Commissions

Nothing makes me happier than to make a painting or drawing for you (or as a gift for you to give to someone else) but to ensure that everyone has a positive experience I do have some guidelines for commissions:​ 

1: At all times I retain creative control. If I think something will look bad I'm not going to do it. However, I will do my best to make you happy within the confines of my own visual aesthetic and creative process. If you want me to do a commission for you it should be because you like the work I make and would like a piece by me that is just a little more personal to you. 

2: Size, medium (oil painting or charcoal drawing), and cost (+shipping) will be discussed and agreed upon and a 50% NONREFUNDABLE down payment will be made before any work is done. If you decide later to cancel your order, I have already started working and will be paid for that work.

3: Photographic reference material provided by the patron must be of good quality and provided to info@matthewcookart.com in the form of a .jpeg.

4: If I am making the reference photo for you, I will go over the details of what you want the painting or drawing to be like and I will provide a rough sketch of what I think the composition should look like. If you sign off on the sketch, I will proceed to create a reference photograph to paint from. The photo may differ from the sketch. You will be allowed one free reshoot to make any changes we both agree on. Each subsequent reshoot will be $100.

5: If the project requires that I purchase prop materials, I will absorb the cost up to $100. If the cost exceeds $100, you will be charged for the remainder (I will provide receipts). I will retain the rights to all purchased prop materials after the project is completed. If you have materials you want me to use in the composition you will be responsible for the shipping and return shipping costs. I will not be held responsible for any damages to the materials.

6: When your painting or drawing is completed, the remaining 50% of the cost (plus any additional costs. See above.) must be paid before your artwork will be shipped. 

7: Payment can be made via: Venmo, Paypal, personal check, or money order. The payment must be for the exact amount we agreed upon. If it is less, you will not receive your artwork until the rest of the balance has been received. If it is more, I will consider it a tip and will not return the extra.

8: I retain the right to add any guidelines to individual commissions as the need arises.