Girly by order

I've been working on a few commissions lately. I enjoy making things to order, I like how it makes me step outside the confines of what I might usually do. But, I'll often find myself getting quite nervous when I make them: will the person I'm making for like it? Is this what they had in mind when they asked for "bright & cheery"? What if my idea of a nice colour blue is different to theirs?? It's the same kind of angst I get when I'm buying a gift for someone who I don't know very well, or whose taste is different to mine. I guess it's normal when you're making something for someone who you've never met? I'm starting to sound like Woody Allen now, but you get the drift I hope. How do you all feel about taking orders for your work, and how do you go about it? I'd be really interested to hear.

Fortunately, I've been very lucky so far with this kind of work to have met some lovely people who are largely happy for me to do what I like. These two are a couple of finished made-to-orders, both for little girls. Kaya cat is heading off to live in Florida with a baby girl. Her Mum asked me to make a very feminine white cat, and to include the colours lilac, yellow and pink in her dress. I don't use a lot of lilac or yellow, but when I found this reproduction print I fell in love with it. I like that I wouldn't have found this print or put these colours together if it wasn't for this cat. I'm going to have a little bit of trouble letting go of her now.

Similarly, this little monkey is going to a little girl whose mother loves all things pink, pretty and Laura Ashley. I called her Lally, which according to my baby name book is a derivative of Laura. I hope my interpretation meets her approval.

Comments

[carly]

These lucky customers could be nothing but over joyed! but I do get your nervousness regarding the choice of colour and pattern... I think that people like your stuff already because you picked it out, therefore, theoretically they should like everything you do... that thought helps me with my orders..

[sally]

The little kitty and monkey are so cute. It's funny because I just started using more lilac and yellow and was surprised how much I like the color combo. Your work is all so lovely, I'm certain your clients are always thrilled with your creations.

[gkgirl]

i don't see how it could
possibly not match up...
that is adorable...
i love the colors
and the name?
so perfect...

[amanda]

they are going to be thrilled, so you needn't worry! I understand your angst though. Personally, I hate taking orders! I just don't work well under constraints and deadlines, not when it comes to creative work. Which is a good reason why I could never make a living out of it, I suppose (amongst many other reasons, of course ;) )

[joyce]

they are absolutely adorable!!

[lisa]

i do almost exclusively commissions now on the pillows and i feel the same way...will they like it? have i captured their vision?? it's an interesting process! i am feeling sort of happy that my next pillow (yours, to be made this weekend), will be up to me--the colors, that is. very excited to put something together for you!

[lk]

I can't imagine the recipients would be anything other than so very pleased. I love the color combinations!

[Fran]

They're both so lovely! The pink Monkey is devine...and the white cat...just so pretty. Well done.

[Gillian Greding]

OMG! That monkey is the cutest thing I've ever seen! And the name? Too dang perfect. I don't know how you give them up! :)

[Kim]

Darling!!

[Zoe]

Okay, I am dying at how cute the outfits are on these girls!!!!! I think that you are so talented. I don't know if you want my input on doing things for commission but, sometimes I like it better when people like what I have already done. I am such a perfectionist/OCD freak that I worry that I am getting things as they pictured it when asked to paint/ make something specific. However, I don't think that they ever know that.

[Sasha]

They're great! I too have nearly a nervouse breakdown every time I get a commission. I research, I ask questions, I do all kinds of things and sometimes I even wind up turning into a bit of a new age freak, trying to "Channel the essence of the client" chanting their requests under my breath while picking supplies out and creating whatever it is they ask for. It's pretty funny to watch in a sad way. So yea, you're definitely not alone. You should have seen me creating your tags...heh!

[scribblesnbits]

How can they do anything but love them? They are so cute!