The main image features a custom mixed-media painting by Jennifer Rae Ochs showcased in an identical rendering of her client’s white seating room.
A Guide by Artist Jennifer Rae Ochs
As an artist, designer, and consultant with decades of experience, I’ve had the honor of collaborating with clients around the world — transforming spaces and telling stories through paint, texture, and vision.
Commissioning custom artwork is more than an aesthetic choice; it’s the creation of a personal legacy. It’s about making something that resonates deeply and lives within your space — an heirloom of emotion and meaning.
I’ve guided art enthusiasts and design professionals alike through this transformative process, each journey as unique as the environments in which the resultant works ultimately reside. The result is a soul-touchstone — a powerful visual and emotional centerpiece. The process is exciting, and most often, incredibly meaningful.
Here’s what I’ve learned over many years that are the common underpinnings of successful, fulfilling partnerships when commissioning custom artwork.
4 Tips for Commissioning Custom Artwork
- Know Your Intention
- Explore to Find the Right Artist
- Collaborate with Vision and Openness
- Discuss the Details
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1. Know Your Intention
Our living spaces are sanctuaries — reflections of who we are and what we value. When commissioning custom artwork, start by asking:
Why is this important to me?
Art can ground a room and elevate a moment. Maybe you’re seeking a bold focal point for an important space, celebrating a milestone, or marking a profound personal transformation.
Gold mixed-media painting by Jennifer Rae Ochs in a client’s home
I’ve had the honor of creating pieces for occasions ranging from new homes, significant anniversaries, to clean bills of health — each carrying deep emotional meaning.
Knowing your “why” gives the artwork its emotional heartbeat. It becomes more than a visual feature — it becomes an important part of your story. Leading with intention creates a powerful foundation for meaningful collaboration.
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2. Explore to Find the Right Artist
Finding the right artist starts with discovering artwork that resonates — something that speaks to you on an emotional, intuitive level.
You don’t need all the answers:
The most important step is simply starting a conversation
Not all artists — or all mediums — are well-suited for commissioned work, and I can only speak from my own experience. As an artist who has fully embraced custom work, I genuinely love the creative partnership that forms between artist and collector.
It’s a collaboration built on trust, shared vision, and the joy of bringing something beautiful and unique into someone’s life. Explore art that draws you in. Sometimes a finished piece is a perfect fit; other times, a custom piece is the way to go.
Art festivals are an enjoyable and effective way to discover artists. You can experience various styles and mediums firsthand, meet artists in person, and feel the creative energy.
Afternoon snapshot of the Beverly Hills Art Show
Image is courtesy of the City of Beverly Hills
My hometown favorite is the Beverly Hills Art Show, happening May 17–18, 2025 — I’ll be at Booth Space 407, by the way. The Beverly Hills show is known as a beautiful weekend under the open sky — filled with art, inspiration, delicious bites, refreshing drinks, and the vibrant spirit of community.
A peaceful view of the historic Lily Pond in Beverly Gardens Park adjacent to the Beverly Hills Art Show
You can explore artist websites, social media, or simply ask — I’m always happy to help, as are my peers. Over the years, I’ve built a trusted network of artists, designers, and artisans across many disciplines to help bring your vision to life.
As you explore, keep this inspirational thought in mind:
Art discovery is a journey of the heart that can lead to something truly extraordinary.
3. Collaborate with Vision and Openness
The conversation between artist and collector is a dance — a balance of vision, trust, and creative flow. Open collaboration is key.
When starting a commission, I focus on understanding not just the aesthetics, but the feeling of the space. It isn’t uncommon for us to schedule a home visit to experience the light, textures, and energy firsthand — subtle elements that can profoundly shape the work.
Digital renderings of existing artwork in new placements can fuel the creative process
If a visit isn’t possible, thoughtful communication can bridge the gap. I encourage collectors to share room photos, wall dimensions, and inspirational images that capture the space’s palette, textures, and mood.
I’ve found that healthy, open collaboration needs sufficient space and time to gel:
The planning process should breathe — it unfolds best with curiosity and mutual enthusiasm.
When both artist and collector are fully engaged, the creative flow becomes organic — and that’s when the work truly comes to life!
4. Discuss the Details
Clear communication is the foundation of a successful commission.
