Commissioning craft

When a piece of work is commissioned it is one of a kind, which means that working with an artist or maker to enable a piece of work can be enormously fulfilling.

Commissioned pieces are a great way of recognising anniversaries, retirements or achievement. Via the process of commissioning, we are all able to have one-off work made for ourselves, or create an individual gift for a friend or colleague.

Work made to commission can take many forms, from an original piece of jewellery to something made specifically for your home or garden, including such items for display as ceramics, glass or metalwork, or structural pieces like window glass, handles, ornamental gates or staircases.

For more information on commissioning for the built environment, visit the craft in the built environment section of our website.

Our downloadable guide, Six steps to commissioning provides you with a step by step guide to the process, we have also provided a checklist below for quick reference.

Commissioning Checklist
Designed to provide you with an easy reference guide to enable you to ensure your commission runs as smoothly as possible:

• Define your goal as clearly as possible; a written brief may be the best way to ensure clarity
• Know your budget and be aware that later changes to the work can increase costs
• Identify the appropriate maker of your commission
• Obtain a quotation which includes a breakdown of materials and labour costs.
• Discuss timeframe, including this in the brief if known, with a completion date
• Be clear about when each of you has confirmed the commitment to the project, and be careful to ensure that preliminary discussions are not confused with an order to complete work
• Discuss terms of working, such as viewings of work in progress, and review terms of contract or commission agreement
• Ask questions if you are unclear of any aspect
• Keep in touch
• Enjoy the process

See a list of makers in the Crafts Council Directory

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  Commissioned pieces are a great way of recognising anniversaries, retirements or achievement. By commissioning, we can all have one-off work made for ourselves, or create an individual gift for a friend or colleague.