How to Proceed with Commission
Updated Sep. 20, 2024: Free consultations have resumed, with updates to scope, process, pricing, and schedule.
The process begins with an email from you describing your request at that time. After that, we will have an online meeting. (free of charge). After the meeting, I will create a Production Application Form reflecting our discussion details and send it to you via email. The first payment will be required once you agree to the content and sign the form.
This initial payment will be half of the total painting fee, which serves as a deposit, and then I will start creating your piece. Once the piece is complete, I will send you a photo as proof the piece is finished according to the PAF. If there are no issues, you will proceed with the remaining payment including the shipping fee, and the shipping preparations will begin.
*Only "The White Dog" series is available for commissions.
Your commission proceeds like this:
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Please include the following in your email:
Desired delivery date (refer to Available Slots and specify in your message)
An image or concept of the piece you wish to order. A rough idea at this point is completely fine! Feel free to share your likes, such as “I want this kind of atmosphere in the painting,” and attach reference materials if you can.
Example 1: "I'd like to have The White Dog portrayed as a member of my family, depicting a lively mealtime scene. Here are some reference photos."
Example 2: "I'd like a painting at the hallway entrance of my house in yellow tones, similar to this example."
When sending your email, please check Series Available for Commissions and Cases in Which I May Decline Your Request. If you have any questions, feel free to include them in your email.
You can contact me through the contact form (make sure your email address is correct) or directly email me. I usually reply within 48 hours. If you do not receive a response within this timeframe, please check your spam folder or email settings.
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The meeting will be held online (via Zoom) and will take around 60-90 minutes.
The reason for holding the meeting online is to facilitate the real-time sharing of reference materials (photos, links, etc.), and to consider the cost and safety benefits of not having an in-person meeting.
If you prefer an in-person meeting, please see the "FAQ" section at the bottom of this page.
It is perfectly fine to have a vague idea during this meeting! I will listen to your background story and suggest ideas. If necessary, I may ask you to email me photos or links as references during and after the meeting. At the end, I will explain the process moving forward and the estimated cost.
Please note that I do not accept audio-only meetings. Please turn your camera ON.
The meeting will be recorded to prevent omissions and ensure safety for both parties. (the recording will be deleted after the delivery is completed)
If any behavior deemed harassment occurs during the meeting, it will be terminated immediately, and further business will be declined.
During the meeting, I always create some rough sketches on the spot to help visualize the ideas. If you wish to have a more detailed finished image than these rough sketchs before the official order (before creating the PAF), a concept fee of ¥3,000 (including tax) per sketch will apply. I will inform you in advance during the meeting if this situation arises and will proceed only with your consent. For more details, please refer to the "FAQ: When does the concept fee apply?"
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After the meeting, I will take about a week to prepare the Production Application Form based on the discussion details. The PAF will include the following:
Essential elements to be incorporated into the artwork
Elements left to the artist's discretion
Size, shipping date, and fees (including the painting fee, shipping cost, and surcharge for damage coverage during shipping)
If you agree with the content, please sign the form and send it back via email. (a photo of the signed form is fine)
If you are not satisfied, you can stop at this point. No cancellation fee will be charged.
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Upon receiving the signed PAF, I will send you an invoice for the deposit (half of the painting fee) via email. Please follow the instructions on the screen to proceed with the payment.
The following cards are accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover. (lump-sum payment only) For those who wish to pay in installments or by revolving credit, please contact your credit card company directly, as my payment system does not support these options.
Once the payment is confirmed, I will notify you by email, and the creation process will begin. I will put my heart into creating the painting.
Please note that after the deposit payment, cancellation due to your circumstances is not possible.
In the unlikely event that I cannot complete the delivery due to unforeseen circumstances, I will refund the entire deposit.
During the creation process, unlike in commercial illustration work, I do not accept additional instructions or requests for adjustments. However, I will happily respond to any inquiries about the progress, such as "How is it going now?"
While I adjust the composition, color, and texture as I see best while working, please trust me and look forward to the final result.
However, if I judge that an element confirmed in the PAF affects the overall balance and requires adjustment, I may contact you via email. Your cooperation in this case would be appreciated.
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About a week before the scheduled shipping date, I will send you a photo of the artwork in its pre-varnished state as proof of its completion according to the PAF. New requests at this stage will not be accepted.
After confirming that the artwork has been done successfully, please email me. I will then send you an invoice for the remaining balance. (the other half of the painting fee and the shipping fee, also paid in one lump sum) Follow the instructions on the screen to proceed with the payment. During this time, I will begin the varnishing process. After drying, the artwork will be packed and prepared for shipment. Just a little longer until it arrives!
