Commissions - you never know where they're going to take you!

Over the past year I've received lots of commissions. People present me with pictures they like but can't afford, fabrics of their new curtains, wallpaper, paint chart samples, greetings cards, wrapping paper, you name it! Whilst setting up my business I've probably been a bit guilty of accepting any commission just to get the business in. Don't get me started on the Dutch windmill landscape scene which took me 6 months I hated it so much!! My new policy is only to accept commissions which fit in my area (e.g. colourful contemporary abstract stuff) and which I am comfortable with from the start.

Recently I had a new experience in that I was approached to produce a painting for an 18th birthday present his girlfriend. She had lots of ideas, but didn't really know what she wanted. The main bit of inspiration she gave me was that he was a fan of old skool rave stuff and so bright colours were a must. As a bit of throw away comment she told me that he loved the artwork on the Klaxons CD cover. I went home and had a few attempts at some rave inspired numbers, but nothing was working. Then as luck would have it, my boyfriend had the Klaxons CD on the shelf and well, that took me off in a whole new direction! I ended up choosing key elements of the cover work and incorporating them in a canvas design. There was my usual texture, colour and quirkiness, but it was so different from my usual work, that even I was shocked at the outcome, I liked it! My favourite bit is that I managed to incorporate the "future" line in the design, which is soooo appropriate for the occasion.

The time came to deliver it, I was nervous, I mean there is always that chance that someone may hate it. However, phew...she loved it and now I just hope her boyfriend feels the same when he receives it as a gift later this month.

You know, I really enjoyed the new challenge and it got me thinking that this could be my new line. I may try Kylie next :) So, if you have any favourite CD or record cover artwork, send it my way for a one off inspired design!