C. Andree Davidt, Commissions

Over the years one of my mainstays has been commission work. I have done commissions for private individuals, corporations and for architectural agencies building for a specific location. Most clients that are commissioning work have a pretty good idea what they want and it is usually very unique or they would buy something already produced. To begin I spend time with the client talking about their individual needs and looking at the space. I have a formula that I use for commissioned pieces that has worked quite well over the 30 years that I have been doing this kind of work. I know how to design, do the drawings, present the proposal, budget the work, and determine the timeline. I have a pallet of material suppliers and can ship anyplace in the country.

"Butler and the Upstairs Maid" sculptural bathroom panel with sink

I enjoy doing commissions and often they are pieces with functional components. With my background in industrial design and an interest in combining sculpture and function, I have a good all around skill level to accomplish what a client may want.

This is how I work with clients on a specific commission.

I meet with the client to discuss the project, not only about how I would approach the situation, but what they think they want in the space. I discuss their budget and try to give them a rough estimate of what they can accomplish for the amount they want to spend. I usually photograph the space, but have also worked with people by phone and photographs they have sent me.
I then go back to my studio and do preliminary sketches/concept ideas. I charge a set rate of $100 per hour and usually can come up with some ideas with sketches in three to four hours. I then meet with or send the sketches to the client and they are discussed in person or by phone.
If the client does not like anything they see, we can go back to the drawing board or decide that I am not the artist for them. This works well because the client hasn’t put out a tremendous amount of money to this point and I am paid for my design time.
If the client sees a sketch and direction he/she likes, I begin the preliminary drawings. During this process I develop a budget and timeline for the project. Again I meet with or talk to the client and we discuss these two factors and agree on both a budget and a timeline. I usually ask for 1/3 upfront so that I can buy all the materials needed for the project and get started.
I try to take digital photographs regularly so that the client can see the progress. It is also fun for him/her to see the piece as it evolves. When I feel like am I a minimum of halfway through the project I usually ask for a second third of the budget.

Upon completion, delivery and installation and final approval by the client, I expect the final third of the agreed upon budget. I usually like to deliver and install the pieces I build, but this isn’t always the case. I have shipped pieces and the client has done the installation with my direction. I will usually break down the budget showing material costs, labor, overhead studio costs, delivery and installation costs, so that all expenses are understood.

Project Development