Brief, sketch, deposit, progress updates and delivery. What is and isn't negotiable in a commission.
A commission works when the brief respects the artist's language. The client defines context, scale and atmosphere; the artist resolves the painting.
The five stages
1) Brief and space. 2) Sketch and quote. 3) 50% deposit. 4) Two progress reviews. 5) Delivery with certificate and balance.
What isn't negotiable
Copying another artist's work, reproducing an already-sold piece identically, or altering the signature.