The purpose of this page is to display the process of commissioned pieces.
1. Submit an application
This application requires general information about the client (name, email address) as well as what the client is looking for (canvas, jacket, other). The client might already have an idea of what they would like, or perhaps they would rather brainstorm with the artist. Either way, the client is free to say as much or as little as they would like about the concept.
2. Project information
Canvas: The most traditional commission is the canvas. Sizes range and can be customized to fit the needs of the vision. The size of the piece, as well as whether it will be of oil or acrylic, will be determined by the client. The painting will be crafted to the client’s specifications, and the artist may incorporate some colors, symbols, or objects with the approval of the client. Approval from the client will be required at every step of the process: (1) the sketch on the canvas, where the client will approve of general lay out and proportions, (2) the first layers of the paint, where the client will approve of the colors, tones, and shades, and (3) the incorporation of fine details. Payments from the client are due at the completion of each stage. These payments and deadlines will be outlined in the contract prior to beginning the project, as each stage of the process takes a different length of time to complete and is completely dependent on the size of the canvas and subject of the painting. The proposed timeline will be written in the initial contract, but may change due to the nature of custom pieces. The final product will be a painted canvas approved by the client. The client has the right to deny the artist’s publication of their commission to social media and future public exhibitions.
Jacket: Jackets can either be purchased ahead of time by the client or by the artist. The client will make sure the jacket is the appropriate size by approving its measurements. All jackets are made using acrylic paint. Depending on the subject being painted, jackets take approximately 7-10 days to complete (drying time taken into consideration). The painting will be crafted to the client’s specifications, and the artist may incorporate some colors, symbols, or objects with the approval of the client. Approval from the client will be required at every step of the process: (1) the sketch on the jacket, where the client will approve of general lay out and proportions, (2) the first layers of the paint, where the client will approve of the colors, tones, and shades, and (3) the incorporation of fine details. Each stage of the process takes a different length of time to complete and is completely dependent on the size of the jacket, location of artwork (back and/or sleeves) and subject of the painting. The final product will be a painted jacket approved by the client. The client has the right to deny the artist’s publication of their commission to social media and future public exhibitions.
Other: If the client has an idea for a different surface, the procedure may differ. What remains the same is the necessity for collaborative approval at every stage of the process. The steps to complete this client’s project will be written out and agreed upon prior to initiation.
3. Project price and payment terms
There are multiple determinants of the price. The equations are as follows:
Canvas + Labor & Materials + Shipping* = Total Cost for Canvas
Jacket** + Labor & Materials + Shipping* = Total Cost for Jacket
*Shipping costs will be removed if the client picks up the product
**Jacket costs will be removed if the client provides the jacket
For the commissioned canvas, payments are spread throughout the commission process. The projected total cost will be divided into three equal payments:
(1) First payment will be made after the completion of the sketch on the canvas and the client approves. This ensures that the artist has accurately outlined the vision described by the client, with extra attention to positioning of subjects, perspective, and overall aestheticism. This stage can take anywhere from 1-3 days to complete. The client may choose between getting an email with photos/videos of the sketch and an explanation of what the next steps are, or, the client may set up a time to Skype with the artist and see the sketch in real time. The second stage will not begin until the client approves of the sketch and submits payment.
(2) Second payment will be made after the first layer of paint dries on the canvas, and the client approves of the canvas. This ensures that the artist has accurately used the client’s desired color scheme, light/dark contrasts, and portrayal of the subjects in the painting. This stage can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to complete, depending on the size of the canvas, type of medium, and amount of drying time. The client may ask for updates at any point throughout the painting. The client may choose between getting an email with photos/videos of the sketch and an explanation of what the next steps are, or, the client may set up a time to Skype with the artist and see the sketch in real time. The third stage will not begin until the client approves of the first layer of paint and submits payment.
(3) Third payment will be made at the completion of the canvas and client approval. This ensures that the artist has accurately detailed the painting as desired by the client. The client may choose between getting an email with photos/videos of the sketch and an explanation of what the next steps are, or, the client may set up a time to Skype with the artist and see the sketch in real time. This third payment will also include shipping costs and tax as applicable. The canvas will ship once the third payment is submitted.
All payments are final at any stage in the process. The client may decide that they no longer want to commission the painting. At this time, the project will end, but the payments will not be reimbursed. Clients are entitled to reimbursement only if the canvas is damaged during shipment. Please see “8. Cancellation/Pause” for more information on the terms and conditions of pausing or cancelling the project.
For the commissioned jacket, two payments are made throughout the process.
