Commissions By Marc Godfrey: The Best Commissions Ever

I have been taking commissions from people ever since I was in 6th form, at the age of 17. The art I create is generally abstract, which led to a demand in pop art style portraits. Whilst at art school, I began to take more commissions of animals and people's pet. When I graduated, I designed some sets and art for various theatrical productions. When I am asked to do a commission, I take the time to discuss with clients what they want out of a painting, then as the work is being produced, I send regular visual updates by email.

1. All work is hand painted by me, a trained artist
2. All work is absolutely, 100% unique to the client
3. Anything is possible. Any image, any colour, any style
4. Communication is maintained throughout the creative process, including visual updates by email on how the commission is looking
5. Cost is low

If you haven't gathered by now, am an artist. I have painted my whole life. I graduated from the Cambridge School of Art (UK) in 2004. I tend to steer my work more towards the abstract, having said that, I love painting from life too. I am most happy when I can be creative. A world without creativity leads for a very dull existence. So far, I have painted many, many commissions for people, varying from pets, theatrical sets through to requested variations on work I've already produced.

Here is a selection of commissions I have created for past clients:

"Brodie" (61x61cm)

"Solo" (70x70cm)

"Germit" (68x48cm)

"Snape" (61x61cm)

"Lisa" (70x70cm)

Here some samples of theatre related art, I was commissioned to make.

"Angel" (200cm tall)

"Backdrop" (approx 7x20ft)

A lot of people have been asking me, how do I go about creating a piece of art? It's a hard thing to explain, as I just do it, instinctively. To try and explain, here are some photo's detailing the progress of a commission. I painted this summer (the process starts at the top, left to the right, then the bottom, left to right:

I hope you can see the differences between each picture. I start with a sketch then build. The hardest part is knowing where to stop.

As I explained above, I send my clients photo updates of the painting. This is for a few reasons: To keep up communication and to see how I'm getting on. To see if there's any changes the client wants made. To check the painting is meeting expectation. And also, well, I think it's polite.

"I just want to say thank you so much for the painting... He loves it along with all his friends and family :) It looks pretty impressive when on the wall far away... very funky stuff!!! Keep up the good work!!!"

"I will definitely be asking you for more work. Your style is so exciting. Thank you."

"You've captured the likeness in the painting very well. I've really enjoyed 'working' with you - the communication was great - I was worried that I would be left hanging for a couple of weeks whilst you painted - I really appreciated the photo updates on how the painting was going. Brilliant!"

This is also a difficult question to answer. It depends on the size and complexity of the piece. Commissions in the US can start anywhere from $100 up to $500. Then my client pays for delivery also, which works out around $30. Commissions in the UK can start anywhere from 100GBP to 500GBP. That's it, no hidden fees or charges of any kind. Well, why would there be? Do get in touch if you have any queries (details below).

Has my work inspired you? Would you like me to paint something for you in the style of one of my previous commissions? Do you have a beautiful pet who deserves a portrait? Is there someone special in your life, who you would like encapsulated forever on canvas? Do you want to discuss how I can help you with any of this?

If you've answered YES to any of these questions...

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