do I need to have an idea already? — about custom-made art

I often get asked the same question by people curious about a custom-made piece:

"But I have no imagination myself…"
"Do I already need to know exactly what I want?"

The answer is simple: no

You don't need to bring a fully developed idea at all.
A fragment is enough. a word, a mood, a memory. Or even just the feeling that you'd like something personal to be created — and then we explore it together.

It was the same with the piece I created for Misée and her husband Jan.
Misée sent me this message:

"I have been buying your greeting cards for a few years now because I (and my husband too) love your humor, your creativity, your sense of color, the mixing of materials… in short, the originality and quality of your work.
We are retired, leaving on January 3rd with our orange van for two months down south, and therefore we cannot attend your exhibition 'Stories in Transit'.
I was wondering if you could create a piece of art for my husband, my greatest treasure.
He is someone who loves to travel, always seeking vastness, a horizon, a distant view.
Last year, Radio 1 came up with a word for this: 'einderzucht' (horizon longing)
He enjoys work with a quirky twist.
What do you think?"

That kind of request I absolutely love.
A few words, a mood, a beautiful image: einderzucht. (horizon longing)
Not a fully formed idea, but just enough to spark my imagination.

On top of that, Misée suggested I follow them via Polarsteps so I could see their travel photos and adventures along the way.
And that's how the inspiration came naturally: images of their orange van, wide landscapes, their love of cycling trips, their passion for art, a touch of humor, and small details like Jan's hat.
Slowly, a piece emerged that fit them perfectly.

The reactions when they received the work spoke volumes:

Misée:

 "Tears came to his eyes and he said: I really like this… 😘"

Jan: 

"This difficult person thinks it's MegaGOOD!!! (Who would have thought…) Thank you… and off we go! That thing about 'having a quirky edge' isn't true… it's more like… it belongs to it…" 💛

And later, in a Google-review:

"Her work is poetic, narrative, and so striking. My husband was deeply moved when he saw his gift, Einderzucht (horizon longing)— with a quirky edge, made especially for Jan. So beautiful, thank you, Fabienne 💝"

You really don't need to have a complete idea. That's usually how custom commissions work.
It can start small: a story, an anecdote, something that touches you. From there, I create something visual, in my style — and, if possible, with a quirky twist… just as Jan appreciates.

Do you dream of a custom piece yourself but hesitate because you think, "I'm not sure what I would want"?

You're very welcome.

A conversation is already enough to get things started. Together, we let it grow.

(Want to see more examples or learn how such a process unfolds? Check out the extra info page  about custom artwork! Or feel free to send me a message through my contactpage .)