Why I Love Creating Commissions

One of my favorite parts of being an artist is creating commission pieces. There’s something incredibly special about being invited into someone’s story and trusted to turn their ideas, memories, and inspirations into art. Over the years, I’ve created such a wide variety of commissions—cars, portraits, ski girls, custom-painted bags, and so much more. Each project brings something new and exciting, and I love the challenge of bringing someone’s unique vision to life.

For me, painting has always been about storytelling. Every brushstroke represents a moment, a feeling, a connection. So when a client shares their inspiration, I get the privilege of stepping into their world for a bit. I listen to what they love, what matters to them, what they want to feel when they look at the final piece. Those conversations are such a fun part of the process—they guide the heart of the artwork.

Of course, commissions aren’t always easy. There are digital mockups, rounds of edits, shifts in direction, and a lot of fine-tuning along the way. But I honestly don’t mind that part. My goal is always to capture someone’s vision in a way that feels authentic, meaningful, and exciting to them. I want the final artwork to feel like the piece they imagined—even if they didn’t know how to put it into words at the beginning.

And my absolute favorite moment? The reveal. There’s nothing like showing someone what I created from their descriptions, their inspiration, and their story. Watching their reaction—whether it’s excitement, surprise, or even a little emotion—makes every hour spent sketching, editing, and perfecting completely worth it.

Creating commissions is one of the most rewarding parts of my artistic journey. Being trusted to make something so personal is an honor, and I love knowing that each custom piece will live in someone’s home, carrying meaning far beyond the canvas.