Commissioning an original artwork is one of the most rewarding ways to bring art into a space.
It is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume that commissioning artwork is complicated, expensive or only for those with an existing relationship with an artist. In reality, the process is far more straightforward than most people expect — and the outcome, an artwork created specifically for your space, your palette and your story, is something no off-the-shelf work can replicate.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about commissioning original artwork — from deciding whether a commission is right for your project, to writing a brief, understanding the process, managing timelines and receiving the finished work.
What Is a Commissioned Artwork?
A commissioned artwork is an original work created by an artist in direct response to a brief from the client. Unlike purchasing an existing work from a gallery or studio collection, a commission is made specifically for you — for your space, your dimensions, your palette and your vision.
Commissions can range from a single painting for a residential living room to a suite of large-scale works for a hotel lobby, a workplace or a multi-residential development. The scale of the project changes the logistics, but the fundamental process is the same.
Many commissions are initiated by an interior designer or architect on a client's behalf, particularly for larger residential or commercial projects — if you're sourcing artwork as part of a broader design process, our guide for designers is a useful companion to this one.
[Read our full guide to Art for Interior Designers →]
A commissioned artwork is not a reproduction of something that already exists. It is an original work created in response to a specific brief, in dialogue with a specific space and a specific client.
Is a Commission Right for Your Project?
Not every project requires a commissioned artwork — and part of the value of understanding the process is knowing when a commission is the right choice and when an existing work will serve the project better.
A commission is likely the right choice when:
• The wall dimensions are unusual and no existing work is available at the right scale
• The colour palette of the space is very specific and existing works don’t meet it closely enough
• The project is high-profile and the client wants something genuinely original and site-specific
• You are working on a commercial project — hotel, workplace, healthcare, hospitality — where the artwork needs to respond to the brand, identity or environment
• The client has a strong personal vision that they want to see realised
• You want an artwork that tells a specific story — about a place, a family, a project or a set of values
• Budget allows for an original work and the outcome justifies the investment
An existing work may be better when:
• The space is flexible enough to accommodate a range of sizes and palettes
• The timeline is short and there is insufficient lead time for a commission
• The budget is better suited to a premium art print or an existing original
• The client wants to see and respond to a finished work before committing
Many of the best projects use a combination: an existing work in one space, a commission in another. The choice should always be determined by what the project needs, not by a default preference for one approach over the other.
[Read our full guide to Original Art vs Art Prints →]
The Commission Process: Step by Step
Every commission is different, but the process follows a consistent structure. Understanding each stage helps you plan effectively, set realistic expectations and get the most out of the experience.
|
STEP
|
WHAT HAPPENS
|
|
01
|
Initial Enquiry
You reach out to the studio with an overview of your project — the space, the approximate dimensions, the palette direction and the timeline. This doesn’t need to be detailed at this stage. A brief description and a few reference images is enough to begin the conversation.
|
|
02
|
Consultation
The studio schedules a conversation — in person, by phone or video — to discuss the project in depth. This is where the brief takes shape. The studio will ask about the space, the existing palette, the mood you are trying to create, any colour preferences or aversions, and what the artwork needs to achieve. For commercial projects, questions around brand, identity and audience will also be explored.
|
|
03
|
Proposal & Quote
Based on the consultation, the studio prepares a formal proposal. This outlines the scope of the commission, the proposed approach, dimensions, medium, framing, timeline and investment. The proposal is a starting point for discussion — adjustments to any element can be made before proceeding.
|
|
04
|
Agreement & Deposit
Once the proposal is agreed, a commission agreement is signed and a deposit is paid — typically 50% of the total investment. This secures your place in the studio’s production schedule and allows work to begin.
|
|
05
|
Brief Development
With the deposit received, the studio develops the brief in more detail. This may involve creating a colour palette from your interior finishes, developing mood boards, sourcing reference images or visiting the site. The more specific the brief, the more confidently the studio can proceed.
|
|
06
|
Creation
The artist begins work on the commission. The timeline for this stage varies depending on scale and complexity — typically 4–12 weeks for a standard residential commission, longer for large-scale or complex commercial works. Some studios offer progress updates at key points during creation; others prefer to present the finished work. Confirm your preference at the outset.
|
|
07
|
Review & Approval
When the artwork is complete, the studio shares high-resolution photographs for review. This is the opportunity to confirm the work meets the brief before it is framed and shipped. Minor adjustments can sometimes be made at this stage, depending on the studio’s policy.
