Commissioned Art from Timothy Jennings

As an artist that works in several mediums it is always exciting to create a project that is the result of a collaboration of ideas and visions between me the artist and you the Collector.  My goal is to create the best representation that succeeds with the vision(s) you share with me.

I price my work using past completed projects as a general guide and time available for a specific project.  Many things are considered in pricing of a commissioned piece including materials selected, extent of labor required, including techniques and processes needed to complete the work.

Once your project is completed there will never be another that is exactly like yours.  Everything I do is done by hand and by me using tools both hand and power.  I strive very hard to meet the goals set at the beginning of the project and in the end my greatest satisfaction comes from meeting the vision you set before me.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the process begin?

Everything begins with a friendly and open conversation.  You are under no obligation to buy anything or sign any commission agreements during our initial conversations.  The purpose of these initial conversations are to discuss what your  expectations might be and the vision you have for the commissioned piece.  Once we have both agreed to a concept we can then move forward with the commissioned artwork.  Once we agree on the project we can begin outlining  the price and a time frame for work to be completed.

How do you determine the price?

The price I quote generally is a solid number unless things change during the crafting of the project. The price may increase if the design is extremely complicated, requires hard to find materials including lumber, stones, leather and precious metals.  Additional embellishments and if the client wants to use rare or expensive materials can also affect pricing.  The final price is the price unless significant changes are requested by you in which case any changes will be put to paper and agreed to by both parties.  Any increase in costs will be stated at that time.

Do you require a deposit to start?

Yes.  Once we have agreed on the project, its scope, and the final price we will sign the Commission Agreement at which time a 25% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required to place your new project on our production calendar.  Just prior to the start of your project you will be notified and a final balance of an additional 30% for a total deposit amount of 55% of the final price is due.  Once we have started this 55% is a NON-REFUNDABLE.  The full deposit will be applied to the final price of the project.  Once finished and ready for delivery the final 45% will be due prior to shipment.  Any additional changes that affect the final cost of the project will be due at the time of the change order.

How long does it take to finish?

The time it takes to complete a commissioned project varies depending on the complexity of the design and availability of materials.  As a general rule most of these projects (Pipes and Flutes) are completed within 60 – 90 days from the start of the project unless things such as sculptures are part of the project.  Deadlines and delivery dates can be negotiated but generally they are guidelines.  The final selling price may be increased for rush deliveries.  The delivery date will be determined once both parties agree on the overall design and scope of the artwork.

Can you create a design based on a photo?

Yes, but there are limitations. I cannot create artwork based on a copyrighted photo, licensed design or another artist’s work unless the copyright holder provides written permission.  Also, not all photos are appropriate for the mediums I work in.  During our initial conversation, we may discuss options or interpretations of photos in order to agree on the best approach.  For most of my work photos are simply used to expand on your vision for the project.

Can I choose the material you will use?

My goal for every design is to create a balanced and beautiful composition and use high quality materials. I will create an initial concept and will provide material samples if you like. These are to be used as a guide, so that we can agree on a general color scheme and tone for the project.  However, the creative process often has a life of its own.  In order to do my best work, I need to have flexibility and I ask that you give that latitude to me.  I source all of my materials used from trusted sources that I’ve worked with for years.  Having consistency and predictability in my materials allows me to focus on the artistic decisions.  If you want to commission something using special materials that are not available that can usually be done but may increase the final price depending on how long and far I must go in order to source the material.

Can I see the design before you begin?

Yes.  There will be several occasions were I will send you updated photos if desired.  Because of the type of art I do much of the general concept can be garnered from photos of previous work and samples of current project under way.  This is the time to address any concerns or changes in the design.

Can I see the artwork while you are making it?

This is one area where many artists will not go.  I however have no problems in providing “in progress” photos or visits while working on commissions.  The piece may go through several drafts and variations before I am satisfied with the final design, and sometimes the final version is very different from earlier stages or what I had envisioned early in the project.  I have found that sharing photos during different stages can sometimes be confusing to the client but this is as much your vision as it is mine.

With every commission, my goal is to meet or exceed the client’s expectations.  During the creative process, if for some reason I find that a major part of the design or construction needs to be changed from the original concept, I will communicate with the client to explain my reasoning and we can discuss options available.  You have come to me for a reason.  That is to say you have found favor in my work and style in my Plains Indian influenced art and as such you are coming to me for my ability to communicate as the artist to you, I must have the final word on creative decisions, and I take that responsibility very seriously.

What Happens if I don’t like the work?

This is a really good question and one that is asked from time to time.  When you choose me to create a project for you it is no secret as to what my work produces as there are so many examples on this website.  You receive updates throughout the process so the final piece should not be a surprise.

Having said that once I have started your commission as mentioned above the deposit IS NOT REFUNDABLE!  If you terminate the build process at any time you will loose your 55% deposit and any change order costs.  My practice has been to finish the piece started and once completed I will provide you with another opportunity to purchase it by paying the balance owed as agreed to.  If at that point you choose to not complete the purchase then it will be sold on our website.

Fortunately I have only had a couple of situations where the customer asked to cancel the contract and in both situations we were able to find a reasonable resolve.

How to contact me:

If you wish to engage in a possible commission for a project that will be a one of a kind art piece simple reach out to me via email or phone.  I would love to spend some time to see if my vision for the project will work for you.  Call me at (307) 690-0427 or email to “sales@jacksonholetim.com”.