. Please keep in mind that even if the finished item you are requesting is similar to one already in my shop, it may cost more due to the extra time involved with a personal commission. Sometimes items in my shop are underpriced for personal reasons (such as I want to get rid of them to make space in my studio!), and so may not reflect the actual time taken to create that item.
I will ask you when the item is needed - if you can give me a long lead time, that will help me to work it into my schedule and create it the most efficient way possible.
Once I have created the piece for you, please remember that the copyright remains with me. You are buying the item I have made, not ownership of the copyright. I may add the design I created as a part of your commission to my library of artworks. For instance, if I design a stencil for you, I may reuse the stencil and sell pieces created using that. If I paint a portrait, I may print it out small and use it in a piece of jewellery. If you require exclusive use of an artwork, please discuss this with me at the beginning of the process - additional fees may apply. I like to show all my pieces publicly - on Facebook, on my blog, on postcards that I send people. Please discuss with me if you are uncomfortable with this.
Commissioning a piece to be made especially for a loved one's birthday, Christmas or anniversary present is an excellent way to give something original and personal that will remain special for years to come. Please contact me via my Etsy shop to arrange a commission. I look forward to working with you.