2024 UPDATE:
Right now I have slots available for commissioned artwork of human subjects — to start the process, email me your reference photos (feel free to send several if you'd like my opinions on which could work best), and I'll be in touch about next steps. For pricing and other FAQs, read on below...
I currently don't have any custom/commission slots for house/building artwork, as I'm working through projects signed in 2023 and balancing time for other business demands. If you'd like to hear from me in the future with any information about slots for house/building artwork, you can:
› subscribe to my shop's email newsletter (once you click the link, scroll down to the bottom of the shop homepage to subscribe), and/or
Meanwhile, if you need a unique gift more quickly, I hope you'll consider giving my art prints, cards, ornaments, or kitchen towels!
------
Options & Ordering
What medium/media will you use?
Typically, I work with black pen, pencil, charcoal pencil, vine charcoal, watercolor, Copic ink, and/or sumi ink. You may prefer a certain medium/style (see custom artwork examples), and/or I may recommend a certain medium based on the photograph(s) you send to me. Here's more information about some of my favorite supplies.
The medium dictates the paper I will use. For watercolor work, I'm currently using Arches cold press paper or Fabriano Artistico hot press paper (both 140lb). For drawing, I use Strathmore charcoal and drawing paper, Canson Mixed Media paper, Copic sketch paper, and Canson bristol paper. I may use other stock than these, depending on suitability for the project and availability. All papers will be acid-free, and media that smudge (ex: pencil, charcoal) will be sprayed with a professional fixative to help your artwork last longer and resist smudging.
What sizes are available?
My standard size is 8x10 and 8x8 (square) -- the latter sometimes working well for artwork of moments between human subjects. If you need a different size, let me know, we can discuss options (and sometimes a particular subject matter will require custom dimensions). Dimensions are approximate, and represent the rough size of the opening in a mat or frame that will accommodate the artwork. Typically, I make the finished artwork itself slightly smaller than the dimensions of your mat opening (but my paper will be slightly larger than your mat opening) such that there is white space between the art and mat opening edges, rather than having the mat overlap any of the lines/strokes of the actual artwork. I do this intentionally, as part of my style, because it enhances the memory-like feeling of the artwork, as if viewers can see that meaningful moment or place in their mind, or peer in at that isolated memory.
When you are determining your desired size, remember to factor in size for a mat/frame beyond the edges of the artwork.
Will my artwork be vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) in orientation?
It depends on the subject matter. We can determine the orientation when we discuss which photo(s) I will use as the inspiration for the artwork. If you have a strong preference, please let me know before I begin the work. Square dimensions can also look really nice for certain images.
Can you recommend anything as far as matting/framing?
I always recommend professional framing for the best care of original art, but if you want to try your own hand at matting/framing, let me know, and I can share some guidance.
For professional framing, local residents can check out Frame of Mine (8th Street SE) or Capitol Hill Frame & Photo (on Pennsylvania Ave. SE). Ask me about possibilities for a discount with these stores!
I have not personally tried Framebridge, but they have lots of contemporary framing options and a storefront location on 14th St. NW, and they can ship within the United States, which helps if the artwork you order will be a gift for a remote friend/relative.
How much does custom artwork cost?
My pricing depends on a lot of factors: the medium, size of the piece, complexity of the subject matter, number of human subjects to be included (if applicable), whether I need to take source photos (for example, of your home), whether you need me to combine parts of multiple photos, turnaround time you need, etc. I don't have standard/one-price-fits-all pricing, so I'm unable to give specific quotes until we are scheduling delivery of the artwork, when I'll know what my then-current rates are, and once I've learned more about your specific project, seen your reference photos, etc. It takes hours and hours of time for me to deliver quality work, so it can be costly to commission a piece of artwork. As a very general ballpark, my current rates for most original custom pieces are in the $1K-3K range.
It is more time-consuming (and therefore more costly) to depict subjects who are directly facing the camera, compared to subjects at an angle or facing away, to combine parts of different images, to add pets to house portraits, to depict lots of windows, etc. More background detail can take additional time (and usually materials), so it can involve more cost, as well.
Additional costs may also include sales tax, shipping, etc., as applicable.
Do you have any products at a lower price point?
Yes! You can order prints, cards, and more through my shop website for pickup from my home near Lincoln Park (Washington, DC). These and other prints and swag featuring some of my artwork are also for sale through Fine Art America. These make great gifts, too! I intend to add to the selection over time as I make more art of local establishments.
How do I pay?
As we make plans for your commission, I will put together a client agreement that lays out the specs for the project (size, medium, what to include/omit, etc.). Then, I will begin work on your piece after we both sign the agreement and you make an up-front deposit of 50% of the total cost of the completed artwork, including sales tax (if applicable). Due to the custom nature of the work, all sales are final.
I use an invoicing system to bill for commissions, through which you can pay by credit card. If an alternate means of payment is needed, please let me know, and I'll let you know if I can accommodate. You can purchase fine art prints, cards, ornaments, kitchen towels, etc. from my studio shop with credit card. If you prefer another payment method, let me know, and I will let you know if I can accommodate.