In the unlikely event that revisions are required due to omissions in the artist's confirmation, I will send you a new photo as proof of the revisions after completion. (Depending on the amount of revisions, delivery might be pushed back a little.)
[Kindly Note] Customs duties (and other charges) may be payable on international orders, and these are NOT included in the shipping fee and are the recipient's responsibility.
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Once the remaining balance is confirmed, your painting will be shipped.
Your paintings will be stored in a storage box and a certification of the artwork will be attached.
The shipping cost includes the packaging cost.
To prevent damage, the storage box is sealed with a plastic bag to make it waterproof, air-packed carefully, and shipped in a new cardboard box. At the time of receipt, you may feel that it is packed too securely at first glance. I appreciate your understanding. For cushioning material, inspected recycled products may be used outside the storage box. (inside the shipping cardboard)
Please check your artwork for damage as soon as you receive it. If there is damage due to transportation, please take photos of the outside and inside of the cardboard as well. Please contact me as soon as possible with those photos as proof.
<For International Customers>
EMS rates are determined by weight, not size. After I ship your piece, I will email you the photos of the contents and appearance of your package, and the EMS tracking number too.
The shipping cost includes the packaging cost incluidng surcharge for damage coverage during shipping.
To prevent damage, I carefully use the new double-wall-corrugated-cardboard box specially for EMS. At the time of receipt, you may feel that it is packed too securely at first glance. I appreciate your understanding.
If the delivery time is 6 months in the future, the invoice price may be higher due to Japan Post Office price revisions at the time of shipping.
Please note that customs duties (and other charges) may be payable on international orders and these are NOT included in the shipping fee and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Kindly note that I am unable to advise on specific custom fees as these are invoiced to you directly by the shipping company once the artwork reaches the destination country. If you google 'customs duty calculator' there are various online tools which will tell you the likely charges.
<For Domestic Customers in Japan>
The artwork will be delivered by Kuroneko Yamato. (If the size exceeds the standard shipping size, I will discuss the delivery method individually)
Before shipping, I will email you to confirm that there are no changes to the previously requested parcel arrival date and time.
After shipping, I will email you the tracking number.
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I'll use EMS to deliver the artwork. They provide tracking and insurance coverage. So, if you live in an area not covered by EMS, I'm sorry but commissions won't be available.
Shipping charges are not included in the price of the painting. (Please confirm details on the production application form)
Please note that customs duties (and other charges) may be payable on international orders and these are NOT included in the shipping fee and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Kindly note that I am unable to advise on specific custom fees as these are invoiced to you directly by the shipping company once the artwork reaches the destination country. If you google 'customs duty calculator' there are various online tools which will tell you the likely charges.
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Cancellation during the meeting and after the meeting is over:
Cancellation is possible after the "Production Application Form" is sent. (before signing and paying the deposit) Please let me know at that time. No charge will be incurred.
After signing the PAF and paying the 1st payment (=deposit):
After the payment of the deposit, cancellation of the order due to customer's circumstances will not be possible.
In the unlikely event that I cannot deliver the work due to unforeseen circumstances after the advance payment has been made, you can get the deposit in full.
After the 2nd payment or your commission has arrived:
If your work is damaged in transit or if you see that the work has failed to fulfill any of the requirements on the signed PAF, please contact me as soon as possible. After checking the situation, I'll refund the full amount or discuss the re-creation of your commission, whichever way you prefer.
I can't accept cancellations due to customer circumstances other than the above.
Import fees and customs duties are not included in your final payment total. The buyer is responsible for these fees and refusal to pay is not grounds for return.
Kindly note that I am unable to advise on specific custom fees as these are invoiced to you directly by the shipping company once the artwork reaches the destination country.
For refunds of customs duties and other fees, please contact your local customs office since I can't process it.
Commission Painting Price List for "The White Dog" series
The painting is spread out to the four sides of the canvas. So, you don't have to buy a frame and can display it from the day it arrives!
This price table is as of September 25 ,2024.
The minimum commissionable size is ¥29,000 per piece (100 x 100 x 37mm OR circle canvas of dia. 150mm)
Including tax
Excluding shipping costs, which will be estimated separately
For larger sizes or irregularly shaped canvases, please inquire for a separate quote.
This pricing applies to projects intended for viewing by individuals or companies and includes communication via email, online meetings, and payment by credit card. For projects involving reproduction, printing, or use in advertising, a separate quotation and a written contract are required.
Prices are subject to change, but the rate at the time of the creation of the PAF will apply.
FAQ
Artwork Content
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The White Dog series depicts small joys and amusing moments in our daily lives through the figure of a bipedal white dog, so I do not accept portrait commissions of individual dogs or cats.
