Commission A Painting from Afrocentric Keyy

There is no wrong way to start. You might have a photograph, a feeling, a person you want honored, a story that has never had a visual form. You might have nothing but a pull toward the work. All of it is a starting point. Use the form below to share as much or as little as you have — Afrocentric Keyy will take it from there.

Every commission begins with a personal exchange — not a questionnaire, but a real conversation about what you're looking for and what the work might become. This is where first-time collectors often find that they knew more than they thought. It is also where galleries and curators can speak openly about placement, scale, and acquisition timelines. Nothing is locked in at this stage. It is simply two people figuring out what wants to be made.

Once there is clarity on the subject, feeling, and intent, Afrocentric Keyy will outline the direction of the work — surface, scale, compositional approach, and projected timeline. You will have a chance to respond, refine, and confirm before anything moves forward. When both sides are aligned, you will receive an invoice by email with payment details and dates. Once the deposit is received and confirmed, the work begins. Please note that deposits are non-refundable — they are the commitment that allows this process to be taken seriously by both parties.

This is where the process becomes entirely Afrocentric Keyy's. The reclaimed surface is selected with the piece in mind. Layers of oil pigment are built slowly, with intention — each one in dialogue with what came before. Creating a painting takes time. Depending on scale and complexity, that can mean several months. That is not a delay. That is the work being done right.

Progress images will be sent at key stages so you can witness the piece finding itself. A few things to know about the feedback process:

Through the first half of the work, small refinements and adjustments are welcome. Changes that require significant reworking are possible in some cases and carry an additional charge of $50+ — Afrocentric Keyy will always let you know what is feasible before any extra cost is applied.

Once the work passes the 75% mark, it has found its form. Major changes are no longer possible at this stage, and any refinements that can be accommodated carry an additional charge of $80+. This is not a restriction — it is a protection of the integrity of the piece for both of you.

Before anything is packed or shipped, final images are sent directly to you. This is your moment to confirm that the vision has been honored.

When the work is complete and the final payment is received, it ships within 24 to 48 hours. Shipping is handled via USPS Ground, FedEx, or UPS with full tracking — your preference, included in the final invoice. All payments must be received before the work leaves the studio. For collectors based in New York City, local drop-off and pickup arrangements can be made directly.

Every piece arrives with a certificate of authenticity, provenance documentation, and care instructions. Whether it is going into a private home, a gallery wall, or an institutional collection — it arrives ready to be exactly what it is: a singular, irreplaceable object.