Art Basics - How to Commission a Sculpture

A. Before Seeing the Sculptor:o Find a primarybudget you want to spend on the sculpture.B.
location and one or two backup locations that needSculptor/Client Meetingo Show sculptor pictures of
sculpture. One location might not be just right and itpossible locations for sculpture, discuss total budget,
is good to have another location that would serveoptimal delivery time for you, and show sculptor
just as well.o Take pictures of where the sculpture isexamples of sculpture or mention which of his pieces
to go: both the primary and backup locations. What isthat appeals to you. This can be done in-person or
the sculpture to do?by email.
1. Evoke an emotion, mood, or feeling?C. After initial Sculptor/Client Meetingo If required,
2. Symbolize a significant moment for you?Sculptor makes basic scale models and/or computer
3. Be in the same style as other sculptures that youmockups of proposed sculpture(s) and estimates
have seen?o Check several different sculptorscosts/charges and sends them to you.
websites or art galleries to see the kind of workD. Client Approval & Agreemento After your
they do.approval, sculptor and client will sign an agreement
1. After surveying several sculpture websites:a. Makestating goals, budget, payment schedule and delivery
sure that the sculptor you choose has done severaltime.o Sculptor receives deposit.o If required by
sculptures in the material that you are interested in -agreement and included in price, Sculptor makes a
stone, welded steel, cast bronze, etc.b. Regardless iffull-sized model in foam for placement at your
you are interested in a sculpture based on a humanlocation for approval.
or an abstract, make sure they have done moreE. After Contract Approvalo Order Stone and begin
than one or two sculptures in a style that you like.c.sculpture. Send periodic photos if necessary to show
Pick out several sculptures off the sculptors' websiteprogress and keep client involved.o Half-way preview
that you are particularly drawn to so that you can(if appropriate/provided for in agreement)o
have a visual way to communicate with the artist.Completiono Final Paymento Delivery
Bring along copies of these sculptures, to the sculptorThis may sound a little involved but it is not truely
client meeting - see below, so that you can point tothat complex. In real life a lot of steps are combined
the sculptures that particularly speaks to you.o Basedand/or eliminated depending on the client/sculptor
on the artist's price of other sculpture, determine theworking relationship.