|
|
08
|
Framing
Once approved, the artwork is framed to the specification agreed during the proposal stage. Framing is an integral part of the commission — the wrong frame can undermine an exceptional artwork. The studio will recommend framing options that suit both the work and the interior.
|
|
09
|
Delivery & Installation
The completed and framed artwork is delivered to site. Depending on scale and complexity, the studio may offer installation support or recommend a specialist art handler. Large-scale works in commercial environments typically require coordination with building management and other trades.
|
|
10
|
Balance Payment
The balance of the commission investment is paid on delivery of the completed artwork, or in accordance with the terms agreed in the commission agreement.
|
How to Write a Commission Brief
The brief is the foundation of every successful commission. A clear, specific brief gives the artist the information they need to create a work that genuinely responds to the space and the client — without guesswork or unnecessary revision.
A brief does not need to be a formal document. It can be a conversation, a collection of images, a written description or a combination of all three. What matters is that it communicates the information the artist needs.
A strong commission brief covers:
|
BRIEF ELEMENT
|
WHAT TO INCLUDE
|
|
The space
|
Wall dimensions (width and height), ceiling height, viewing distance, natural light conditions, room orientation
|
|
The furniture
|
What sits beneath or adjacent to the artwork — sofa width, bedhead dimensions, console height
|
|
The palette
|
Paint colours, upholstery tones, timber finishes, stone surfaces, floor finishes. Provide swatches or paint codes if available
|
|
The mood
|
How do you want the room to feel? Calm and restful, energetic and bold, warm and intimate, fresh and architectural?
|
|
Style references
|
Images of artworks you respond to — from the studio’s own collection, from other artists, from interiors you love. These tell the artist more than words alone
|
|
Colour preferences
|
Colours you love and any colours you want to avoid. Be specific — 'warm terracotta', 'deep forest green', 'no purple'
|
|
Subject matter
|
Abstract, landscape, figurative or a specific concept. If you have no preference, say so — this gives the artist creative freedom
|
|
Medium
|
Oil, acrylic, mixed media. If you have no preference, the artist will recommend based on the brief
|
|
Framing
|
Float frame, unframed, specific timber tone or metal finish
|
|
Timeline
|
When the artwork is needed — and any fixed deadlines (handover, photography, opening)
|
|
Budget
|
A budget range rather than an exact figure allows the studio to recommend the most appropriate solution
|
The more clearly you can articulate what you want the artwork to feel like, the more confidently the artist can create it. You don’t need to know the technical details — you just need to communicate the experience you are trying to create.
Colour: Conversation, Not Coordination
A successful commission does not need to match every colour in the room. The strongest projects create a conversation between the artwork and the interior rather than perfect coordination.
Artists working from a well-constructed brief will draw influence from the materials and finishes around them — the warmth of a natural stone, the grain of a timber floor, the depth of an upholstery tone, the quality of light through a window. The result feels integrated without becoming predictable.
Choosing the Right Dimensions for Your Commission
One of the most significant advantages of commissioning an artwork is the ability to specify exact dimensions. This is particularly valuable when the wall is an unusual size, the furniture has specific proportions or the space has architectural features that affect what will fit.
As a starting point, commissioned artwork above furniture should occupy approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture beneath it. For feature walls without furniture, artwork typically occupies 50–75% of the available wall width.
A few practical considerations when specifying dimensions:
• Always measure the wall width and height before confirming dimensions with the studio
• Account for any furniture, cabinetry or architectural features that affect usable wall space
• Consider the framed dimensions, not just the canvas dimensions — a float frame adds 5–10cm to each dimension
• For large-scale commissions, confirm the artwork can be safely transported into the space through doorways, corridors and lifts
• If the artwork is for a stairwell or double-height space, consider how it will be installed and serviced
• Ask the studio whether digital mockups are available — placing the proposed artwork into a scaled render or photograph of the actual space is one of the most effective ways to confirm scale and palette before production begins
[Read our full Artwork Size Guide for detailed sizing guidance →]
[Read our full guide to Understanding Float Frames →]
[Read our full Large Scale Artwork Buying Guide →]
Commission Timelines: What to Expect
One of the most common questions about commissions is how long they take. The honest answer is that it depends — on the complexity of the brief, the scale of the work, the medium and the studio’s current schedule.
