Commission a cool work of art

by Jeremy
(Austin, TX)

You can create a unique gift and support local artists by commissioning a cool piece of art to give as a gift. Have you ever noticed that the bulletin board of your local coffee shop or grocery store has lots of business cards or other advertisements for local artists? Or maybe you’ve met someone who likes to talk about their painting or graphic design work. Consider asking a local artist to create a piece of art for your favorite teen.

Not all visual artwork needs expensive matting and framing. In fact, with a little creativity many everyday items can become a canvas for art that speaks to, or about, your teen. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. And if your creative circuits have been in need of a reboot lately, the great thing about collaborating with a local artist is that they can take small ideas from you and give them flight.

If your teen is interested in extreme sports like skating or snowboarding, skate and pro shops often sell inexpensive blank decks that can be painted with scenes from a memorable trip or competition. For teens that are young film buffs, why not ask an artist to personalize some item that relates to the plot of a favorite movie? Teens that enjoyed Slumdog Millionaire might love an inexpensive chai tea tray painted to show the recipient participating in the movie’s final Bollywood dance number.

Not all art carries auction house prices, either. Many artists, starving or otherwise, will provide affordable services largely for the pleasure of working on a project that a young person will cherish for a lifetime. And your gift will demonstrate the importance of supporting local artisans. Free your mind and your inner patron!