There’s something special about owning a piece of art that was created specifically for you.
Whether you’re looking for a painting for your living room, a statement sculpture for your office, a meaningful portrait, or an artwork created around a particular idea, custom artwork allows you to turn a personal vision into something tangible.
But if you’ve never commissioned an artwork before, the process can feel a little overwhelming. What should you tell the artist? How specific should your idea be? What about the budget, materials, size, and timeline?
Here’s a simple guide to help you request custom artwork with confidence.
1. Start With Your Idea
The first step is to think about what you want the artwork to communicate.
You don't need to have the entire artwork figured out. A simple idea is enough to start.
For example, you might want:
A large abstract painting inspired by the colors of your home
A portrait of a family member
A landscape based on a memorable place
A contemporary artwork for an office
A traditional Indian painting with a modern interpretation
A sculpture designed specifically for a particular space
Try to describe the feeling, subject, or story you want the artwork to capture.
Instead of saying:
"I want a nice painting."
You could say:
"I'm looking for a large contemporary painting inspired by the monsoon, with deep greens and earthy tones. It will be placed above a neutral-colored sofa in my living room."
The second description gives the artist much more to work with.
2. Decide Where the Artwork Will Go
The space where the artwork will be displayed can significantly influence the final piece.
Consider:
Room: Living room, bedroom, office, lobby, etc.
Wall or display area: Where exactly will the artwork be placed?
Available space: Approximate height and width
Existing interior: Colors, furniture, lighting and overall style
Orientation: Portrait, landscape or square
You don't need exact measurements at the beginning, but providing approximate dimensions helps the artist understand what you're looking for.
3. Think About the Medium
If you already know what material or medium you want, mention it in your request.
For example:
Oil on canvas
Acrylic
Watercolor
Charcoal
Mixed media
Sculpture
Bronze
Digital artwork
If you aren't sure, that's completely fine. You can describe your vision and allow the artist to suggest a suitable medium based on their style and expertise.
4. Share Reference Images
Reference images can be extremely useful when commissioning custom artwork.
You might share:
Photographs of the space where the artwork will be displayed
Examples of artworks you like
Color palettes
Architectural or interior references
Photographs of a person or place you want represented
Images showing a particular style or mood
References don't necessarily mean you want an exact copy. They help communicate your visual preferences to the artist.
For example, you could tell an artist:
"I like the composition of this image, the color palette of the second one, and the texture in the third."
This gives the artist a clearer understanding of your direction while still leaving room for their creative interpretation.
5. Set a Realistic Budget
Budget is an important part of commissioning artwork.
The price of custom artwork can vary depending on factors such as:
Artist
Size
Medium
Complexity
Materials
Time required
Level of customization
Rather than trying to guess the exact price yourself, provide an estimated budget range. This allows the artist or art platform to determine what may be achievable within your budget.
Being upfront about your budget also helps avoid misunderstandings later in the process.
6. Give the Artist a Timeline
If you need the artwork for a particular occasion or deadline, mention it when submitting your request.
For example:
"I'd like the artwork completed within 3–6 months."
Or:
"The artwork is needed before December for a new home."
Custom artwork takes time, particularly when the piece is large or highly detailed. Giving the artist your desired timeline early allows them to determine whether the project fits their current availability.
7. Let the Artist Interpret Your Idea
One of the best parts of commissioning artwork is that you aren't simply ordering a product—you are collaborating with an artist.
You may have a very specific vision, but it's also worth giving the artist some creative freedom.
A good brief communicates:
What you want + why you want it + important constraints + room for artistic interpretation.
The artist can then bring their own experience, technique and visual language to the project.
Requesting Custom Artwork Through Artasin
If you'd like to commission a custom artwork, Artasin provides a dedicated way to submit your request and work directly with its curated artists.
Request Custom Artwork on Artasin
The process is designed to take you from an initial idea to a finished, bespoke artwork.
Step 1: Submit Your Request
Start by providing details about the artwork you're looking for.
Artasin's request form allows you to provide information such as:
Project title
Preferred artist, if you have one
Artwork type
Medium preference
Estimated budget
Desired timeline
Concept description
Reference materials
You can also upload reference images to help communicate your vision. The platform currently allows up to five JPG, PNG or PDF reference files.
Step 2: Artist Review
Once you submit your request, selected artists review your brief to determine whether the project matches their artistic style and current availability.
Artasin says it typically responds within 3–5 business days.
Step 3: Concept and Quote
If an artist accepts the project, you'll receive a preliminary concept sketch along with a formal quote covering the final price and estimated timeline.
This gives you an opportunity to understand how the artist intends to approach the project before the artwork is created.
Step 4: Creation and Delivery
Once the concept is approved, the artist begins creating the artwork.
You'll receive progress updates during the process, followed by secure shipping and delivery of the finished piece.
What Should You Write in Your Request?
If you're unsure what to put into the concept description, don't overthink it.
A useful request could look something like this:
"I'm looking for a contemporary artwork for my living room. The available wall space is approximately 5 × 3 feet. I'd like the artwork to be inspired by the Western Ghats during the monsoon, with deep greens, earthy tones and subtle blue accents. I'm open to abstract or semi-abstract interpretations and would prefer an original piece on canvas. My approximate budget is ₹50,000–₹75,000, and I'd ideally like it completed within 3–4 months."
This gives the artist the important information without dictating every creative decision.
A Simple Formula for a Good Art Commission Brief
When requesting custom artwork, remember:
Idea + Space + Style + Medium + Size + Budget + Timeline + References
You don't need to know everything before submitting your request. The purpose of the initial brief is to give the artist enough context to understand what you're looking for and start a conversation.
Ultimately, custom artwork is a collaboration. Your idea provides the starting point, while the artist's experience and creative perspective turn that idea into something unique.
If you're ready to commission a piece, you can submit your custom artwork request directly through Artasin's request page.