As a general guide:
|
COMMISSION TYPE
|
TYPICAL TOTAL TIMELINE
|
|
Standard residential commission (up to 150cm)
|
8–12 weeks from deposit to delivery
|
|
Large residential commission (150cm+)
|
10–16 weeks from deposit to delivery
|
|
Commercial commission — single work
|
10–16 weeks from deposit to delivery
|
|
Commercial commission — suite of works
|
12–24 weeks depending on scale and complexity
|
|
Urgency commission (subject to availability)
|
Discuss with the studio — rush timelines may attract additional fees
|
These timelines include creation, framing and delivery. If your project has a fixed deadline — a handover date, an opening, a photography shoot — communicate this clearly at the outset and confirm with the studio that the timeline is achievable before proceeding.
As a general rule, enquire about a commission at least three to four months before the artwork is needed. For large commercial commissions, six months or more is advisable.
What Does a Commission Cost?
Commission pricing varies considerably depending on the artist, the scale of the work, the complexity of the brief and the medium.
The key factors that influence the investment:
• Canvas size — the single biggest driver of price. Larger works require more materials, more time and more physical effort
• Medium — oil paintings typically take longer to create and dry than acrylic works, which is reflected in pricing
• Complexity — a highly detailed or layered work takes longer than a more gestural or spontaneous piece
• Framing — quality framing adds to the total investment but is integral to the finished result
• Delivery and installation — particularly for large-scale or regional deliveries
When enquiring about a commission, always provide a budget range rather than asking for a price in the abstract. This allows the studio to recommend the most appropriate dimensions, medium and approach within your budget — rather than proposing something that may not be feasible.
A commission is an investment in something that exists nowhere else in the world. The value of that — the singularity, the site-specificity, the story — is part of what you are paying for.
Commissioning Artwork for Commercial Projects
Commercial commissions — for hotels, workplaces, healthcare environments, hospitality venues and multi-residential developments — involve additional considerations beyond a standard residential commission.
Scale
Commercial spaces often require artwork at a significantly larger scale than residential environments. Double-height lobbies, expansive reception areas and long corridors may require works of 180cm, 200cm or more. Always assess proposed dimensions within scaled architectural elevations before confirming the brief.
Durability and Installation
Commercial artwork needs to perform in environments with higher foot traffic, more variable lighting conditions and greater wear than residential spaces. Framing choices, glazing decisions and installation methods should all be considered with longevity in mind.
Brand and Identity
Commercial commissions often need to respond to a brand, a design language or a set of values as well as a physical space. The brief for a commission in a luxury hotel is different from the brief for a wellness centre or a legal firm — even if the wall dimensions are identical. Articulating the identity and values of the project is as important as specifying the palette and dimensions.
Multiple Works
Large commercial projects often involve a suite of commissioned works rather than a single piece. A consistent approach to palette, scale and style across the suite creates cohesion without requiring every work to be identical. The studio should develop a clear framework for the suite before any individual works are begun.
[Read our full guide to Commercial Artwork for Hotels →]
[Read our full guide to How to Specify Artwork for Multi-Residential Projects →]
Commission FAQs
The questions we are asked most often about commissioning artwork:
Can I request specific colours?
Yes — and you should. Colour is one of the most important elements of a commission brief. Share the paint colours, upholstery swatches and material samples from your space, and be clear about any colours you want to avoid. The more specific you are, the more confidently the artist can respond.
What if I don't like the finished work?
A clear brief and good communication throughout the process significantly reduces the risk of this outcome. Most studios offer a review stage once the work is complete, at which point minor adjustments can sometimes be made. The commission agreement should outline what happens in the unlikely event that the work does not meet the agreed brief. Discuss this with the studio before proceeding.
Do I need to know what style I want?
Not necessarily. If you have a strong stylistic preference, communicate it clearly. If you don't, describe the mood and feeling you want the artwork to create and allow the artist to interpret that in their own style. Choosing an artist whose existing work already resonates with you is the best way to ensure stylistic alignment from the outset.
Can I commission an artwork as a gift?
Yes — and commissioned artworks make extraordinary gifts. If the artwork is intended for someone else's space, try to gather information about their interior palette, wall dimensions and personal taste before enquiring. The more specific the brief, the more successful the outcome.
Can I see progress updates during creation?
This varies by artist and studio. Some offer progress photographs at key stages; others prefer to present the finished work for review. Clarify your preference at the outset and confirm the studio's policy in the commission agreement.
What does the deposit cover?
