How to Order Custom Artwork: A Complete Guide for Homeowners & Designers

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How to Order Custom Artwork: A Complete Guide for Homeowners & Designers

Ordering custom artwork is one of the most effective ways to personalize a space, create visual impact, and ensure your interiors feel intentional rather than generic. Whether you are a homeowner decorating a new house, an interior designer completing a project, or a commercial client furnishing hotels, offices, or hospitality spaces, custom artwork offers precision and flexibility that off-the-shelf art cannot match.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly how custom art works, what to provide to artists, how long it takes, pricing expectations, and best use cases for custom paintings, canvas prints, framed art, and bespoke commissions. It also includes timeline considerations for residential projects (such as housewarming), commercial fit-outs, hospitality installations, and real estate staging.

By the end, you will understand the full custom art process from concept to installation, allowing you to make confident decisions whether you are in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere else in the world.

What Is Custom Artwork?

Custom artwork (also called commissioned artwork) is any piece of art created specifically to meet a client’s requirements regarding:

• Size and dimensions

• Style and medium (oil, acrylic, print, mixed media)

• Subject matter (portrait, landscape, abstract, conceptual)

• Color palette and mood

• Room layout and design aesthetic

• Framing preferences

• Deadline or delivery date

• Budget range

Custom artwork can be:
✔ A hand-painted original
✔ A made-to-measure canvas print
✔ A framed reproduction in a custom size or frame
✔ A personalized portrait
✔ A creative reinterpretation of famous art
✔ A commercial artwork covering branded themes

Custom art allows complete creative control, making it ideal when standard sizes or styles do not work.

👉 Request Custom Art from Alpha Art Gallery:

Why Order Custom Artwork? (Top Benefits)

Ordering custom artwork provides several benefits that standard wall art cannot offer:

1. Perfect Fit for Size and Proportions
   Large homes, offices, and hospitality spaces often have oversized walls that require custom sizing.

2. Controlled Color Palette
   Designers can match artwork to furniture, fabrics, and décor for a unified look.

3. Unique Visual Identity
   Homeowners and brands can express personality, story, or values through custom art.

4. Higher Perceived Value
   Original or custom art elevates both residential and commercial interiors.

5. Emotional and Sentimental Value
   Custom portraits, milestones, or travel memories carry lasting emotional meaning.

6. Commercial Branding
   Restaurants, hotels, offices, and co-working spaces use custom art for visual continuity.

These advantages make custom artwork suitable for both personal and professional environments.

Who Orders Custom Artwork?

Custom artwork appeals to multiple buyer groups:

✔ Homeowners

For decorating living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, or new homes.

✔ Interior Designers

For client-specific design installations and fit-outs.

✔ Commercial Clients

Including:

• Hotels & resorts

• Office interiors

• Retail spaces

• Restaurants & cafes

• Hospitals & wellness centers

• Real estate staging companies

✔ Gift Buyers

For weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, housewarmings, and retirements.

✔ Art Collectors

Interested in unique or one-of-a-kind pieces.

The versatility of custom art makes it one of the fastest-growing art segments globally.

Types of Custom Artwork You Can Order

Custom artwork varies based on medium and production method. The most common formats include:

1. Custom Hand-Painted Paintings

Hand-painted artworks are created by real artists using oil or acrylic paint on canvas. These works have texture, brushwork, and artistic character.

Popular styles include:

• Abstract art

• Reinterpretations of famous paintings

• Portraiture (family, pets, couples)

• Landscapes or cityscapes

• Religious and cultural themes

• Conceptual modern art

2. Custom Canvas Prints

Printed on artist-grade canvas, delivered stretched and ready to hang.

Benefits:

• Light and frameless

• No glare

• Cost-effective for large spaces

Ideal for modern homes, offices, and hospitality walls.

3. Custom Framed Prints

High-quality art prints framed to specification, with control over:

• Frame color

• Frame thickness

• Matting (borders)

• Glass/plexi type

Works well for traditional or luxury interiors.

4. Custom Photo-to-Art Transformations

Clients send photos of:

• Couples

• Families

• Pets

• Homes

• Travel locations

Artists convert them into:

• Oil paintings

• Sketches

• Digital art

• Watercolor style

Popular for gifts and sentimental art.

