Jamie L. Luoto: Commission FAQ

Commission FAQ

I'M INTERESTED IN COMMISSIONING A PORTRAIT, HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Please first read through the information on this page.

Animal portraits, be they pets or beloved wild animals, are my most requested subject. I accept a limited number of commissions each year, and keep a waiting list for interested parties. I will not be considering new commissions until 2025. If you are interested, I recommend getting in touch to be added to my waiting list. Many of my collectors experience their first commission with me. If you have experience commissioning work, please note that all artists operate differently, and it's important to read through my FAQ page to understand my process.

©Jamie L. Luoto, "Orangutan," gouache on paper, 24x20 inches, 2018

WHAT DOES YOUR COMMISSION PROCESS ROUGHLY ENTAIL?

Before any commitments are made, I like to have an initial meeting to get a sense for the scope of the project and see if working together makes sense for both of us.

After our initial meeting, I put together a proposal detailing the terms of the project for your approval. When moving forward, we schedule a time for the project to start.

At the start of the project, we'll need to meet as few as three times. Within these meetings we will touch base on what we originally discussed and see if new ideas have surfaced, review concepts, thumbnail sketches, color studies, and eventually you give your approval to start painting the portrait.

Depending on your taste, I will either give you updates as I paint the piece or I will reveal the completed portrait to you when finished. The last step is having the work documented which takes about a weeks time. Then I hand over the work to you or we continue together with framing.

*See more of the process here

WHAT INVOLVEMENT WILL YOU NEED FROM ME?

I need you to be available to meet with me to discuss your project and make decisions within a reasonable timeframe. In some cases, I need you to provide photos of your pet. I work with high resolution images and have preferred poses.

WHAT IF MY PET IS DECEASED?

I'm happy to work with you on this. However, in order to create the same standard of work, I do require a certain type of posture, look, and quality from the reference image. If we can't find an appropriate image to work with, I won't feel comfortable producing a portrait for you.

HOW WILL MY PORTRAIT TURN OUT?

My process involves an in depth interview that helps me learn about you and your pet. This information helps create a direction for the project and an overall tone for the piece. You are involved throughout the whole process and your portrait will be a reflection of you, your pet and the stories and emotions you share.

*Watch my artist talk Animals & Identity to learn more about how and why I make the work that I do.

©Jamie L. Luoto, "Troy," gouache on paper, 14x11 inches, 2015

DO YOU WORK LONG DISTANCE? INTERNATIONALLY?

Yes and yes. If meeting in person isn't possible we will conduct our meetings on Zoom, and share images using email.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Currently my commissions are taking between 8 to 14 weeks to complete. Size and the scope of the project play a hand in how long it will take. Because this is a collaborative project with several checkpoints, we also have to take into consideration the unknown factor of combining our schedules.

HOW MUCH DOES A COMMISSION COST?

My commissions start at $4000 USD + tax for a 14x11 inch portrait made with gouache on paper. My most popular size is 24x20 inches and starts at $7000 USD. There is an additional charge for two figures in one painting. These prices do not include framing or shipping.

HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?

Payment 1: After our initial meeting to discuss the scope of the project, I will put together a proposal for you, if you agree to the terms, I require a $250 USD deposit to reserve time on my calendar.

Payment 2: 50% of the total cost less the $250 USD deposit is required at the start of the project.

Payment 3: The remaining 50% of the total cost plus tax is due upon completion of the project.

WHEN WILL MY PROJECT BEGIN?

When scheduling projects I take into consideration both of our schedules. Requests for immediate starts or rush finishes will be considered case by case, and include an additional cost.

©Jamie L. Luoto, "Marley," gouache on paper, 14x11 inches, 2017

HOW DOES SHIPPING WORK?

For those who are unable to come to my studio, a shipping estimate will be provided when discussing your project as it relates to the size of the work, whether it's framed or not, and your specific location. You are responsible for the shipping costs.

International collectors, please be advised it's likely there will be additional costs specific to your country's customs and import processing.

WILL I NEED TO FRAME THE ARTWORK?

Yes. Gouache on paper requires a frame for conservation and protection purposes. I am happy to be involved with framing as little or much as suits you. I work with a local framer who builds custom frames. If I frame for you, expect an additional 6-12 weeks depending on the moulding you select.

WHAT IF THE PAINTING DOESN'T WORK FOR ME?

My process is very collaborative and has serval checkpoints to ensure we're on the same page throughout the entire project. I don't move forward without your approval.

Because of the medium I work with, there is a limitation to the sorts of adjustments I can make upon completion of the work, but of course if an issue arrises, I will work with you to tweak any concerns. I'm interested in making something that I am proud of and that you love.

If the artwork really doesn't work for you in the end, you will not be required to make the third and final payment and I will keep the painting for resale.

I READ THROUGH THE FAQs, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

If you'd like to talk about the possibility of working together on a project, or have questions I didn't answer, please get in touch with me at info@jamieluoto.com.

TESTIMONIALS

"I recently finished a portrait of my two dogs with Jamie, it was the most incredible experience. The finished painting that Jamie created encompasses their two personalities and spirits perfectly. The process of creating the portrait was incredibly personalized, she offered to let me be as involved or not along the way, I of course wanted to be nosy and was so glad I chose that. I built a relationship to fully trust Jamie and her decisions but I loved watching and being apart of her process. The portrait was especially meaningful as well as challenging because one of my dogs had passed away when we started the process. Jamie listened to countless hours of stories, looked at hundreds of pictures and really got to know who he was before she started creating the painting. When it was all said and done the dog she painted was like a dog she had known for years, her attention to detail and ability to show emotion and personality with her paintbrush is incredibly special. I feel honored that I was able to work with Jamie and share my dogs with her, and that she was able to share her talent and ability to create with me. I now get to appreciate a snapshot in time every time I walk into my living room. My home got a lot brighter when the painting went up. I would highly recommend working with Jamie, not only do you get to enjoy the process and the final painting forever but you build a bond that makes it that much more special." - Sarena

"When we commissioned our portrait of our beloved cat Freddie, we knew that we were embarking on a very special adventure. Jamie’s talent is obvious to all, but upon meeting her you discover what an incredibly kind and thoughtful and creative person she is. Right away the process became as exciting as the anticipation of the ultimate product. Jamie interviewed us extensively and was able to visit with Freddie and get to know him as well. It was a true collaboration. Jamie translated our anecdotes about Freddie and our ideas of an anthropomorphized version of him, into a fantastic representation of his spirit, and the joy that he brings into our lives.

Jamie kept us involved with weekly photos of the painting in progress and was available for studio visits and phone calls. Her attention to detail is incredible and the painted Freddie is identical to our boy. By the time she unveiled the final version, we already realized that we had purchased an extremely special work of art. We are so grateful for our painting and our relationship with Jamie." - Drew & Sally