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Studio Rant
The Art of Commissioning
by Rosie Russon
 "It can't be that much surely? It won't take you long." How many times have I heard that? Those who commission visual art works often don't have any idea of how long creation takes, no matter how simple. First there's all that thinking. You can't do anything until you have the idea visualised in your head; then there's the research, drawings and possibly the model or maquette to build. Then of course you have to produce the bally thing. This is when the headaches start. You thought you'd ironed out everything, but a teensy-weensy technical problem pops up and 'blast it' you have to rethink or even start again.
When deciding on cost, all this has to be taken into consideration. Of course experience is everything. Not only does it inform you of possible difficulties when the client comes in asking for the impossible on a budget of 2p, but you also get to size up your customers pretty quickly, and sometimes decide that they are going to be too troublesome. So you double the price you first thought of then add a bit more, to ensure putting them off completely. You may need the money, but you know that in the end if you pursue this particular turkey you'll end up losing out anyway. Costs will outweigh financial gain.
There are of course many who recognise knowledge and professionalism and will ask how much the project might realistically cost. Much of my work has been in theatre and film and, with only one exception, I have always been treated with respect. That may not have meant loads of money or big budgets, but people have usually been honest enough to admit if money was tight and sometimes have tried to find more. Frequently I would like to achieve more than budget allows. But wouldn't we all, which is probably why we continue to do the job we do. What we don't need are those who have not even the vaguest idea of excellence and just want something for nothing. Keep them away from my studio, please.
Rosie Russon is a freelance designer and painter who works in film, TV and theatre.
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