The deposit — typically 50% of the total investment — secures your place in the studio's production schedule and covers materials and initial studio time. The balance is payable on delivery of the completed and framed artwork.
Can I commission a work at a size not shown in the collection?
Yes — this is one of the primary reasons to commission rather than purchase an existing work. Custom dimensions are available across most commissions. Provide your exact wall and furniture measurements and the studio will recommend the most appropriate canvas size.
Commission Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Enquire
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything you need before reaching out to a studio:
THE SPACE
□ Wall width and height measured
□ Ceiling height noted
□ Furniture dimensions noted (sofa width, bedhead size, console height)
□ Viewing distance from primary seating or standing position estimated
□ Natural light conditions noted (direction, intensity, time of day)
THE BRIEF
□ Paint colours identified (paint codes or swatches preferred)
□ Key material finishes noted (timber tone, stone type, upholstery colour)
□ Mood or atmosphere articulated (calm, energetic, warm, fresh, bold)
□ Style references gathered (images of artworks or interiors you respond to)
□ Colour preferences and aversions noted
□ Subject matter preference noted (abstract, landscape, figurative or open)
□ Medium preference noted (oil, acrylic, or open to recommendation)
□ Framing preference noted (float frame, unframed, specific finish)
PRACTICAL
□ Timeline confirmed — when is the artwork needed?
□ Budget range established
□ Access to site confirmed for delivery and installation
□ Wall construction type known (plasterboard, masonry, concrete)
A Final Note on Commissioning
Commissioning an artwork is an act of intention. It is a decision to bring something into the world that did not exist before — something made specifically for a space, a person and a moment in time.
The process requires more lead time than purchasing an existing work, and more communication. But the outcome — an artwork that fits the space perfectly, responds to the palette precisely and carries a story that no other work can tell — is something that no amount of browsing can replicate.
The best commissions begin not with a wall that needs filling, but with a feeling that needs expressing. Start there.
Emma Street Studio accepts a limited number of commissions each year for residential and commercial clients across Australia. Every commission begins with a conversation.
Commission an Original Artwork
Emma Street Studio accepts a limited number of commissions each year for residential and commercial clients across Australia. Every commission begins with a conversation about your space, your palette and what you want the artwork to feel like.
Enquire About a Commission · Apply for Trade Access · Browse the Collection
Made for Spaces. Collected for Life.
Emma Street Studio · Design Journal · How to Commission Artwork
How to Commission Artwork: A Complete Guide from Brief to Installation
Commissioning an original artwork is one of the most rewarding ways to bring art into a space.
It is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume that commissioning artwork is complicated, expensive or only for those with an existing relationship with an artist. In reality, the process is far more straightforward than most people expect — and the outcome, an artwork created specifically for your space, your palette and your story, is something no off-the-shelf work can replicate.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about commissioning original artwork — from deciding whether a commission is right for your project, to writing a brief, understanding the process, managing timelines and receiving the finished work.
What Is a Commissioned Artwork?
A commissioned artwork is an original work created by an artist in direct response to a brief from the client. Unlike purchasing an existing work from a gallery or studio collection, a commission is made specifically for you — for your space, your dimensions, your palette and your vision.
Commissions can range from a single painting for a residential living room to a suite of large-scale works for a hotel lobby, a workplace or a multi-residential development. The scale of the project changes the logistics, but the fundamental process is the same.
Many commissions are initiated by an interior designer or architect on a client's behalf, particularly for larger residential or commercial projects — if you're sourcing artwork as part of a broader design process, our guide for designers is a useful companion to this one.
[Read our full guide to Art for Interior Designers →]
A commissioned artwork is not a reproduction of something that already exists. It is an original work created in response to a specific brief, in dialogue with a specific space and a specific client.
Is a Commission Right for Your Project?
Not every project requires a commissioned artwork — and part of the value of understanding the process is knowing when a commission is the right choice and when an existing work will serve the project better.
A commission is likely the right choice when:
• The wall dimensions are unusual and no existing work is available at the right scale
• The colour palette of the space is very specific and existing works don’t meet it closely enough
• The project is high-profile and the client wants something genuinely original and site-specific
• You are working on a commercial project — hotel, workplace, healthcare, hospitality — where the artwork needs to respond to the brand, identity or environment
• The client has a strong personal vision that they want to see realised
• You want an artwork that tells a specific story — about a place, a family, a project or a set of values
• Budget allows for an original work and the outcome justifies the investment
An existing work may be better when:
• The space is flexible enough to accommodate a range of sizes and palettes
• The timeline is short and there is insufficient lead time for a commission
• The budget is better suited to a premium art print or an existing original
• The client wants to see and respond to a finished work before committing
Many of the best projects use a combination: an existing work in one space, a commission in another. The choice should always be determined by what the project needs, not by a default preference for one approach over the other.
