Bringing Your Vision to Life: Commissioned Artwork by Jessica Connors
Artist Jessica Connors holding “Cardinals in Magnolia.” A 24”x36” mixed media cut paper on acrylic painted canvas, photographed by Kelly Lawson.
Browsing a gallery or online shop can be a wonderful way to discover beautiful art, which is a process we highly recommend! But sometimes, the piece you’re looking for doesn’t yet exist. That’s where commissioned artwork comes in! Created with your vision, space, and story in mind, a commissioned piece is entirely unique to you and your home. Whether it’s a portrait of a beloved pet, a large-scale statement piece, or a painting inspired by a treasured landscape or memory, commissioning art invites you to be part of the creative journey.
Jen Shea & Dave Gamble's dining room photographed by Kelly Lawson as seen in July's TUCK IN issue.
At Tuck, we’re fortunate to work with many talented local Maritime artists who bring these visions to life. Artists like Jessica Connors, whose work has become a favourite among our clients. Her attention to detail, love of storytelling through imagery, and ability to balance client input with her artistic instincts make her a sought-after choice for custom pieces. Recently, Jessica’s works were featured in Jen Shea and Dave Gamble’s dining room as showcased in the latest TUCK IN issue.
Below, Jessica has shared insight into her process, favourite projects, and what clients can expect when working with her.
Q&A with Artist Jessica Connors:
Q: When a client commissions a piece, what does your creative process look like from start to finish?
A: Once the initial requirements are gathered, I will go through a few cycles of sketching and refining to get a clear picture of the layout and colour palette of the final piece. This phase is more fleshed out for commissions than I would normally do because once the plan is approved by the client, I need to stick to it! From there I will focus on the most detailed, essential elements and their position, and then fill out the space.
Q: Are there certain types of commissions you especially enjoy?
A: I enjoy creating the details of animal portraits. I work closely from reference photos for these and pay a lot of attention to identifying marks and features, there is a bit of stress added in trying to make an accurate resemblance! On the other end of the spectrum, completely decorative pieces are fun to work on because the focus is more on the design and the result is open ended.
Pet Potraits
Custom pet portraits by Jessica Connors. Contact us (hello@tuckstudio.ca) to begin the commission process!
Q: Do you replicate your existing work for new commissions?
A: I’m happy to try making a copy, though it is a challenge to replicate something exactly. We might be better off to discuss what they liked about the look and feel and try to recapture it in something new but close to the original.
Q: What advice would you give someone commissioning from you for the first time?
A: Review my portfolio and identify examples that you like and/or are close to what you have in mind.
Seasonal Collections
Custom paper placemats by Jessica Connors, made for Tuck’s 2023 Holiday Loft Lookbook.
Handmade mixed media tree ornament from the 2023 holiday collection created by Jessica Connors on a 4" round panel.
Q: Is there a particularly memorable or meaningful commission you’ve done?
A: I made a double pet portrait for a family member as a gift, which was especially meaningful because I knew the animals and the ‘client’. The pets have since passed away and the portrait now has an added meaning to me as a memorial.
Q: How do you work with clients to choose the subject, size, and direction of the artwork?
A: For commissions intended for a specific space, photos or a description of the room and other elements in it (colours, patterns, other artwork) are useful for me to propose a particular scale and composition. Depending on how much the piece is intended to integrate with those elements, a paint or wallpaper/fabric sample is helpful too.
For clients with a specific subject in mind, reference photos are key so I would give some guidance on choosing photos or would source some images to get a feel for what they envision.
Jessica Connors art prints "Blueberry Banditry" & "Hip Happening" in Josh’s Guest Bedroom captured by Kelly Lawson in January's TUCK IN issue.
Q: Are there subjects or styles you haven’t yet been commissioned to create but would love to?
A: I would love to do something at a very large scale, like a mural or wall panels!
Q: How long does a typical commission take, and what affects the timeline?
A: The timeline depends mainly on the size and can be affected by materials, for example if I need to order a special size panel. Pieces in the 11x14 or smaller range typically take 1-2 weeks. Commissions are sometimes gifts for special events where timing is important and I am also open to working with a deadline.
Small Collections
Two original mixed media pieces by Jessica Connors.
Q: Do clients get to preview their commission before it’s completed?
A: Yes absolutely. I start by presenting a sketch with the arrangement and colours for approval. I do offer chances to review photos of the work as it develops, but it really depends on how much the client wants to guide the work. Usually if someone has engaged me to make something then they like my style and are comfortable leaving creative choices in my hands.
Q: Are there size limitations for your commissions?
A: I typically keep pet portraits commissions within 8x10 to 11x14 for the best resolution of facial features. But for other subjects, I’m open to all sizes. Larger pieces (24” and up) have added logistical considerations and limitations with respect to transporting and mounting, but if the client is prepared to manage these I am happy to make the pieces.
About Jessica:
Jessica Connors is a Nova Scotia-based artist working primarily in gouache, coloured pencil, and ink. Inspired by vintage botanical illustrations, her mixed media paintings often feature wildlife and free-flowing floral motifs. Her commissioned pieces are as unique as the clients who request them, shaped through a collaborative process that ensures each work resonates personally and visually. Explore her available works, or learn more about commissioning your own piece by contacting us at hello@tuckstudio.ca.
Portrait of Jessica Connors from the 2023 Loft Holiday Look Book, captured by Kelly Lawson.
