The first time I commissioned an artwork myself it was a little daunting and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I messaged the artist, so I thought it might be helpful to set out how I work and what you can expect from me.
First of all a massive smile and thank you! I love creating, and being asked to make someone something special is a privilege I take huge pride and pleasure in.
When you initially contact me there is no commitment on either side, its the start of a conversation. Whether you reach out by using the contact form on my website, drop me a message on social media or send an email – it all reaches me, and only me! Yes, I (Victoria) am behind every aspect of Cotton & Cogs. From start to finish I take personal responsibility for my customer’s experience.
To start the ball rolling you just need to get in touch and let me know what you are interested in – now I understand that then the question of budget and cost raises its ugly head. And being thoroughly British I agree it can be the most stressful part of the process, but I promise it doesn’t have to be!
Yes, bespoke artwork costs more than something mass produced, but it is unique and takes time and skill to create – plus us self-employed types still have to keep all the other aspects of business an employer usually handles – including paying taxes, pay NI contributions and pension contributions! But I want my art to be accessible for as many people as possible – and I very much hope my prices aren’t prohibitive, it is also worth knowing that we can talk about what your budget is in relation to what you would like, I can normally find a way to make it work, whether that is adjusting the size or complexity of the piece or by agreeing a payment plan. I love making art, and I want to make art people love – there is nothing better than sending a piece off to where it is appreciated!
For some things the process is very straightforward – a pet portrait either embroidered or ceramic for example, once we agree a size I just need multiple photos and videos of the pet, together with confirmation of the preferred pose. That is sufficient for me to get to work.
For a custom illustrations, or mixed media collage I like to talk face to face – if you’re local to SE London we could meet in person, or if that’s not possible and you’re further afield I can schedule a video call for you. It is really important for me to understand exactly what it is – mood, textures, stories – that you’d like me to capture. If we meet in person you can bring any items you’d like me to include in the work and I will bring various samples / materials etc to show you. The first part of the designing stage is collaborative – I will take notes, and maybe even photographs of layouts – it is surprising what ideas come up over a cup of tea! This is when we work together to pin down the scope, and so budget for / cost of the piece.
After we’ve talked I would write up a quote with the agreed details and email it to you, together with a proposed payment plan.
Once you accept the quote and have made a commitment to pay as agreed, I will start work.
For book illustrations and illustrated maps the first step would be for me to do the necessary research and produce some pencil sketches with the layout and proposed elements – I’d email you a photograph of this to make sure everything you envisioned has been included and that the scale and layout is to your liking. Once you’re happy I will proceed to the clean sketch and inking of the linework, before finishing with the colour work.
How many updates you receive from me throughout the process is up to you – I am happy to use WhatsApp and email to send progress photos as often as you like. Or to leave it to a surprise once the work is completed.
I am currently working with a client on a mixed media collage for her mum – its a mixture of embroidery, ephemera, found objects and illustrations and it has been a really lovely collaboration. I send her photographs of possible layouts and my progress as things are fixed in place, and she replies with ideas and feedback – the work is evolving throughout our ongoing conversation. You might reach out to me because you like my art and style – but I want to use my skills to tell your story.
How long a piece will take depends on many factors – from the lead in time on my order books, to the complexity and scale of the project. There are some factors beyond my control – for example ceramic pieces take time to dry once sculpted, and then go through the kiln multiple times for each part of the glazing process. Staying up all night to get it done quicker simply isn’t an option! I will always try to give you a realistic time frame when you place an order and keep you updated as it progresses. It’s really important that clients are clear from the beginning over any deadlines – but even if the gifting date is prior to completion there are solutions – a gift certificate or card with the details of the commission for example.
Once the work is complete comes delivery – if you are within, or happy to travel to, SE London it is possible to arrange collection at no extra cost, for all other items I only send via recorded & insured courier – the method will be agreed with you and the cost added to the final amount due.
I guess the key takeaway from this is – I am not a factory, I’m not next day delivery – but I am also not an AI Chat Bot! I am happy to talk, and offer a truly bespoke service. I want to make the process of creating unique pieces, that will be treasured, fun and fulfilling for both myself and my customers.
You see the “Handmade with Love” tag a lot – and it can seem a bit trite, but when you work with an artist, it really is true.