5. Custom Commercial Artwork

Designed specifically for businesses including:

• Restaurants

• Hotels

• Offices

• Co-working spaces

• Retail stores

• Medical & wellness clinics

Commercial artwork reinforces branding and experience.

How the Custom Artwork Process Works

While different galleries and studios may vary slightly, the core steps are consistent. Here’s how the process works at a professional level:

Step 1: Initial Inquiry & Consultation

The client describes what they want. Key information includes:

• Artwork type (canvas, framed, hand-painted)

• Size and dimensions

• Style (abstract, modern, classic, etc.)

• Subject matter (portrait, landscape, etc.)

• Preferred colors

• Deadline

At Alpha Art Gallery, clients can submit these via our custom inquiry form:
👉 https://www.alphaartgallery.com/pages/custom-art-commissions

Step 2: Sending Reference Material

Clients are asked to submit relevant material such as:

• Photos (for portraits or custom scenes)

• Room photos (for interior matching)

• Fabric or color samples

• Inspiration images

• Links to artworks they like

For designers, this is often paired with:

• Floor plans

• Mood boards

• Material boards (FF&E)

• Rendering samples

Step 3: Quote & Timeline Approval

Based on the request, the studio provides:

• Pricing

• Delivery timeline

• Revision policy

• Shipping method

Pricing varies depending on:

• Artist labor

• Medium (oil costs more than acrylic)

• Size (larger = more materials)

• Framing (optional)

• Location (for shipping considerations)

Step 4: Production & Progress Updates

Once approved, artists begin creating the artwork. For hand-painted pieces:

• Underpainting and sketching comes first

• Blocking colors and layering follows

• Details and highlights are added last

Professional studios provide progress updates at key milestones.

Step 5: Quality Control & Finishing

After the artwork is completed, it undergoes:

• Drying time (for oils)

• Varnishing or sealing

• Stretching (for canvas)

• Framing (if ordered)

• Packaging

Quality checks ensure accuracy and material integrity.

Step 6: Delivery & Installation

Artwork is shipped safely worldwide. For larger commercial installations, professional installers may be recommended.

Clients then mount the piece using:

• French cleats

• Sawtooth hangers

• Wire hanging systems

• Specialty commercial hardware (for heavy pieces)

What to Send to Designers or Artists

Providing clear inputs ensures the artwork matches your vision.

Here’s what to send:

1. Photo References (If Applicable)

Good uses:

• Portrait projects

• Pet art

• Home/family scenes

• Scenic travel photos

Tips:
✔ Choose well-lit photos
✔ Avoid blurry images
✔ Include detail close-ups if needed

2. Room Photos & Dimensions

For homeowners & designers:

• Wall measurements

• Ceiling height

• Furniture positions

• Distance from fireplace/sofa/headboard

• Lighting conditions (natural vs artificial)

This ensures perfect sizing.

3. Color Palette & Material Samples

For interior designers:

• Paint swatches (RGB or HEX if digital)

• Upholstery fabric

• Wallpaper patterns

• Flooring samples

Custom art can be matched to:

• Marble veins

• Wood tones

• Textile fabrics

4. Style References

Provide:

• Mood boards

• Pinterest pins

• Instagram saves

• Existing artworks you like

This ensures clear aesthetic direction.

How Long Does Custom Artwork Take? (Timelines)

Lead times depend on the medium.

Hand-Painted Art

• Small: 2–3 weeks

• Medium: 3–5 weeks

• Large/complex: 5–10 weeks

Digital/Printed Art

• Design: 3–7 days

• Printing: 3–5 days

• Framing: 3–7 days

Commercial projects have extended timelines due to volume.

Shipping varies by region:

• USA: 3–7 days

• Canada: 5–10 days

• UK: 3–7 days

• Australia: 5–12 days

• International: 7–21 days

Planning ahead avoids rush charges.

How Much Does Custom Artwork Cost? (Pricing Guide)

Pricing depends on medium, size, and artist labor.

