Commission Process
Commission a Custom Portrait or Fine Art Piece
A simple three-step process:
Creating a custom artwork for your home should feel exciting and personal — not overwhelming. At Annie Dash Studios, each commissioned piece is thoughtfully designed to celebrate the people, places, and moments you cherish most.
Whether you’re commissioning a pastel portrait, family heirloom artwork, First Communion portrait, pet portrait, or custom painting, the process is designed to guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Begin Your Consultation
Tell Me About Your Vision
Start by filling out the inquiry form below. Share as much detail as you’d like about your portrait or artwork idea, including:
- Who or what you would like featured
- Desired size or framing ideas
- Intended location in your home
- Important dates or deadlines
- High resolution reference images (with professional photographer's copyright release, if applicable)
- Any special meaning behind the piece
After your inquiry is submitted, I’ll personally review your project and contact you to discuss details, pricing, timeline, and artistic recommendations.
Elevate your favorite photo to a Custom work of art
A beautiful custom work of art starts with a great reference photo -- either one of your favorite photos or book an Annie Dash Studios photography session to capture outstanding reference photos for your commissioned artwork.
Step 2: Design & Reserve Your Artwork
Approve Your Custom Plan
Once we’ve discussed your vision, you’ll receive a personalized commission proposal that includes:
- Artwork concept and recommendations
- Size and medium options
- Pricing and payment schedule
- Estimated completion timeline
- Framing recommendations if desired
To reserve your place on the studio calendar, a signed agreement and non-refundable retainer are required. Once your reservation is complete, your custom artwork officially begins.
Step 3: Creation & Delivery
Watch Your Artwork Come to Life
During the creative process, I carefully craft your artwork using professional fine art materials and techniques developed through over 25 years as a trained artist and illustrator. Depending on the project, you may receive progress updates along the way. Once complete, your artwork will be professionally prepared for pickup or shipping.
Final delivery includes:
- Finished original artwork
- Protective packaging
- Care instructions
- Optional fine art print ordering
To reserve your place on the studio calendar, a signed agreement and non-refundable retainer are required. Once your reservation is complete, your custom artwork officially begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?
Most commissions are booked several weeks to several months in advance, especially during holiday and graduation seasons. Early booking is recommended.
Do you work from photographs?
Yes. All Annie Dash Studios portrait commissions and custom artwork are created from high-quality reference photographs provided by the client or captured during a custom photography session. Please provide a photographer's copyright release, if a professional photographer's photos are being used. I am not able to accept AI-generated images as final reference images; photos must be provided or captured in order for me to accept the commission.
What mediums do you offer?
Available mediums may include pastel, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media depending on the project.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM CLIENTS DURING THE COMMISSION PROCESS?
Commissioning a work of art is a personal and collaborative experience. My goal is to create a meaningful, beautifully crafted piece that you will treasure for years to come. Achieving the best results requires open communication, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to the creative process.
As your artist, I bring years of training and professional experience to each commission. I welcome your ideas and preferences and value your input throughout the process. I also ask that you trust my artistic judgment and remain open to my professional recommendations regarding composition, reference photographs, materials, and other creative decisions.
To help your commission progress smoothly, I ask that you:
Communicate thoughtfully and promptly. Respond to questions, requests for information, and requests for approval in a timely manner so I can keep your project moving forward.
Provide the requested materials. Suitable reference photographs and other requested information are essential to creating the best possible artwork.
Trust the creative process. Your vision and preferences matter, and my role is to bring them to life through my own artistic interpretation and expertise.
Respect the agreed timeline. Timely communication and feedback help me manage my schedule and give each commission the attention it deserves.
A note about project inactivity: To manage my studio schedule fairly and efficiently, commissions may be placed on hold or archived if I do not receive a response to a question, request, or communication within seven calendar days. If a project is archived, resuming it may depend on my availability and current commission schedule.
Thank you for being an engaged, communicative, and collaborative partner in the creative process. I truly value the opportunity to create meaningful, original artwork for clients who appreciate the care and craftsmanship behind each piece.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Many clients choose installment payments for larger commissions.
Can artwork be shipped?
Yes. Artwork and prints can be carefully packaged and shipped within the United States.
Every commissioned artwork tells a story worth preserving. I would be honored to create something meaningful for your family and home.
Ready to Begin? Please use the booking form aBOVE to GET started.
Please get in touch if you have any questions: annie@anniedashstudios.com or (502) 208-8756
©2026 Annie Dash Studios, LLC Sellersburg, IN Artist | Portrait Artist & Painter
annie@anniedashstudios.com
(502) 208-8756
Annie Dash Studios is a portrait artist and painter serving New Albany, Indiana and beyond with commissioned and original realistic fine art pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paintings.