However, I can discuss changing the overall body color or adding certain patterns around the eyes and body, as long as it does not stray from the bipedal The White Dog form (requests like changing to a brachycephalic breed, showing fur texture, changing to drooping ears, or altering the position and balance of the eyes and nose are not applicable). Please refer to the Example 2 on this page and feel free to contact me if needed.
Additionally, as shown in the painting (see Example 2 on this page), it is possible to depict other animals as friends or companions of the The White Dog. Since this depends on the balance and story, please feel free to consult with me about this as well.
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I do not accept reproductions. Although I own the copyright to all of my artwork and can technically reproduce them, I want to respect the feelings of the original owner who decided to purchase the artwork, and more importantly, for me as an artist, reproduction is not creating work but dointg tasks, it will not result in a good piece.
While I may create a new series based on my past works for exhibition and sale, this is entirely different from reproductions.
Please note that I cannot accept requests like "I might buy a piece if you create it in a different background color for this piece in your next exhibit!"
Finding a special piece sometimes takes time, but it is one of the joys of visiting an exhibition. Once you click, you can feel the thrill of the coincidence. As for commission work, you can enjoy the excitement that your own episodes would incorporate in the world of The White Dog. I think both are special!
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While I strive to incorporate your requests into your commission, I am responsible for what and how things are depicted as long as I finish it as my work. So, if I believe your requests do not align with The White Dog's world or my artistic expression, I may need to decline the request.
Even in commissioned works, The White Dog remains the main subject. In the free consultation, I can figure out how to incorporate your requests into the commission. Don't worry, if you are a fan of The White Dog's world, not their appearance, it's already enough! I am good at suggesting lots of ideas! Please email me!
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Unfortunately, I won't be accepting such requests. Commissioned paintings are created with the same level of care as those sold at my solo exhibits; I create all the elements myself, considering durability and preservation.
There are difficulties in matching other people's work to The White Dog's worldview and finishing it as my expression, too.
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Yes. I cannot accept commissions that support a particular religion or political group or are related to ideas that attack or harm a specific person or group.
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Some of these may overlap with the contents of this FAQ, but I have also outlined possible cases for declining a request on the 'Cases in Which I May Decline Your Request' section on this page. I would appreciate it if you could take a look.
Artwork Usage
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I greatly appreciate your support and intention, but copying my past works or The White Dog character in the form of fan art, creating your original work, and attaching it to mine (then showing it to others or posting it on SNS) is strictly prohibited due to copyright protection.
Making items that imitate The White Dog (accessories, T-shirts, transfers to bags, etc.) is also prohibited, including free distribution.
A written contract and a secondary use fee are required for any secondary use.
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Using my artwork as SNS icons is not allowed. Any secondary use requires a written contract and a secondary use fee.
You shall not reproduce or distribute the content and works (even those you own) from my website without written permission.
You can take photos of your purchased artwork and share them on SNS for personal use. When sharing pictures of the artwork online, please provide credit (Artist: Shiho Murofushi).
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Absolutely! I am happy to make suggestions with The White Dog's world tailored to other artists' works or the interior of your home or office.
Consultation and Processes
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In principle, I do not offer in-person meetings. This policy is due to the convenience of online meetings, where we can immediately review reference materials, photos, and links, as well as the cost reduction and safety benefits for both parties by avoiding in-person meetings.
However, in-person meetings can be arranged under the following conditions:
Specify a location suitable for the meeting:
Please be aware that an increasing number of chain and independent stores do not allow business meetings on their premises. When choosing a location, I recommend confirming permission for the business meeting in advance. Even if the designated location declines on the day of the meeting, the transportation fees and travel time fees outlined below will still apply.
If you choose a meeting room, you will be responsible for the rental fee. If you choose a restaurant, please cover the appropriate minimum order amount, including my portion.
Transportation costs:
Please cover the round-trip transportation costs.
Travel time fees:
If the round-trip travel time exceeds 30 minutes, an additional fee of ¥200 will be charged for every 10 minutes over the initial 30 minutes (rounded up to the nearest 5 minutes).
Example: For a round-trip travel time of 90 minutes: 90 - 30 = 60 minutes = ¥200 × 6 = ¥1,200 in travel time fees, in addition to transportation costs.
Home or office visits:
Visits to your home or office are possible if you have already visited my exhibition, we have met in person, and the meeting is not one-on-one (i.e., with other family members or individuals present).
Meeting time limit:
While the meeting itself is free of charge, the maximum meeting duration is limited to 90 minutes.
