How to Commission Art: What to Expect, What to Ask and How Long It Takes

Commissioning art is simpler than most people expect. You describe something that matters to you, the artist draws it, and you give feedback along the way. Most of the real work happens in the first conversation or email exchange, so the more you bring to it, the better the piece.

Here's how commissioning works with me, an artist based in Hamilton, Ontario, plus what to ask before you start and how to plan around a date. You don't need to live here. The whole process works by video call or email, wherever you are.

A print is something you find. A commission is something you ask for.

A print is a drawing someone else chose to make. It's how most people find art they love, and there's nothing second-best about it. (Check out my Evil B Creative Core Collection prints, if you'd like a look.)

Most drawings, commissions included, start on paper.

A commission starts somewhere else: with you. It's a drawing that exists because you asked for it, made around a person, place or moment only you could describe.

People commission art for things like:

- the first apartment you shared

- a house you're about to say goodbye to

- a pet who's no longer here

- the street where you met

- a wedding stationery suite

If you've ever looked for a print of something and realized it doesn't exist, that's usually the sign.

How the commission process works

Every artist runs commissions a little differently. Here's how mine work.

1. Send a request. Fill out my commission form and tell me what you have in mind, even roughly.

2. An email exchange or a free 30-minute video call. We talk through what you want, who it's for and where it'll live. You don't need to be in Hamilton; I work with people anywhere.

3. A quote the next day. You'll know the estimated cost before anything starts.

4. An initial draft. This is where the idea becomes a drawing, in loose, looping black line with soft colour behind it.

5. Up to two rounds of revisions. This is your chance to say "the door was greener" or "she always wore her hair up."

6. The finished piece. You get digital files you can use for printing, social media and more.

You can also request prints, framing or a stationery suite designed from the drawing. These are quoted separately and can be shipped internationally.

Commission Example: A family home sold, but never stopped being home. Drawn for the people who grew up there, printed on fine art paper and placed in 11x14" frames.

What to send with your request

Vague ideas make vague drafts. Specifics give the drawing something real to hold on to.

Send what you can:

- Photos. Several angles help, even blurry ones.

- Names and dates that matter to the piece.

- The details only you know: the colour of the front door, the mug that was always on the counter, the way the dog sat.

- The feeling you're after. Funny, tender, quiet, a little bit irreverent.

- Where it will hang or who will open it. This affects size and composition.

- Your date, if there is one.

You don't need a finished idea. Half an idea and a few photos is a very normal place to start.

Questions to ask any artist before you commission

Whether you work with me or someone else, these questions save everyone trouble later.

- How many revisions are included, and what happens if we need more?

- What's the timeline, and what do you need from me to keep it on track?

- Is there a deposit, and when is the rest due?

- If the final art is digital, are printing and framing included, or quoted separately?

- What do I receive at the end: digital files, a print or the original drawing?

- How can I use the image, for example on invitations, cards or social media?

That last question matters more than people think. In Canada, the artist usually keeps the copyright to a commissioned piece unless you agree otherwise in writing. What you're allowed to do with the image depends on what the artist includes, so ask at the start.

One birthday-related commission for a special 45-year-old became a whole celebration's worth of uses in 2026. Party invitations, the card itself, and even a cake topper.

How long a commission takes

There's no set timeline. I've turned commissions around overnight when someone needed it.

But the best pieces usually come from giving it a little room. A few extra days leaves time for me to suggest ideas you might not have thought of, and for you to sit with the draft before you decide.

If you have a date, include it in your request. For holiday gifts, reach out at least two weeks before you need the piece, and earlier if you'd like it printed or framed.

How pricing works

Commission prices depend on the time a drawing takes, which comes down to size, detail and how many elements it includes. A single object is quicker than a full street scene.

That's why the quote comes after we talk, not before. Once I know what you want, I can give you an estimate, and you can decide from there.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to commission art in Hamilton?

It depends on the artist, the size and the level of detail. Most illustrators price by the time a piece takes. Ask for a quote before anything starts, and check whether printing and framing are included.

Do I need to live in Hamilton to commission a piece?

No. The whole process happens by video call and email, and the finished piece arrives as digital files you can use wherever you are in the world. Prints, framing and stationery can be shipped internationally.

How long does a custom illustration take?

It varies. Some can be turned around quickly, but a little extra time usually makes for a better piece. If you need it by a date, say so at the start, and allow extra time for printing and framing.

Can I commission art as a surprise gift?

Of course! Bring photos and the details you know, and the artist can fill in the rest with a few questions. People often commission for anniversaries, weddings, new homes and remembrance.

Can a commission be turned into wedding invitations or stationery?

Often, yes. Ask whether the artist can design the stationery or provide files your printer can use. With my commissions, stationery suites can be designed from the drawing and are quoted separately.

Who owns a commissioned artwork?

You own the files or print you receive. In Canada, the artist usually keeps the copyright unless you agree otherwise in writing, so ask what uses are included.

– Daniella

If you've got something in mind, even half an idea, the first conversation is free, wherever you live. Start with the commission form.