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I certainly experience fear when I'm about to present a commission. Tomorrow I'll be presenting a double oil portrait to a client -- and all their family is in for the holidays!
Will they like it? There are some things I do to make that more likely. First, I do my best to create the finest work I am capable of, of course. But beyond that, I make sure to tell them before the presentation that I love the portrait. (I always do love it. Otherwise I wouldn't let it out of my studio until I do!) I tell them what it is I like best about the painting. I also present all my commissions in a very nice frame. It helps make the piece look finished and more impressive.
In my experience, having done hundreds of pastel portraits from life, there is not much correlation between the quality of the piece and whether the client likes it. They often seem predisposed to like it or not like it before the commission begins. If they ask things like, "Do I have to take it if I don't like it?" right at the start, that's a strong clue!
As they say, "Feel the fear and do it anyway." I have a quote from Karin Wells on the wall in my office that says, "I have many more paintings in me and such a limited time to do them in." I don't have time to be paralyzed with fear.
My greatest fear, after all, is that I may have to go get a "real job" again someday. That's what keeps me in the studio every chance I get!
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