[Read our full guide to Original Art vs Art Prints →]
The Commission Process: Step by Step
Every commission is different, but the process follows a consistent structure. Understanding each stage helps you plan effectively, set realistic expectations and get the most out of the experience.
STEP
WHAT HAPPENS
01
Initial Enquiry
You reach out to the studio with an overview of your project — the space, the approximate dimensions, the palette direction and the timeline. This doesn’t need to be detailed at this stage. A brief description and a few reference images is enough to begin the conversation.
02
Consultation
The studio schedules a conversation — in person, by phone or video — to discuss the project in depth. This is where the brief takes shape. The studio will ask about the space, the existing palette, the mood you are trying to create, any colour preferences or aversions, and what the artwork needs to achieve. For commercial projects, questions around brand, identity and audience will also be explored.
03
Proposal & Quote
Based on the consultation, the studio prepares a formal proposal. This outlines the scope of the commission, the proposed approach, dimensions, medium, framing, timeline and investment. The proposal is a starting point for discussion — adjustments to any element can be made before proceeding.
04
Agreement & Deposit
Once the proposal is agreed, a commission agreement is signed and a deposit is paid — typically 50% of the total investment. This secures your place in the studio’s production schedule and allows work to begin.
05
Brief Development
With the deposit received, the studio develops the brief in more detail. This may involve creating a colour palette from your interior finishes, developing mood boards, sourcing reference images or visiting the site. The more specific the brief, the more confidently the studio can proceed.
06
Creation
The artist begins work on the commission. The timeline for this stage varies depending on scale and complexity — typically 4–12 weeks for a standard residential commission, longer for large-scale or complex commercial works. Some studios offer progress updates at key points during creation; others prefer to present the finished work. Confirm your preference at the outset.
07
Review & Approval
When the artwork is complete, the studio shares high-resolution photographs for review. This is the opportunity to confirm the work meets the brief before it is framed and shipped. Minor adjustments can sometimes be made at this stage, depending on the studio’s policy.
08
Framing
Once approved, the artwork is framed to the specification agreed during the proposal stage. Framing is an integral part of the commission — the wrong frame can undermine an exceptional artwork. The studio will recommend framing options that suit both the work and the interior.
09
Delivery & Installation
The completed and framed artwork is delivered to site. Depending on scale and complexity, the studio may offer installation support or recommend a specialist art handler. Large-scale works in commercial environments typically require coordination with building management and other trades.
10
Balance Payment
The balance of the commission investment is paid on delivery of the completed artwork, or in accordance with the terms agreed in the commission agreement.
How to Write a Commission Brief
The brief is the foundation of every successful commission. A clear, specific brief gives the artist the information they need to create a work that genuinely responds to the space and the client — without guesswork or unnecessary revision.
A brief does not need to be a formal document. It can be a conversation, a collection of images, a written description or a combination of all three. What matters is that it communicates the information the artist needs.
A strong commission brief covers:
BRIEF ELEMENT
WHAT TO INCLUDE
The space
Wall dimensions (width and height), ceiling height, viewing distance, natural light conditions, room orientation
The furniture
What sits beneath or adjacent to the artwork — sofa width, bedhead dimensions, console height
The palette
Paint colours, upholstery tones, timber finishes, stone surfaces, floor finishes. Provide swatches or paint codes if available
The mood
How do you want the room to feel? Calm and restful, energetic and bold, warm and intimate, fresh and architectural?
Style references
Images of artworks you respond to — from the studio’s own collection, from other artists, from interiors you love. These tell the artist more than words alone
Colour preferences
Colours you love and any colours you want to avoid. Be specific — 'warm terracotta', 'deep forest green', 'no purple'
Subject matter
Abstract, landscape, figurative or a specific concept. If you have no preference, say so — this gives the artist creative freedom
Medium
Oil, acrylic, mixed media. If you have no preference, the artist will recommend based on the brief
Framing
Float frame, unframed, specific timber tone or metal finish
Timeline
When the artwork is needed — and any fixed deadlines (handover, photography, opening)
Budget
A budget range rather than an exact figure allows the studio to recommend the most appropriate solution
The more clearly you can articulate what you want the artwork to feel like, the more confidently the artist can create it. You don’t need to know the technical details — you just need to communicate the experience you are trying to create.
