So, you have been commissioned to create a portrait, and you think you have it all under control. No worries whatsoever!  Going to be smooooooooth sailing!  There is definitely a 50/50 chance it can go either way.  If you are lucky....the client will be very cooperative during, and appreciative after.  However, if it goes the other way, well then you could absolutely have a problem.

Let's face it....you know when you are spending your hard earned money on something, you want it to be right.  So does any other customer, and as artists, we try very hard to give the customer what he or she wants.  Even the best well laid plans can develop wrinkles depending on the person with which you are dealing.  Good or bad...as an artist, you will never please everyone all the time.  That is true of most anything. 

How you handle the situation from the beginning will give you greater assurance that a project will move along pleasantly, and with a positive outcome.  It is important to make sure all expectations are not only explained to the client, but that you get a confirmation that the client understands what you have just described for process and payment.  He or she needs to know what you expect of them, and they of you. If they are sitting for a portrait, rather than working from a photo, then you must provide the client with what you need them to do, and for how long, and any other specifics you require.

Now....coincidentally, I found a really great article written by Brian Sherwin who recounts a story about the great surrealist artist, Salvador Dali.  It is really quite humorous from an artist's standpoint and a client's as well.  Take the time to read it.  It isn't long, but it is definitely funny.

Have a great day! 

Your friend in art.....

Camille

How Salvador Dali handled a portrait commission gone wrong

by Brian Sherwin

I was reminded recently about a story involving artist Salvador Dali and power art collector Stavros Niarchos. [...]

Read the rest of this article at:
http://fineartviews.com/blog/39502/how-salvador-dali-handled-a-portrait-commission-gone-wrong

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