Have a particular book or idea in mind? I offer made-to-order fore-edge paintings created especially for you. Below you can learn more about the commission process and find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Commissions Process
1. Getting Started
If you have a book or idea in mind, feel free to reach out.
You can contact me at thepeculiarbunch@gmail.com or through the contact form below, and we can begin planning your piece.
If you prefer, we can arrange a Zoom call to talk through your idea, look at reference images, and plan the design together.
2. Deposit
After agreeing on the design and the price, a non-refundable 20% deposit is required to secure your commission.
3. Process Updates
You’ll receive updates via email of the process. Please note that the creation of a fore-edge painting can take a month or longer, depending on availability and the complexity of the design. If your commission is time sensitive, let me know so that we can disucss options and plan accordingly.
FAQ
Who provides the book?
I buy the book myself after we agree on the edition most suitable for your illustration.
What kinds of fore-edge paintings can be commissioned?
You can commission:
• a fore-edge painting on a single book
• a continuous scene across multiple volumes
• illustrations inspired by favorite scenes from books, films, or television
• original designs created specifically for your chosen story
• personalized elements such as initials or symbolic details incorporated into the artwork
Paintings can be created on the main edge (the fore-edge) or across all three edges of the book.
The thickness of the book determines how much space is available for the illustration, so some designs may need to be simplified or adjusted to fit naturally across the page edges. In some cases, a different or thicker edition of the book may work better, and we can choose the most suitable option together during the planning stage.
Do I need to have a design idea before commissioning?
Not necessarily. If you already have a clear idea for a scene or concept, you’re welcome to share it. If not, I can develop a design based on the themes, atmosphere, and characters of the story.
Does the paint bleed through/stick the pages together?
No! Fore-edge paintings are traditionally created using watercolor, which is a non-sticky medium. During the painting process the book is pressed between clamps, which prevents the paint from bleeding between pages.
Some minimal bleed-through can occur, especially with books that have older or more porous paper.
However, to preserve the artwork for many years, it is best treated as a collectible piece and handled with care.