Colour: Conversation, Not Coordination
A successful commission does not need to match every colour in the room. The strongest projects create a conversation between the artwork and the interior rather than perfect coordination.
Artists working from a well-constructed brief will draw influence from the materials and finishes around them — the warmth of a natural stone, the grain of a timber floor, the depth of an upholstery tone, the quality of light through a window. The result feels integrated without becoming predictable.
Choosing the Right Dimensions for Your Commission
One of the most significant advantages of commissioning an artwork is the ability to specify exact dimensions. This is particularly valuable when the wall is an unusual size, the furniture has specific proportions or the space has architectural features that affect what will fit.
As a starting point, commissioned artwork above furniture should occupy approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture beneath it. For feature walls without furniture, artwork typically occupies 50–75% of the available wall width.
A few practical considerations when specifying dimensions:
• Always measure the wall width and height before confirming dimensions with the studio
• Account for any furniture, cabinetry or architectural features that affect usable wall space
• Consider the framed dimensions, not just the canvas dimensions — a float frame adds 5–10cm to each dimension
• For large-scale commissions, confirm the artwork can be safely transported into the space through doorways, corridors and lifts
• If the artwork is for a stairwell or double-height space, consider how it will be installed and serviced
• Ask the studio whether digital mockups are available — placing the proposed artwork into a scaled render or photograph of the actual space is one of the most effective ways to confirm scale and palette before production begins
[Read our full Artwork Size Guide for detailed sizing guidance →]
[Read our full guide to Understanding Float Frames →]
[Read our full Large Scale Artwork Buying Guide →]
Commission Timelines: What to Expect
One of the most common questions about commissions is how long they take. The honest answer is that it depends — on the complexity of the brief, the scale of the work, the medium and the studio’s current schedule.
As a general guide:
COMMISSION TYPE
TYPICAL TOTAL TIMELINE
Standard residential commission (up to 150cm)
8–12 weeks from deposit to delivery
Large residential commission (150cm+)
10–16 weeks from deposit to delivery
Commercial commission — single work
10–16 weeks from deposit to delivery
Commercial commission — suite of works
12–24 weeks depending on scale and complexity
Urgency commission (subject to availability)
Discuss with the studio — rush timelines may attract additional fees
These timelines include creation, framing and delivery. If your project has a fixed deadline — a handover date, an opening, a photography shoot — communicate this clearly at the outset and confirm with the studio that the timeline is achievable before proceeding.
As a general rule, enquire about a commission at least three to four months before the artwork is needed. For large commercial commissions, six months or more is advisable.
What Does a Commission Cost?
Commission pricing varies considerably depending on the artist, the scale of the work, the complexity of the brief and the medium.
The key factors that influence the investment:
• Canvas size — the single biggest driver of price. Larger works require more materials, more time and more physical effort
• Medium — oil paintings typically take longer to create and dry than acrylic works, which is reflected in pricing
• Complexity — a highly detailed or layered work takes longer than a more gestural or spontaneous piece
• Framing — quality framing adds to the total investment but is integral to the finished result
• Delivery and installation — particularly for large-scale or regional deliveries
When enquiring about a commission, always provide a budget range rather than asking for a price in the abstract. This allows the studio to recommend the most appropriate dimensions, medium and approach within your budget — rather than proposing something that may not be feasible.
A commission is an investment in something that exists nowhere else in the world. The value of that — the singularity, the site-specificity, the story — is part of what you are paying for.
Commissioning Artwork for Commercial Projects
Commercial commissions — for hotels, workplaces, healthcare environments, hospitality venues and multi-residential developments — involve additional considerations beyond a standard residential commission.
Scale
Commercial spaces often require artwork at a significantly larger scale than residential environments. Double-height lobbies, expansive reception areas and long corridors may require works of 180cm, 200cm or more. Always assess proposed dimensions within scaled architectural elevations before confirming the brief.
Durability and Installation
Commercial artwork needs to perform in environments with higher foot traffic, more variable lighting conditions and greater wear than residential spaces. Framing choices, glazing decisions and installation methods should all be considered with longevity in mind.
