How to hire me: FAQ
/Throughout the years I’ve worked with many clients to create a custom tailored works of art for their personal and/or business spaces. This includes everything from package design to pet portraits, to large scale installations for entire restaurants to billboards and personal works of art custom tailored to individual homes…front doors, bathroom ceilings, living room walls, above the kitchen sink and more. I’ve come to realize that although many people love art and have wonderful ideas, most people are stumped when it comes to the process of hiring an artist to bring their vision to life. So I made a list of things to consider if you are looking to hire me to co-create with you. Reach out with any questions kbickman@gmail.com.
Location…Determine where you want your art. Your office, bedroom, living room, office wall, ceiling, beach house, country farm house, interior/exterior?
Scale…small, medium, large? Exact measurements are helpful…for exterior I like to work on wood panels and install. Budget and the state of my life depending, I have worked on location for many clients.
Feeling and color palette…Do you want a Big Bold statement piece that draws attention or a quiet reflective work to relax your mind? Let’s talk about color! I will pull together color samples for review after we sort out the scheme.
Subject matter…do you want a giant floral explosion, a Buddha in a mountain stream, something linear and decorative for a window treatment, your hairless cat…give me your ideas! Note: I will absolutely NOT copy another artists work and I don’t enjoy doing realistic portrait work of humans, although cats are encouraged. Send me your inspirations.
Budget… I try to work with most budgets and payment plans are welcome. I will always ask this question upfront because this helps me determine what I can do for you…broad gestures or highly refined detail make a difference. I have accepted commissions ranging from $150 to $20,000…if you love my art I want to share it and each commission is important.
Timeline…Is this a rush gig because your restaurant is opening in two weeks or you are building a house and need something for the main room? I need to make space in my head, and studio, for your project to percolate so timelines are important to establish in advance.
Payments…Once we establish the project, timeline and budget I will request a deposit anywhere from 25% to 50% down. The deposit depends on the project…and then we do installments based on 50% completion and at final installation remaining payment is due (I like Venmo).
Progress…After we go over 1 thru 7, I send a rough sketch of the concept for your input. If you approve we go to colorization and, depending on the project, I will create a digital mock up so you know what you are getting in advance. After approvals I begin on the original work and share detailed progress photos along the way so there are no surprises. I love your input so we know we are going in the right direction. The final is always an upgrade from the sketch as I am able to work out fine details in the process. Remember, this is a collaborative process and it is great fun.
Revisions…I will work to get it right from the start but have had to scrap the drawings and go back to square one on occasion. This doesn’t happen often but one or two rounds of revisions are included in your price…if we go into multiples we will need to rework the budget. At the end of the day though, I want you to love your art and I want you to love your art so I will do everything in my power to get it right!
All work is guaranteed with reasonable wear and tear.
That said, there are clients who have flown me to their house in the country and said ‘make art for my home’ with very broad instructions like ‘go for a drive and explore’ and ‘only use colors found in nature’ and then just let me create. That is truly a dream job! Other clients like many photos along the way and are more direct in their approach.
Well, there you have it. I’ve been making art for over 30 years and I love to collaborate with clients to create works of art that last a lifetime.
Oh, I also want to mention…I can make affordable prints on canvas of most of the works in my gallery. Prints are an easier size for most to accommodate ranging from small to large and a budget friendly option.
Are you ready? Let’s go! email me at kbickman@gmail.com and lets start the conversation.
Peace, love and art,
Kelli
