Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Twice the Blessings

I was recently commissioned to design a baby shower invitation for Jeanine, whose friend, Melissa, is having twins.  The theme for the piece was "Two Peas in a Pod."

At first, I was nervous about doing a commissioned piece.  I had these thoughts in the back of my mind as I started:

"What if she doesn't like the design?"  
"What if I can't produce her vision for the design?"  
Worse yet, "What if she changes her mind and decides 'Thanks, but no thanks'?"

However, as I went through the process, I found that it wasn't as difficult as I had imagined.  Although I had fears of not living up to Jeanine's expectations, she willingly offered her input but made it clear that she was really relying on me to have ownership of the vision of the design.  She put all her trust in my artsy hands.  

After proposing a few sketches and receiving confirmation of the design, I was given free reign to make the design come to life.


2 Peas in a Pod Concept Sketch 12 Peas in a Pod Concept Sketch 22 Peas in a Pod Concept Sketch 32 Peas in a Pod Concept Sketch 4


In the end, I tried to draw the picture a little bit for Jeanine and a little bit for myself.  I know that I still need practice in finding the right balance between artistic expression and creating pieces for someone else.  But I think I will get there eventually and even have some fun along the way.

2 Peas in a Pod Final Product

"He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away."
- Raymond Hull

3 comments:

  1. So so cute! I love your sketches and ideas. Those are all of the questions that run through my head when doing commissions. It's so difficult to know what they want and if they will like it or not. Keep up the great work!

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  2. Thanks! :)

    I find that it's also hard to put a price on commissioned work. I tend to have guilt because It's one thing to sell items in a shop, but to price your worth for a commission... very difficult, but it's a necessary skill.

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  3. Not only did I love it! but I have gotten a million compliments on the artwork. I think that my girlfriend felt very special that sommething was created "just for her". You artistic people do not realize how special your talents are to those of us who are just happy to have opposable thumbs.

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