Brand and Identity
Commercial commissions often need to respond to a brand, a design language or a set of values as well as a physical space. The brief for a commission in a luxury hotel is different from the brief for a wellness centre or a legal firm — even if the wall dimensions are identical. Articulating the identity and values of the project is as important as specifying the palette and dimensions.
Multiple Works
Large commercial projects often involve a suite of commissioned works rather than a single piece. A consistent approach to palette, scale and style across the suite creates cohesion without requiring every work to be identical. The studio should develop a clear framework for the suite before any individual works are begun.
[Read our full guide to Commercial Artwork for Hotels →]
[Read our full guide to How to Specify Artwork for Multi-Residential Projects →]
Commission FAQs
The questions we are asked most often about commissioning artwork:
Can I request specific colours?
Yes — and you should. Colour is one of the most important elements of a commission brief. Share the paint colours, upholstery swatches and material samples from your space, and be clear about any colours you want to avoid. The more specific you are, the more confidently the artist can respond.
What if I don't like the finished work?
A clear brief and good communication throughout the process significantly reduces the risk of this outcome. Most studios offer a review stage once the work is complete, at which point minor adjustments can sometimes be made. The commission agreement should outline what happens in the unlikely event that the work does not meet the agreed brief. Discuss this with the studio before proceeding.
Do I need to know what style I want?
Not necessarily. If you have a strong stylistic preference, communicate it clearly. If you don't, describe the mood and feeling you want the artwork to create and allow the artist to interpret that in their own style. Choosing an artist whose existing work already resonates with you is the best way to ensure stylistic alignment from the outset.
Can I commission an artwork as a gift?
Yes — and commissioned artworks make extraordinary gifts. If the artwork is intended for someone else's space, try to gather information about their interior palette, wall dimensions and personal taste before enquiring. The more specific the brief, the more successful the outcome.
Can I see progress updates during creation?
This varies by artist and studio. Some offer progress photographs at key stages; others prefer to present the finished work for review. Clarify your preference at the outset and confirm the studio's policy in the commission agreement.
What does the deposit cover?
The deposit — typically 50% of the total investment — secures your place in the studio's production schedule and covers materials and initial studio time. The balance is payable on delivery of the completed and framed artwork.
Can I commission a work at a size not shown in the collection?
Yes — this is one of the primary reasons to commission rather than purchase an existing work. Custom dimensions are available across most commissions. Provide your exact wall and furniture measurements and the studio will recommend the most appropriate canvas size.
Commission Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Enquire
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything you need before reaching out to a studio:
THE SPACE
□ Wall width and height measured
□ Ceiling height noted
□ Furniture dimensions noted (sofa width, bedhead size, console height)
□ Viewing distance from primary seating or standing position estimated
□ Natural light conditions noted (direction, intensity, time of day)
THE BRIEF
□ Paint colours identified (paint codes or swatches preferred)
□ Key material finishes noted (timber tone, stone type, upholstery colour)
□ Mood or atmosphere articulated (calm, energetic, warm, fresh, bold)
□ Style references gathered (images of artworks or interiors you respond to)
□ Colour preferences and aversions noted
□ Subject matter preference noted (abstract, landscape, figurative or open)
□ Medium preference noted (oil, acrylic, or open to recommendation)
□ Framing preference noted (float frame, unframed, specific finish)
PRACTICAL
□ Timeline confirmed — when is the artwork needed?
□ Budget range established
□ Access to site confirmed for delivery and installation
□ Wall construction type known (plasterboard, masonry, concrete)
A Final Note on Commissioning
Commissioning an artwork is an act of intention. It is a decision to bring something into the world that did not exist before — something made specifically for a space, a person and a moment in time.
The process requires more lead time than purchasing an existing work, and more communication. But the outcome — an artwork that fits the space perfectly, responds to the palette precisely and carries a story that no other work can tell — is something that no amount of browsing can replicate.
The best commissions begin not with a wall that needs filling, but with a feeling that needs expressing. Start there.
Emma Street Studio accepts a limited number of commissions each year for residential and commercial clients across Australia. Every commission begins with a conversation.
Commission an Original Artwork
Emma Street Studio accepts a limited number of commissions each year for residential and commercial clients across Australia. Every commission begins with a conversation about your space, your palette and what you want the artwork to feel like.
Enquire About a Commission · Apply for Trade Access · Browse the Collection
Made for Spaces. Collected for Life.
Emma Street Studio · Design Journal · How to Commission Artwork