The Commission Process

CUSTOM ART PROCESS

First of all, contact us to get the ball rolling! Just let me know if you're interested in having your bike painted, a helmet painted, or if you'd like a special portrait of your pet, home, or car. (There are examples of my work on the FAQs page and in each of the Gallery pages.)
I try very hard to respond to inquiries the same day I receive them, however if I am in the middle of a huge project, there may be a delay.

I believe that great communication is the key to keeping BOTH of us happy during the art process!

Here's what Bob Davis of Little Explorers Nature and Learning Center in Madison, WI, had to say about the murals he commissioned:

"We found Dawn through a friend of mine and flew her in to paint all of our beautiful murals. I can't say enough about Dawn. Her talent, preparation and professionalism were top notch!!! She painted all 4 of our very large murals in 3 weeks. She came thoroughly prepared and even had an aggressive schedule that she maintained!!! What a concept! I highly recommend Dawn for any painting needs that you might have."

1. First, I request info (design, colors, size) from you in order to create a simple sketch and quote a price.
Note: large or highly detailed custom motorcycle airbrushing projects require a $100 non-refundable art fee due for detailed sketches. This fee will be deducted from your total bill when you have us paint your bike.

A. If you are having bike parts painted, I will need to ask additional questions about the condition of your bike tins; any deep scratches, decals, vinyl pin striping, dings, dents, or other issues will incur additional prep costs. I may also ask for clear photos of your bike to assist me in the design process.

B. If you are having a portrait painted, I will need large, clear reference photos of your car, house, pet, bike or whatever it is that I am painting or drawing for you. You can email digital photos, or send photos in the mail. If you send any photos in the mail, PLEASE be sure you have copies of them in case they get lost in the mail! I have no control over the USPS.

2. I send a quote and rough sketches to you. If need be, I will "tweak" the design.

3. Quoted price and designs are acceptable to you.

4. In order to accept the terms, you sign a contract which stipulates scope of work, fees, shipping information, and timetable.

5. You pay half of total fee as down payment (non-refundable) before work begins. We accept payments through PayPal, or you can send a check or money order directly to us. (Note: work will not begin until payments clear)

6. I complete the project, sending progress photos to you for approval.

7. You give final approval of the artwork, or I will make minor changes for approval.

8. You send final payment plus shipping/insurance costs.

9. After your payment clears, I then ship out the artwork.

10. You receive your artwork, and enjoy it for years! :)

Due to the personal nature of commissioned art pieces, they are not returnable.

Why are down payments non-refundable?

Because by the time you've made a down payment, I've invested many hours into creating a design especially for to your specifications. Imagine this: you've worked multiple hours on a project for your boss, and then he changes his mind about going forward with it...he still gives you your paycheck for those hours, doesn't he? Thank you for understanding that this is my job and I deserve my paycheck, too. :)

What if you want to make major changes halfway through the project?

If more than 2 minor adjustments are made to the artwork already in the painting process, you will be billed a $75 hourly rate for additional time spent on the project. This RARELY happens, as we take pride in covering "all the bases" BEFORE we get to the painting stage. We want you to be happy with the final artwork - just keep in mind that making changes will add time and expense to your project. Great communication from the beginning prevents costly and timely problems later.

REFERENCE PHOTO EXAMPLES Photos sent to us for portraits need to be clear and colorful, not grainy and dull! If you have "bad" photos, but like the position of the subject in them, then it's okay to send them, as long as you send additional clear photos of the subject.	*BAD PHOTO!* This photo does NOT show detail or color. Do NOT send this type of photo!
BETTER PHOTO: This photo shows a bit more color, but not much detail. You can send this type of photo if it is sent with additional, clearer photos. Remember, the better the photos, the better your painting will look when it's finished!	BEST PHOTO: This photo is large, colorful, and clear! Send me this type of photo.