(1) The first payment is made after the artist accepts the client’s commissioned application, and the client and the artist have spoken about the general composition of the jacket. This stage takes approximately 1-3 days to complete. This payment is comprised of the price of the jacket (if the jacket is not provided by the client) and half the projected labor hours needed to complete the jacket. The second stage will not begin until the client agrees to the general composition of the jacket and submits the first payment.
(2) The second payment is made at the completion of the jacket and is approved by the client. The client may choose between getting an email with photos/videos of the sketch and an explanation of what the next steps are, or, the client may set up a time to Skype with the artist and see the sketch in real time. This stage can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to complete, depending on the total area painted (sleeve(s) and/or back) and the drying time. The payment takes into consideration the remaining labor hours and shipping costs. Jackets will ship once the second payment is submitted.
All payments are final at each stage in the process. The client may decide that they no longer want to commission the jacket. At this time, the project will end, but no refunds will be made. Clients are entitled to reimbursement only if the jacket is damaged during shipment. Please see “8. Cancellation/Pause” for more information on the terms and conditions of pausing or cancelling the project.
The accepted forms of payment of these projects are Venmo, Paypal, and checks. Checks will need to clear before the next stage of the process begins. The client will be sent an updated invoice to portray the processing of payment.
4. Revisions
The projected price quote does not include an unlimited number of revisions. The goal is to work with the client to create the piece of their dreams. Each project will be unique, with varying needs and time requirements. Due to the exceptional nature of these projects, changes and adjustments may be needed throughout the process. There are proactive steps the client and the artist can take together to ensure that these changes are manageable and do not disrupt the projected timeline. This will require good communication, which allows for minute changes rather than completely starting over. Minute changes include changing colors of certain objects, removing smaller objects from the scene, adding more highlights/shadows. Do-overs are a symptom of poor communication; examples of larger revisions include but are not limited to changing the background of a piece, removing the entire subject, changing the general direction of light or point of perspective. Please note, adding things to a painting is much easier than removing; therefore, unless the addition is substantial, the artist can always add things without worry of extending the deadline or enduring more labor hours. Having said that, two rounds of adjustments are permitted, depending on the size of these changes and how close the artist is to the pre-established deadline. Beyond that, the cost of further adjustments can be negotiated as additional labor hours, as well as the next deadline. This method of collaboration works to the client’s advantage as well as the artist’s. The project can be completed in a timely manner and within the proposed budget.
5. Ownership of Artwork
Until the final payment is made, Surface by Sasha retains ownership of all original artwork or parts contained therein, whether preliminary or final. Upon full payment, the client shall obtain ownership of the final artwork. However, the client will not resell the art at any higher price than the client paid. Surface by Sasha retains the right to use the completed project and any preliminary designs as part of the artist’s private portfolio and for promotional purposes. Where applicable, the client will be given any necessary credit for usage of the project elements.
6. Production Schedule
The client will assume any shipping or insurance costs related to the project. These costs are covered in the final payment of the project. Any alteration or deviation from the above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon approval with the client. Surface by Sasha shall not incur any liability or penalty for delays in the completion of the project due to actions or negligence of the client, unusual transportation delays, unforeseen illness, or external forces beyond the control of the artist. If such event(s) occur, it shall entitle the artist to extend the completion/delivery date, by the time equivalent to the period of such delay.
7. Claims period
Claims for defects and damages must be made by the client in writing within a period of seven (7) days after delivery of all or any part of the order. Failure to make such claim within the stated period shall constitute irrevocable acceptance and an admission that they fully comply with terms, conditions and specifications.
8. Cancellation/Pause
If a client is experiencing events that call for a pause in the project, such as not being able to make a payment due to extreme circumstances, the client reserves the rights to the canvas for thirty days after the official pause. Once thirty days pass, the project is officially cancelled.
In the event of a cancellation of the project, whether initiated by the client or because the pausing period has expired, ownership of all original artwork shall be retained by Surface by Sasha. With full ownership, Surface by Sasha reserves the right to (1) sell the canvas, once completed, for a discounted price to another client, and (2) promote the artwork through social media and other public displays.
9. Confidentiality
All correspondence and invoices provided will be treated as confidential between the client and the artist, unless consent has been granted by both parties involved.
10. Acceptance of Agreement
The above project guidelines, specifications and conditions are hereby accepted. Surface by Sasha is authorized to execute the project as outlined in this agreement. Payment will be made as proposed above. This agreement is not valid until acknowledged by client and returned to the Surface by Sasha via the application for commissions.