Below are typical custom art ranges for the market:

Custom Hand-Painted

• Small (12x16): $250–$700+

• Medium (24x36): $700–$2,500+

• Large (40x60+): $2,500–$8,000+

Custom Canvas Print

• Medium (24x36): $120–$400+

• Large (40x60): $350–$900+

Custom Framed Print

• Small (16x20): $150–$450+

• Medium (24x36): $300–$1,200+

Commercial Bulk Orders

• Based on total square footage

• Discounts typically apply for volume

At Alpha Art Gallery, pricing is transparent and quote-based for accuracy:
👉 https://www.alphaartgallery.com/pages/custom-art-commissions

Common Use Cases for Custom Artwork

Custom artwork is used across residential, commercial, and creative applications.

✔ Homeowners

Use for:

• Living rooms (statement pieces)

• Bedrooms (calming abstracts)

• Entryways (portraits, landscapes)

• Staircases (gallery sets)

✔ Interior Designers

Use for:

• Project-specific sizing

• Material/color matching

• Luxury residential clients

• Show homes & model suites

✔ Hotels & Resorts

Use for:

• Guest rooms

• Lobby installations

• Dining and bar areas

• Spa and wellness spaces

✔ Corporate Offices

Use for:

• Reception areas

• Boardrooms & meeting rooms

• Private offices

• Breakout zones

✔ Restaurants & Cafés

Use for:

• Wall murals

• Thematic canvases

• Brand storytelling

• Menu-based visuals

✔ Retail Stores

Use for:

• Brand messaging

• Seasonal campaigns

• In-store visual identity

✔ Gifts

Popular for:

• Weddings

• Anniversaries

• Housewarmings

• Retirement celebrations

• Family portraits

• Pet portraits

Custom art is highly sentimental and lasting.

Custom Artwork for Different Regions 

Trends vary by country, so GEO matters:

United States

• Large suburban homes

• Big statement art works well

• Commercial bulk orders common for hotels & offices

United Kingdom

• Smaller room proportions

• Framed and medium-sized art preferred

• Traditional interiors common in historic homes

Canada

• Natural landscapes influence style

• Modern suburban builds support large canvases

• Designers often specify color-matched custom art

Australia

• Coastal & minimalist design trends

• Soft neutral and blue-green palettes

• Canvas prints preferred due to glare-free surfaces

Understanding GEO usage helps designers specify correctly.

How to Order Custom Artwork for Large Projects

Commercial projects require additional steps:

1. RFQ (Request for Quote)

2. Scope documentation

3. Material samples

4. Prototype approval

5. Volume production

6. Shipping & installation coordination

Alpha Art Gallery supports commercial order requests and designer coordination.

How to Choose the Right Artist or Studio

Evaluate:
✔ Portfolio consistency
✔ Medium specialization (oil, acrylic, printing)
✔ Material quality
✔ Communication clarity
✔ Revision policy
✔ Timeline reliability
✔ Shipping protection

Cheap studios often skip steps like varnishing or quality checks.

FAQs About Ordering Custom Art

Q: Do I need to know exactly what I want?
No, you can describe your goals and receive recommendations.

Q: Can artists copy famous paintings?
They can create stylistic interpretations or hand-painted reproductions without claiming originals.

Q: Can I match art colors to my interior?
Yes — just provide fabric or paint samples, or photos of your room.

Q: Is custom art more expensive?
Generally yes, due to labor and materials, but it also holds higher aesthetic and sentimental value.

Conclusion

Ordering custom artwork is one of the most rewarding ways to complete a home, design project, or commercial space. It ensures perfect sizing, color harmony, and personal meaning — providing a visual signature that off-the-shelf prints cannot deliver. Whether you are a homeowner looking for a statement piece, a designer furnishing a luxury residence, or a commercial client outfitting a hotel or office, custom art provides flexibility, quality, and emotional impact.

With clear communication, proper reference materials, and alignment on size, style, medium, and deadline, the custom art process becomes smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. Now that you understand how custom art works, what information to provide, how long it takes, and how pricing structures function, you are ready to commission artwork that elevates your space and reflects your unique vision.

👉 Submit a custom art request to Alpha Art Gallery:
https://www.alphaartgallery.com/pages/custom-art-commissions