How to commission a mosaic project:
First, I’ll need measurements and any information about the goals of the project (colors, function, materials, design theme?) It is also very helpful to have some budget parameters. This may determine whether the project goals are realistic, and I can offer ways to alter a design to reduce the cost.
*There are common misconceptions about budgeting for mosaic that I’ve run into: If you already have some materials that you want me to use, this often makes the job even harder for me. I am sometimes presented with materials that are not in my wheelhouse and require special tools, or that are not of the quality and character I need to create the mosaic you want. There have been exceptions for sure, but most often, this is not a cost-cutter for me. Another suggestion has been to make the pieces larger. This is often a great way to reduce the budget, when possible, but many designs just don’t render well using large pieces. The client will be disappointed that their mosaic with larger pieces looks far more basic than they hoped. That said, I always do my best to make the most of my client’s budget.
When the client already has a design prepared (in the case of portraits, for instance, or for the signage or logo for a business, or when you choose to have a graphic designer or artist create the design – I am happy to fabricate other artwork in mosaic, with the artist’s permission) there is a basic design fee to cover translation into mosaic, scaling up, printing templates, etc. If I am creating the design, my design fee can range from $200 to $5000, or 10% of the total budget in the case of public or very large scale mosaic. In some cases, I collaborate with a graphic designer to hone the design and create maquettes or professional diagrams. For a smaller, household project where the client already knows basically what they want, I would charge less. For a restaurant with multiple surface treatments, or a large 3D mosaic, the design fee will reflect the increased scope of the work. Whatever the design fee, I am willing to do 3 revisions, but will charge an hourly fee beyond that amount.
Once the design is agreed upon, along with measurements, materials, and conditions for installation, I will submit an estimate. If the client agrees, I will send an invoice for 50% of the estimate. After payment is received, I will send a confirmation and will begin work on the project at the agreed time. The deposit secures a spot on my schedule. There are times I am booked for the coming year, and other times I happen to have time available right away. Even if we don’t have clear parameters for the commission yet, we can hold your spot on my schedule with a good faith deposit based on the approximate budget, which will be applied toward the final project.
I will send progress reports regularly, with photos. If I have any uncertainty along the way, I will email or text for clarification. I don’t want my clients to have unpleasant surprises. If the installation is being done by a contractor, I need to be able to communicate directly with them. When I am unable to correspond with the installer, it results in frustration on all sides. If I am the installer, this service will be included in the budget. *If significant changes are made by the client during the process, it will result in additional charges. This can include changes to the time frame, as rushing a project is very difficult, but delays are also frustrating as I then need to store your project in my studio while moving on to other commissions. If I need to store the project, additional fees may apply.
If I am shipping your project to you, whether it is a portable artwork for hanging on a wall, or prepped to be installed by your contractor, I will be constructing a wood crate, and in some cases it may be vital to use a fine art shipping service. Shipping and handling for these projects can be quite expensive, so please be prepared for this added expense. I learned my lessons the hard way with earlier projects, but it does add a lot to the cost.
I look forward to working with you to create a beautiful, durable, custom work of art that is integrated into your indoor or outdoor space!