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I'm sorry, but I can't begin production until we have an online meeting, receive your signature on the "Production Application Form," and receive the deposit.
I believe that the process of creating your commission piece will be so much fun, but if you find this process burdensome, I recommend that you forgo it.
Purchasing my pieces for sale at the exhibit is also a lovely way to "see what kind of encounters you might have.". It will be an exciting experience that can only be had at a solo exhibit venue. Please take your time and consider.
All items listed on this site that are not marked "sold" or "not for sale" are available for purchase. Please feel free to contact me and I'll inform you of the selling price and shipping cost.
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I'm sorry, but after the initial inquiry (which can be made via DM), all further communication, including sending the details mentioned in step 1 above, must be done through email. This is because Instagram accounts can unexpectedly be banned, making it difficult to track conversation history, limiting the types of files that can be attached, and preventing me from sending invoices for payments.
Fees and Delivery Time
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I'm sorry, but that's not possible. Our payment system is Square, and since the account is issued in Japan, billing will be in Japanese Yen only. After the payment is processed in Japanese Yen through Square, it will be converted to your local currency at the standard rate of your credit card company and charged to your card.
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Typically, during consultations, I create rough sketches on the spot to help visualize the final image, so no concept fee is required.
However, a concept fee will be charged if you wish to have a detailed image (beyond the rough sketch level I always draw during the meeting) before starting the production.
For example, if you request multiple detailed images and want to select the final version from various combinations. In this case, a concept fee of ¥3,000 per piece will be charged for these cases. I'll ask you during the meeting if we need to use this way. Don't worry; I won't request payment without your permission.
This concept fee is separate from the down payment for those who wish to proceed with production. Please NOTE that this fee will be charged even if you ultimately decide not to proceed with the commission after the consultation.
I will start creating detailed images after you pay the concept fee. Credit card payments in a lamp sum are accepted. The delivery date will be discussed in advance.
Even when a detailed plan is presented after receiving the concept fee, I do not accept corrections or changes after actual production starts (unlike in advertising illustration production). Of course, the essential elements stated in the PAF will definitely be included. I'll make sure that everything else (the composition, color, texture, etc.) is at its best each time while keeping an eye on the overall balance, so please leave it up to me and look forward to it!I will gladly answer questions about the progress, so feel free to ask!
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This is because I work on commissions alongside my solo exhibitions, and each artwork involves several detailed steps.
While some artists don't deem the following details as important*, as an art collector myself, I understand how happy clients feel when they receive artwork in their hands and how they want to cherish it.
So, I always try to do what I can from all angles. I follow a production process from start to finish with durability and resistance in mind for my paintings to prevent them from yellowing or the paint from peeling in the future. I also constantly research and explore better ways to create and improve art packaging. Thank you for your appreciation!
*I don’t think ‘not deeming details as important' is a bad thing at all. Artistic styles should be diverse. There’s a unique value that comes from creating freely, as well as discoveries that arise from trial and error or happy accidents. I also cherish these aspects of creativity. I also explore to balance quality with a playful spirit.
Steps involved in delivering the artwork to you:
Preparation for the meeting
Examine if the artwork can be created without infringing on other's copyrights
Preparing a painting storage box and shipping box for safe delivery
Creating a document, PAF
Gathering necessary reference materials from various angles
Ordering the support (such as canvas or panel) if not in stock
Preparing the support (canvas or panel) → Drying
Rechecking the composition with drawing a draft
Painting (Since many pigments are semi-transparent, it's not just a matter of applying one layer and finishing. The process involves multiple layers by applying and drying repeatedly in between to achieve a deep, handcrafted finish)
The larger sizes require longer drying times on the sides of the canvas when painting them.If I add a semi-3D texture to the sides, they must remain upright while drying, which may prevent me from working on other sides.
Creating semi-3D textures. (These often involve multiple layers of natural drying to prevent cracks due to forced drying I use weather-resistant acrylic mediums instead of resins, which are the easy way but are prone to yellowing.)
Creating different textures.(glossy, semi-glossy, matte) This also involves multiple layers with drying in between. (Glossyness differentiation is not available in oil paintings.)
Use a magnifying glass to remove small dust on the surface as much as possible
Waiting for the semi-3D areas to dry completely before applying varnish. (Each layer requires several days to dry, and the process may be repeated 2-3 times) Varnishing is a meticulous process, but it adds durability, gives the painting a beautiful, settled color tone, and makes it easier for the client to handle. Note: I don't varnish oil paintings. (contact me for an explanation if needed)
Final drying on a flat surface while being careful of dust for several days
Preparing a certificate to be delivered with the artwork
Secure packaging to prevent damage during shipping
Finally, shipping!
