Commissions 

And Creative Balance

24.04.2025

The Reality of Being an Artist: Commissions and Creative Balance

Being an artist isn’t always about chasing inspiration. Often, it’s about making creativity sustainable—turning passion into practice, and vision into livelihood. And for many of us, that means doing commission work.

Commissions are the bread-and-butter of countless creatives. They’re steady, reliable, and in demand. Think of them like a mechanic doing MOTs or a videographer filming yet another car commercial—maybe not the most exhilarating part of the job, but absolutely essential. They keep the wheels turning, the rent paid, and the paintbrushes stocked.

But there’s more to commissions than just financial survival. What they offer, quietly and consistently, is a kind of creative gym—strengthening technical muscles, encouraging artistic discipline, and pushing me to explore subject matter and styles I might not gravitate toward on my own. It’s a practice, not unlike a pianist running scales or an athlete training off-season. After dozens of commissions, I’ve developed a sharper eye and deeper understanding of my tools and voice.

And truthfully? Some of my proudest pieces have come out of commission work. There’s something uniquely satisfying about bringing someone else’s vision to life—interpreting their story, memory, or idea through my own creative lens. It’s a collaboration of trust and imagination, and that’s a beautiful thing.

So yes, I’m opening up commissions again. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work directly with people, to create something meaningful and personal just for them. But that doesn’t mean my own artistic vision has taken a backseat. Far from it.

I’ve got projects simmering—ones that come straight from the heart, pieces that reflect my own obsessions, curiosities, and creative wanderings. They’re on their way, and I can't wait to share them with you when the time is right.

In the meantime, if you're interested in a custom piece, feel free to DM me for commission details. Whether it’s a gift, a portrait, or something entirely out of the box, I’d love to hear your ideas.

Thanks for being part of the journey—both the commissioned paths and the wild, personal ones. It’s all part of the balance.

Katie H.