THE COMMISSION PROCESS

I always welcome commissions. Commissions present me and my team the opportunity to work collaboratively with clients to create a custom piece that ultimately fulfills their vision.

A good working relationship between an artist/designer and client is crucial to the success of any project. You and your chosen artist-professional should discuss and agree on the scope and costs of services before the project is started and ensure the agreement is in writing.

With a commissioned sculpture, mid-century furniture or architectural feature, an artist creates work for a specific setting and function. This allows the client to have input regarding the scale, and materials appropriate to the design. The client makes an advanced deposit, the artist completes sketches and sometimes creates a maquette or model, and then oversees the agreement, design, payments and completion schedule. Some artists work primarily through the commission process, others not at all. Commissions are agreements in trust with the artist and the client and, with experienced oversight, can be a creative process for both.

Commissioning an Artist to create a piece of art can be an exciting collaborative experience. With over 25 years' experience in dealing with clients directly, Marc Staples has developed a gentle and inclusive, yet professional approach to each client's particular needs.

We begin with the initial consultation with you to discuss your vision and needs ascertains the parameters of the project. Subject, scale, material type and budget are discussed. A non-refundable 10% design fee is charged to retain Marc Staples and his associates to create drawings and/ or CAD images using Rhino 3D design software to determine a design that is acceptable to you. The 10% design fee will be credited toward the final payment for the project. Once a final design has been established, a production and payment schedule is determined. At this point a 50% installment is required in order for the project to begin. (For larger scale projects, an additional installment of 20% - 30% may be required). Once the sculpture is finished and the work is acceptable to you, final payment is due before the sculpture can be released for delivery. If we are also performing the installation then this service will be itemized separately.

THE VALUE OF AN ARTIST TO DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND TO INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS:

An artists contribution to a home, business, or public venue extends far beyond form and aesthetics. It can influence the perception, performance, and can add function and value to the space. Whether the overall project is a new interior or exterior space, a remodel, renovation, or landscape plan, consulting an artist at the earliest planning stages can open the door to cost savings. This is especially important if the need is for a functional item such as a water feature, metal stairway, gate or partition. Employing the artist to work in conjuction with these other professionals and contractors can save you time and money.