Alissha Davis
For Interior Designers

A Short Guide to Commissioning Original Art

How to bring an original painting or bespoke collection into a hospitality, residential or commercial project, from first brief to final install.

Why Commission Original Art

Three reasons designers spec original work.

Made for the space

A commissioned piece is scaled, oriented and composed for the wall, corridor or room it will inhabit, not squeezed in afterwards.

Palette and material harmony

Pigments can be developed alongside stone, timber, textiles and metal finishes so the artwork becomes part of the material story.

One artist, one vision

A single practice across multiple rooms or an entire property creates cohesion that sourced pieces rarely achieve.

When to Bring in an Artist

The earlier, the better.

Alissha can join a project as soon as the spatial concept and palette are forming. The most successful commissions begin during design development, before FF&E is locked.

  • Concept phase
    Define mood, scale and budget before sourcing begins.
  • Design development
    Share plans, elevations and material boards so the work can respond to architecture.
  • FF&E coordination
    Align pigment and finish choices with furniture, fabric and lighting selections.
  • Pre-install
    Allow lead time for creation, drying, framing and shipping before the install date.
Sizing, Scale and Placement

How to think about proportion.

There is no universal formula, but these starting points help conversations move faster:

  • Statement walls
    A single large piece often reads more quietly than a busy gallery wall. Width is usually ⅔ to ¾ of the furniture below it.
  • Series and diptychs
    Multiple works can link rooms, corridors or bedside pairs. Keep consistent spacing and sight lines.
  • Vertical spaces
    Tall, narrow passages suit portrait-orientated pours. Entry foyers and stairwells are ideal.
  • Viewing distance
    Large, gestural work needs breathing room. Smaller, detailed passages reward closer inspection.
Palette, Materials and Light

Metallics shift with the room.

Alissha's paintings are built with fluid acrylic, metallic pigments and pearlescent layers. They respond to natural and artificial light throughout the day, revealing new tones as the light changes.

  • Coordinate pigment direction with the project's stone, wood and textile palette rather than matching colours exactly.
  • Place works where they receive both direct and indirect light to activate the metallic layers.
  • Consider the opposite wall: a painting with reflective passages can softly mirror light into the room.
Close detail of metallic and pearlescent fluid acrylic catching light
Budget, Timeline and Editions

What affects the investment.

Every commission is unique, but these factors shape scope and pricing:

  • Dimensions
    Larger works require more material, drying space and handling.
  • Complexity
    Layered metallics, custom pigments and multi-piece collections extend the studio timeline.
  • Exclusivity
    Commissioned works are one-of-a-kind originals. Usage rights and reproduction are discussed case by case.
  • Lead time
    Most commissions require 8–16 weeks from brief to delivery, depending on scale and drying cycles. Rush projects are sometimes possible.
The Commissioning Process

A quiet, considered collaboration.

The same five-step sequence used for hospitality, residential and commercial projects:

  1. 01
    The Space

    Plans, renderings, palette, materials and requirements are shared.

  2. 02
    The Direction

    Alissha develops a visual direction informed by the project's atmosphere.

  3. 03
    The Collection

    Dimensions, palette, placement and timeline are agreed.

  4. 04
    Creation

    Original works are painted specifically for the project.

  5. 05
    Completion

    The finished collection is prepared for delivery and installation.

Questions

Common questions from designers.

Can we revise the direction once painting starts?

Yes, within reason. Alissha shares direction and palette before committing paint to canvas, and one round of refinement is built into the process.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Works are packaged for sea or air freight depending on timeline and destination.

Is installation included?

Installation is coordinated with the project's art handler or contractor. Alissha can advise on hanging hardware and placement.

What is the deposit structure?

A 50% deposit confirms the commission; the balance is due before shipping or handover.

Who owns the copyright?

The collector owns the physical artwork. Copyright and reproduction rights remain with Alissha unless agreed otherwise.

Can you work to a tight deadline?

Rush commissions are sometimes possible for smaller works or existing available pieces. Discuss timing early.

Begin a Project

Ready to discuss a commission?

Share your project brief, timeline and any inspiration. Alissha reads every enquiry personally.

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