I recently got a phone call from my sister’s sister-in-law. She wanted to commission me to make a piece for her daughter-in-law’s mother’s special birthday (phew).
The initial phone call was quite straight forward “Can I commission you to make a mosaic” – “yes of course, what would you like” – “something for Pam’s birthday, she likes bright colours”. It was at that stage that I suggested we have another call later on so we could discuss various things that needed to be considered and agreed.
Getting the idea for the commission from a client is usually quite simple as the person either knows exactly what they want or they have some idea (a Bird….. maybe a Parakeet…… definitely a Kingfisher). However, there are always lots of other factors to take into account e.g.
- Budget
- What style will it be – picture, abstract, contemporary, traditional
- Colours
- Effect: matt, glass, shiny, full bling effect or a combination of all
- Size
- Inside or outdoors
- Frame or not
- If outdoors will it hang or screw to the wall/trellis, be set into brickwork
- Timescale
All the above are key to establish in order for me to use the correct type of backing board and glues. Once I know the answers to all of the above I can give a price.
Now we can start on the piece. Although a lot of my work is ‘freestyle,’ for a commission I will sketch it out roughly (as I have very basic drawing skills). The client sometimes wants to see the sketch and will make changes, suggestions or may totally change their mind (grrr!). Once we discussed ideas for her design, Jean did let me have a totally free reign – which, to be honest I prefer then I can tweak or change as I go along and the piece takes shape.
Once the piece was made I delivered it in person and Jean saw her commission for the first time. Happily there was a good ‘wow’ factor and I know she was pleased with the piece.
I have since heard that Pam was delighted as well so another successful commission.
Rosanna's Mosaics 