Commission Terms

How Commissions Work

Every commissioned painting is created by hand, in watercolor, by Joy Mukherjee. Each piece is unique and made specifically for you. The process from first contact to finished artwork typically involves the following stages:

1. Inquiry Submission — You reach out with your project idea and requirements.
2. Quote & Discussion — Joy reviews your inquiry and sends a personalised quote. Any questions about the project are discussed at this stage.
3. Reference Materials — If the project proceeds, you provide photographs or other reference materials.
4. Concept Sketch / Composition Approval — Where applicable, a sketch or composition plan is shared for your feedback before painting begins.
5. Deposit Payment — A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm and begin the commission.
6. Painting Process — Joy creates your artwork. You may receive progress updates where appropriate.
7. Final Approval — The completed painting is shared with you for review. Once final approval has been given and the artwork has been shipped, no further revisions can be requested.
8. Remaining Balance — Once you approve the finished artwork, the remaining balance is due before shipment.
9. Shipping — Your painting is carefully packaged and dispatched worldwide.

Quotes & Pricing

Every commission is quoted individually. There is no fixed price list, because each project is different.

Pricing is based on factors including:

• Size and format of the painting
• Complexity of the subject matter
• Number of subjects or focal points
• Quality and clarity of reference materials
• Any specific project requirements

Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee acceptance of a commission. Joy reserves the right to decline any project before painting begins, for any reason.

Reference Materials

Clear reference photographs are essential for producing a high-quality commission. The following apply to all reference materials:

• Reference photographs may be requested at the quotation stage or before the sketch is prepared.
• You are responsible for providing materials of sufficient quality to complete the artwork.
• You must have the legal right to share any images you provide.
• If reference materials are insufficient or unsuitable, Joy may request alternatives or decline the project.

Reference Materials & Privacy

Photographs and other personal materials you share during the inquiry or commission process are handled with care. Your information and reference images are managed in accordance with the Privacy Policy. This page does not reproduce those terms. Please review the Privacy Policy for full details on how your data is used and stored.

Artistic Interpretation

All commissions are created in Joy's personal watercolor style. Watercolor is a fluid, expressive medium, and each painting reflects the artist's creative hand.

• Commissions are artistic interpretations, not exact photographic reproductions.
• Minor variations in colour, texture, and composition are a natural part of the watercolor process.
• While every effort is made to capture the essence of the subject, commissioned artwork is intended to be an artistic interpretation rather than a photographic replica.

Revisions

Revisions are most practical before painting begins. Here is how they work at each stage:

Sketch Stage

Minor adjustments to composition, layout, or subject placement may be requested at the sketch or composition approval stage. This is the best time to raise changes.

After Painting Begins

Once painting has started, revisions are significantly limited. Watercolor cannot be undone in the way digital work can. Significant changes after approval may require additional fees, a revised quote, or in some cases a new commission.

Payment Terms

The following payment structure applies to all commissions:

• Where applicable, a concept sketch or composition plan is shared and approved before payment is requested.
• After approval of the sketch or composition, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required before painting begins.
• Work does not begin until the deposit has been received.
• When the painting is complete, the finished artwork is shared with you for review.
• If you are happy with the completed artwork, the remaining 50% balance is due before shipment.

If You Choose Not to Proceed After Completion

If you decide not to proceed after viewing the completed artwork:

• The 50% deposit is retained by the artist to cover time, materials, and the completed work.
• The remaining balance is waived and does not need to be paid.
• The artwork remains the property of the artist.

Timelines

Estimated timelines are provided as a guide, not a guarantee. Delays may occur due to:

• Workload and studio scheduling
• Project complexity
• Illness, travel, or personal circumstances
• Supply issues or material availability
• Public holidays
• Circumstances outside the artist's control

Joy will communicate any significant delays as soon as reasonably possible.

Shipping

Art by Joy ships original artwork worldwide.

• Standard worldwide shipping is included in the quoted commission price unless otherwise stated.
• Tracking is provided where available.

Additional charges may apply for:

• Framing or special packaging
• Framed commissions may require longer production and shipping times.
• Oversized works
• Customs duties and import taxes (charged by the destination country)
• Special delivery requirements or expedited shipping

Please note that customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the recipient and are not controlled by Art by Joy.

Damaged Shipments

Artwork is packaged with care to survive transit. In the unlikely event your painting arrives damaged:

• Contact Joy at joy@artbyjoy.shop as soon as possible after delivery.
• Please retain all original packaging.
• Photographs of the packaging and the artwork may be requested to assist with any carrier claim.

Colour Variation

Colours on screen can differ from the original artwork due to monitor calibration, screen brightness, and display settings. The physical painting is the definitive version. If colour accuracy is important to you, please ask for additional photographs before approval.

Returns & Refunds

Commissioned artwork is custom-made to your specifications and cannot be restocked or resold.

• Once painting has begun, commissions are generally non-refundable.
• The 50% deposit is non-refundable once the sketch or composition has been approved and work has commenced.
• If a commission is cancelled before painting begins, any payments made will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Copyright & Usage Rights

What You Receive

When you purchase a commissioned artwork, you receive ownership of the original physical painting.

What the Artist Retains

Joy Mukherjee retains all intellectual property rights to the artwork, including:

• Full copyright
• Reproduction rights
• Print and digital rights
• Commercial rights

None of these rights are transferred with the sale of the physical painting unless separately agreed in writing.

Commercial use, reproduction, publishing, or merchandise production requires prior written permission from the artist.

Portfolio Rights

Art by Joy reserves the right to display completed commissioned artwork in:

• Online and physical portfolio collections
• Social media channels and website galleries
• Exhibitions and art fairs
• Marketing and promotional materials

If you wish to keep your commission private and off all public channels, please state this in writing before work begins. Exceptions may be agreed upon on a case-by-case basis.

Reference Image Ownership

Reference photographs provided by clients remain the property of their respective owners. Art by Joy does not claim any ownership over images you supply. They are used solely to create your commissioned artwork.

Abandoned Commissions

If a client becomes unresponsive for more than 30 days during the commission process, Joy may place the commission on hold or cancel it. Any non-refundable payments already made will be retained. Joy will make reasonable attempts to make contact before taking this step.

Right to Decline

Art by Joy reserves the right to decline any commission request before painting begins, without being required to provide a reason. This applies equally to new inquiries and ongoing discussions that have not yet resulted in a deposit payment.

Get in Touch

If you have questions about these terms, or would like to discuss a commission, please reach out directly: joy@artbyjoy.shop.