How the Commission Process Works
Every commissioned piece is a creative collaboration. Whether it’s a personal gift, a public mural, or a centerpiece for your home or office, each project begins with a conversation and evolves through shared vision and careful attention to detail. This page walks you through the steps—from first contact to final delivery—so you know exactly what to expect.
What Can You Commission?
Commissions range from highly specific to open-ended. Past examples include:
A visual history of 1920s–30s Bugatti race cars
A personal family tree rendered in layered archival collage
Intimate and erotic portraits of couples
A moody, abstract wall piece in deep blues and greens
Collaged portraits of loved ones, professions, or entire cities
Visual histories of the communities surrounding a school
Whether you're commemorating a moment, telling a story, or creating a compelling visual centerpiece, commissioned artwork offers a unique way to engage with Sewell’s practice.
Process & Timeline
Commissions typically take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on scale, complexity, and scheduling. Here’s how the process unfolds:
Step 1: web form and Initial Consultation
We begin with an online form and a conversation—either in person or virtually—to define the vision together. Topics include:
Desired dimensions
Preferred (or avoided) color palettes
Subject matter and themes
The intended location for the piece
Previous works of Sewell’s that resonate with you and why
Click here to fill out an online order form and get an estimate before we talk. You're also welcome to bring photographs, personal objects, or visual references you’d like incorporated. If the piece is for a particular space, photos or measurements of the setting are helpful.
Step 2: Studio Work
Once the consultation is complete and a 50% deposit is received, work begins. Each piece evolves through a combination of research, intuitive assembly, and Sewell’s distinctive visual language.
Step 3: Preview & Approval
When the work reaches a developed stage, you’ll receive studio photos or be invited to view the piece in person. Most clients approve the work at this point. If revisions are requested, we’ll agree on a list of changes and schedule a second meeting. The remaining 50% is due before delivery.
Step 4: Delivery
Local delivery (within Montreal or New York City) is included. For international or long-distance clients, artworks are on canvas are rolled, shipped in protective tubes, and easily re-stretched by a local framer. For three-dimensional works and wall sculptures, light but strong packaging ensures safe, cost effective shipping with a major carrier.
Pricing
The cost of a commissioned artwork varies widely from project to project. Factors include:
Size
Material density and layering
Thematic complexity or depth of research
A detailed quote will be provided following the initial consultation.
Revisions & Satisfaction Guarantee
Your satisfaction matters. Of more than 60 commissions completed since 2002, nearly all have been approved at the first presentation. If additional rounds of revisions are required beyond the initial round, further work is billed at $75/hour.
