Initial meeting with client

I am a beginner at portraits and was wondering what the initial meeting of a client is like. I've read that most portrait artist like to spend time with the subject to get to know them. It's hard for me to comprehend how you go about this.

I would like to hear stories of how some of those situations have gone. Are there certain questions to ask? Do you spend time at their home? How long? Are there things to avoid doing or asking? In general how might the whole process go including possible sketching as well as a photo session?

Thanks,

Kent Curole
[email protected]

[Peggy Baumgaertner]

Each artist has his own method of meeting and working with a new client. I spend about an hour talking with the client and meeting the subject of the portrait. We discuss costume, lighting, client expectations for the portrait, etc. I settle as much as possible on what the painting will be before I set up for the photographic portion.

I then spend about one hour taking 50 to 150 photographs, depending on the size of the portrait (head and shoulders, or 3/4 figure...) I then ask the client to get the photographs developed in a one hour processing center.

I then set up an easel and do a head and shoulders charcoal study of the subject from life. I will spend about 2 hours on the charcoal study. We then get the photographs back and (something I do, which most artists do not do...) then go through the photographs with the client to select the poses, face, hand position, etc., which will be used in the final painting.

Then I have the client sign a contract and I receive a 40% down payment for the portrait. My job as the artist is to control the encounter, make sure the client feels comfortable and enjoys the experience, and conduct myself in a professional manner.

For my students who are just starting out, I give the same advice I used on my first commissioned portraits. "Fake it till you make it." Conduct yourself as a professional portrait artist would, and in time you will become that professional portrait artist. Do not tip toe around and ask the client what they think you should do.

If you have even commissioned one other portrait, you still have twice the experience as your client. The client wants to believe in you. They want you to succeed. They are on your side. Gumbaro! (Just do it...)

[Chris Saper]

To add to Peggy Baumgaertner's excellent response, you might consider taking an even earlier step...to find out what the client actually wants. Clarify your respective expectations, so that you feel comfortable that 1) they actually want a painting; and 2) that you are the right painter for them.Find out how comfortable your client is as he or she moves farther away from photo-realism. I have had a number of initial meetings where I could elicit from a client that what they really needed was a creative photographer. I have also met people who have a very specific desire for a syle different from mine; in either case I try to make a referral.

It can be helpful to show your portfolio, or other samples and ask the client for his response to various features...background treatment, mood, color, etc. You can help people articulate what they are interested in. Like Peggy, I always invite people to review photos with me. Sometimes you may be surprised that their view of beauty is different from yours. I let the client know also what decisions they must leave up to me. And in closing I always joke, "Raise your right hand, and repeat these words: this is a painting, not a photograph".

Best wishes!