Is there a shipping charge?
Local clients typically pick up their finished artwork from my studio, which is near Lincoln Park (on Capitol Hill, DC). For orders outside the neighborhood, we can discuss your shipping needs (depending on how quickly you need to receive the piece, etc.) and the associated additional cost.
Do you offer gift cards or gift certificates?
Yes, but at this time, gift cards purchased after 2023 cannot be used toward custom/commissioned art purchases, as currently I don't have any commission slots available. Instead, you can use gift cards toward the purchase of prints, cards, and other items from my shop.
You can purchase gift cards through my shop website.
The Subject Matter / Selecting a Photo
What photos work best?
For portraits of human subjects, my style works best if your photo captures a special moment between the subjects (typically 2-3 people, but more can be included if desired), where the subject(s) are engaged in something, and the photo is shot from the side or profile. I don’t recommend a formal (or even informal) camera-facing portrait where subjects are smiling at the camera. If your photo of a very special moment isn't the best quality, still send it to me, because using fine art techniques is a way to turn mediocre snapshots into meaningful, display-worthy art! If you are having trouble deciding between images, you can send me a few, and I can give you my thoughts on which would work best.
For house/building portraits, it's important to pay attention to lighting, angle of the shot, whether there are distracting elements blocking the way (a tree, for example), etc. It can help to take photos from across the street, as well as from the front walk (and to also include wide-angle shots, if possible). I often prefer to take my own photos of the home or building I'm depicting (when local) so that I can get the visual information I need.
Can I submit a photo taken by someone else?
Only if you have rights to this image. When you submit your photo(s), you are indicating to Erin Malick Thompson (and Erin Thompson Studio) that you either own the image or have permission from the copyright holder or other owner to reproduce the image and for me to display the derivative artwork as I see fit for my own marketing purposes (for example, on my website, on social media, in print form at art shows, etc.). Please see my standard terms/conditions for custom art commissions.
Do you ever include backgrounds?
In my portraits of human subjects, I typically prefer not to include too much background detail, because my specialty is focusing on the connection between the people in the artwork, rather than on the landscape/surroundings, which can detract from the featured moment. However, certain situations call for background detail, and I'm happy to discuss your vision!
Will the finished piece look just like me/us (or just like our house or special building)?
When I create a piece of art, I focus on capturing the moment and essence, rather than a photo likeness. However, some medium/styles lend themselves to more of a likeness, so depending on your vision for the finished piece, you can select a medium accordingly (and we can discuss this).
Similarly, when I create a house portrait, it will not be a photo likeness nor an architectural rendering, but rather will be an artistic rendering in my personal style. The only time I use a ruler is to determine the outer dimensions of the artwork (I do not use a ruler to measure or draw lines in my artwork), so there will be a handmade feel to my lines and perspective (as they are entirely done by hand and eye).
Receiving the Finished Art
How long will it take to receive my finished artwork?
I take my time with each piece of art to ensure the finished piece will capture the moment meaningfully for you. At any given time, I have a docket of planned commissions waiting to be done, as well as a significant wait list for those wanting me to plan a commission for them, so turnaround time is not immediate. I'm often able to accommodate requests for human subjects artwork more quickly than house and building artwork. Right now I only have slots for human subjects artwork (not for house/building artwork), but to stay informed if/when I'm preparing to open house/building artwork slots, you can subscribe to my shop's email newsletter (once you click the link, scroll down to the bottom of the shop homepage to subscribe), and/or follow me on Instagram.
Upon completion of your order, I will be in touch to plan for pickup/shipping. The remaining balance is due before pickup/shipment. Upon receipt of your final payment, I will make your artwork available for pickup and/or ship it to you.
Can I get my artwork more quickly?
Possibly! If you have an especially urgent need, contact me so we can discuss rush options, if they are available at that time.
If I buy or commission a custom portrait, will I hold the rights to that image?
Erin Malick Thompson (and Erin Thompson Studio) reserves all rights of reproduction and all copyrights in the artwork I create (including the preliminary design and any incidental works made in the creation of the final artwork), prior to and following completion of the sale. Reproduction of the artwork without the written consent of Erin Malick Thompson (and Erin Thompson Studio) shall be prohibited. This is standard practice in the art world. This means Erin Thompson / Erin Thompson Studio may produce and sell prints or products from the artwork (and from any incidental or derivative works I create) in any form and may display it in my portfolio, at art shows, on social media, etc., without compensation to the commissioning party. If you have personal concerns about this, due to the nature of your artwork's subject matter or for any other reason, please talk to me about it so we can work something out.
May I post a photo of the finished artwork on social media?
Yes! I love to see photos of my artwork once it's been matted/framed, or in the recipient's hands! Just please be sure to tag me (I'm @ErinThompsonStudio on Instagram and on Facebook).