Together, we define the essentials — size, scale, color palette, budget, timeline, mediums, and materials — shaping both the creative vision and practical framework.
Close up view of a mixed-media painting by Jennifer Rae Ochs exhibited at the Fall 2024 Beverly Hills Art Show
Once aligned, I provide a straightforward commission agreement, signed by both parties, along with a 50% non-refundable deposit to begin the work. A custom piece typically takes about two months, depending on my exhibit schedule and commission queue. If more time is needed, I communicate openly throughout the process.
If art shipment is required, I coordinate all logistics with my trusted fine art shippers. Installation can also be arranged upon request, though most collectors choose to handle it on their own.
Fine art pieces securely and safely packaged in custom art crates ready to be shipped.
Image courtesy of Art Couriers
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Real Stories of Open Collaboration
In my experiences — without exception — the following premise has been true:
Every commission begins with a spark of curiosity and connection.
Whether meeting collectors at art festivals, through referrals, or my website, it always evolves into something uniquely meaningful.
At the Beverly Hills Art Show, for example, I met a couple who had just completed their dream forever home. A week later, we arranged a private in-home art experience, where I brought several pieces and we spent hours moving artwork from room to room — exploring, imagining, and discovering what truly brought their inspiration to life. Sure enough, we found a few works that fit their vision and home perfectly.
A mixed-media painting by Jennifer Rae Ochs in its forever home
At the Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival in Arizona, I met one dynamic couple who had been searching for the perfect artwork for years. In this instance, two pieces of my work found their forever home relatively quickly. Whereas another kindred connection I had made at this fair, led to a custom commission project that will finally complete a statement wall that has remained empty for seven years (!), patiently awaiting the right piece!
During my Pacific Northwest Summer Art Tour, I connected with collectors at the Bellevue Arts Museum Art Fair. What started with artwork for their lake home blossomed into a lasting relationship — years later, we reunited in La Quinta, California, creating new pieces for their desert home, capturing the same spirit of beauty and movement, with a fresh palette to reflect their new surroundings.
Beyond painting commissions, my JRO ART Design Studio has also collaborated with companies such as Evolve Systems to create wearable art and branded products with heart and soul.
Evolve’s CEO, disheartened by the typical company embroidered swag, envisioned custom clothing, scarves, hats, and accessories — pieces that would embody the spirit of their brand, elevate their team’s style, and offer truly special gifts for clients.
The Evolve Occasional Chair designed by Jennifer Rae Ochs and Evolve Systems
Together, we brought The Evolve Collection to life: a vibrant fusion of art, passion, and brand identity — because evolving is at the heart of every great story!
Every collaboration, whether for home or business, is a love story between art and life — woven with meaning, purpose, and connection.
These stories are just a glimpse into the incredible connections and experiences that can arise from custom projects. Each successful, fulfilling collaboration reminds me of the power of art to elevate spaces, ignite passions, and create lasting bonds.
Parting Words of Encouragement
“The living power of art is humanity. Each canvas a magnetic pull to the beings, the forces of nature that shift perspectives and create new realities, for this journey I thank you. Witnessing the discovery of my work by another who feels my passion and desires to possess it, bathes me in moonlight. You are my friends, my collectors, my spheres of influence and I am honored.” – JRO
These words from my artist manifesto capture the heart of everything I believe. Art is not just about beauty — it’s about connection. It bridges souls, transforms spaces, and leaves a lasting legacy.
Start your journey by visiting a local art festival, find what stirs your soul, ask questions, and keep photos of your space on hand — you never know when the perfect piece will find you! I also encourage you to visit my website and explore the gallery, view upcoming events, shop the collections, and discover recent collaborations.
Whether you’re ready to commission a custom artwork, collaborate on a unique project, or schedule a consultation, I’m happy to answer artful questions. Because in every great creation, there’s a moment when two visions meet — and something timeless is born.
About the Author
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Jennifer Rae Ochs is a Los Angeles-based contemporary fine artist and designer known for her vibrant, mixed-media paintings that fuse acrylics and sculptural textures, drawing inspiration from her global travels and dedication to classical piano. Her artwork is exhibited and collected globally, such as in: private collections; public art programs; hospitality venues; and corporate collections. Her work also can be seen at art festivals, galleries and museums. |
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