When most people think of commissioning artwork, they picture a painting hanging on a wall.
While custom artwork certainly makes a beautiful addition to a home, that's only one of many ways it can be used.
Some of my favorite projects have started with a simple idea: "I want something meaningful, but I'm not exactly sure what."
The beauty of custom artwork is that it's designed around your story, your memories, and your life. The final piece can become artwork, décor, gifts, event details, keepsakes, or even a family heirloom.
If you've ever considered commissioning artwork but weren't sure what you would do with it, here are some of the most popular ways my clients use custom illustrations and paintings.
Celebrate a Place That Means Something to You
Some places become part of who we are.
Maybe it's the beach where you grew up, the college campus where you met your spouse, a family lake house, or the town where your children were born.
Custom artwork allows you to preserve those places in a way that photographs often can't.
Popular ideas include:
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Family homes
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Vacation homes
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Wedding venues
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Favorite beaches
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Local landmarks
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College campuses
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Hometowns
These pieces become daily reminders of places that shaped your story.
Create Meaningful Nursery and Children's Room Decor
One of my favorite commission requests came from a client who wanted nursery artwork inspired by Wilmington, North Carolina.
Rather than creating something overly themed or childish, we designed watercolor pieces featuring a sea turtle, palmetto trees, and a Wrightsville Beach lifeguard stand.
The result was artwork that felt personal, timeless, and able to grow with the child over the years.
Custom nursery artwork can incorporate:
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Local landmarks
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Family traditions
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Meaningful animals
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Favorite vacation spots
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Family heritage
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Coastal elements
The best nursery artwork often becomes artwork that stays in the family for decades.
Tell Your Story Through Wedding Artwork
Custom artwork can transform a wedding from beautiful to deeply personal.
For my own wedding, I created a watercolor pattern featuring pieces of our story:
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Our wedding venue
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Sports we played
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Our school mascot
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Landmarks from favorite places
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Flowers from our home states
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Details inspired by our dog, Lola
The artwork was used on vellum wraps for our invitations, as wallpaper behind our seating chart, and throughout the wedding design.
Wedding artwork can be incorporated into:
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Invitation suites
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Welcome bags
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Seating charts
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Bar signs
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Menus
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Programs
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Guest books
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Thank-you cards
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Anniversary gifts
Give a Gift That Can't Be Bought Off a Shelf
Some occasions deserve something more personal than a standard gift.
Custom artwork is often commissioned for:
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Weddings
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Anniversaries
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New homes
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Retirements
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Graduations
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Mother's Day
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Father's Day
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Baby showers
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Birthdays
When the artwork reflects a person's memories, passions, or favorite places, it becomes much more than a gift—it becomes a keepsake.
Turn Artwork Into Functional Design
One of the biggest misconceptions about custom artwork is that it has to stay inside a frame.
Many clients use artwork in creative ways beyond traditional wall décor.
Artwork can be transformed into:
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Custom stationery
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Tote bags
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Wallpaper
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Fabric patterns
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Holiday cards
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Stickers
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Gift tags
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Event signage
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Packaging
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Digital graphics
A single commissioned piece can often be repurposed across multiple applications.
Preserve Family Memories
Sometimes the most meaningful commissions come from moments that deserve to be remembered.
Whether it's a beloved family home before it's sold, a favorite beach vacation spot, or a location tied to generations of family history, artwork can preserve memories in a way that feels intentional and lasting.
These pieces often become family heirlooms passed down through generations.
You Don't Need a Fully Formed Idea
One thing I hear frequently is:
"I know I want something custom, but I don't know what."
That's completely normal.
Most commission projects begin with a conversation, not a finished vision.
We'll talk about your story, favorite places, meaningful memories, design style, and how you'd like to use the artwork. From there, we can create something that feels uniquely yours.
Because the best custom artwork doesn't just fill a space.
It tells a story.
