I love helping people create meaningful gifts, so I was excited when Makenzie Lewis reached out about creating a custom painting for her mom for Mother’s Day!

In this Q&A, Makenzie shares her experience booking a commission, so you can get a glimpse of what the process looks like from the client perspective!

Q: Why did you decide to gift a custom painting?

A: I’ve been fortunate enough to be living back at home with my mom for over a year. In the next coming months, I’ll be moving out again. In this time, we’ve grown very close and I’ve learned that nothing compares to the memories we make at home. I moved a lot in the past 10 years, so the closest “home” I have is the house my mom grew up in. Full of memories and love and family. I wanted to give her a custom painting to remind her just how important family and home is.

Q: What was your favorite part of the commission process?

A: I loved working with Sarah on some symbolism. We talked about simple ways to incorporate my whole family in one picture. I have a big extended family and we all grew up at this house. Countless holidays, dinners, guests and stories revolve around this house. So, the best way to get it all in a painting is in the picture!

Q: Do you have any advice for someone considering booking a commission?

A: Put meaning into your commission. Supporting a local artist means you can really make the art your own. It doesn’t have to have meaning to anyone but you, so make it your own!

Makenzie was a joy to work with, and was so sweet to include several meaningful details in this watercolor, house painting for her mom. We even put a special message on the back!