Custom Art Commissions

Each year, Traslaughter takes on a select number of commissions for collectors seeking a work created just for them. If a certain subject, color palette, or size speaks to you, a commission lets you collaborate directly with the artist on a piece that exists nowhere else. Below you'll find how the process unfolds, what to expect, and how to begin the conversation.

What a Commission Entails

Commissioning art is a partnership. It starts with a discussion about your vision — the subject, the mood, the room where the piece will hang — then progresses through sketches or studies, your approval, and the final painting. You weigh in at the important milestones, while the artist keeps creative control. What you receive is an original work made for you, never a copy of an existing piece.

A commission is a great fit for:

• Honoring a place, animal, or moment that holds meaning for you
• Anchoring a particular room or wall with a focal artwork
• Celebrating a milestone — a gift, an anniversary, or a new home
• Collecting from an artist you admire when the available works don't suit your space

How the Process Unfolds

Each commission follows a similar path, though timing shifts with the complexity of the work and the artist's current schedule.

1. Inquiry. You describe your idea, share any reference images, and tell us about the intended space. No obligation at this point.
2. Proposal. If the project suits the studio, you'll get a proposal covering the concept, size, medium, estimated timeline, and price.
3. Deposit and scheduling. A deposit secures your spot in the studio calendar and lets work get underway.
4. Studies and approval. Depending on the scope, you may review sketches or a color study before the final painting begins.
5. Creation. The painting is finished in the studio, and you'll get progress updates at the intervals you agree on.
6. Delivery. The completed piece is shipped or delivered, along with care instructions and documentation.

What to Prepare Before Inquiring

The clearer you can describe your idea, the smoother things will go. Useful materials to gather include:

• Reference photos (sharp, well-lit, and either your own or properly licensed)
• Measurements of the wall or space, plus a photo of the room if you can
• Color preferences or examples of the artist's existing work that appeal to you
• Your preferred timeline and any firm deadline
• A rough budget range, so the proposal can be shaped realistically

You don't need to have every detail settled. Part of the first conversation is helping you put your vision into words.

Pricing, Payment, and Timing

Commission costs depend on the size, complexity, and medium of the piece, as well as the artist's current rates. Since every project differs, pricing comes in your individual proposal rather than as a fixed list. A deposit is needed to start, with the balance due before delivery. For larger projects, payment schedules can be arranged.

Timing depends on the studio's queue and the scope of the work. Straightforward pieces may take a few weeks, while more involved commissions can take several months. If you have a deadline, let us know early so we can honestly assess whether it's feasible.

What a Commission Is Not

To set expectations: commissions are original works in the artist's style — not exact replicas of other artists' paintings or of copyrighted images. The artist may decline projects that fall outside the studio's focus or that raise reproduction concerns. Commissioned pieces may be documented for the artist's portfolio unless you ask otherwise.

Common Questions

How do I book a commission?

Fill out the contact form on this site or email the studio with a short description of your idea. You'll get a reply with next steps, usually within a few business days.

Can I request a specific size?

Yes. Size is one of the key variables in a commission. Give the dimensions you have in mind, or share the space and let the artist suggest proportions.

Do I get to approve the design before painting begins?

For most commissions, yes — you'll review a sketch or study at an agreed stage. The amount of approval depends on the project and is spelled out in the proposal.

What if I need to change my request mid-process?

Small adjustments can often be made early on. Major changes after work has started may affect the timeline and cost, and we'll discuss them before moving forward.

How is the finished piece shipped?

Pieces are packed for safe transit and shipped with tracking. Shipping method and cost are confirmed before delivery, and international shipping is available.

Can I commission a gift without knowing the recipient's taste?

It's possible, but commissions work best when you know the recipient's preferences. If you're unsure, a gift certificate toward a future commission may be a better option.

Let's Start the Conversation

If you have a project in mind, the first step is simply to get in touch. Describe what you're envisioning, attach any references, and the studio will reply with honest guidance on whether a commission is the right fit and what it would involve. There's no pressure and no obligation until a proposal is agreed.