The är tə’ mō-tiv® Method
Where your story meets artistry.
The ärtəˈmō-tiv® Method is my signature five-step process designed to make commissioning custom art a seamless and enriching experience. From art on your car, to art on canvas, each step is structured to simplify the journey, ensuring the process is as clear as it is collaborative.
Together, we’ll craft a one-of-a-kind piece, with every detail reflecting the essence of your story. With this tried and true method, you can trust that the entire experience will be personalized, and expertly guided, making it easy to bring your vision to life.
1. Telling the Story
In this step we will:
- Get to know one another as you share the unique story you hope to have transformed into a custom art piece.
- Curate quality reference photos and inspirational research.
- Determine the size of the overall artwork.
2. Pencil to Paper
In this step we will:
- Craft 1-3 pencil and paper sketches with hand drawn designs that combine your creative anecdotes and my artistic vision.
- Choose the pencil sketch that best reflects your vision and make any final changes together.
Hand drawn draft sketch
3. Final Design
In this step we will:
- Refine the chosen sketch into a final pencil drawing and determine artwork colors.
- Transfer the drawing onto the desired “final canvas” (canvas, steel panel, motorcycle, car, helmet, etc.). This step is essential (especially for 3D objects) because it allows you to see the placement of the artwork on the “final canvas”, yet it is still 100% erasable.
Transferred drawing created in chalk on final prepped canvas
4. Brush to Canvas
In this step we will:
- Begin painting your artwork adding layers of color and detail.
- Communicate with exciting progress photos and/or videos of the artwork being made.
- Witness your ideas transform into a highly personalized and quality piece of custom art.
Final, custom made enamel painting on canvas
5. Framing & Delivery
In this step we will:
- Select a hand-made frame that is tailored specifically to your custom artwork to ensure that it will be protected, easy to hang, and beautifully complimented. (This is an add-on service)
- Take photographs of your art for an exclusive, potential feature of the Asphalt Canvas Blog and/or social media feeds.
- Safely ship the art piece using insured shipping through United States Postal Service or UPS.
Investment Pricing
A 30% non-refundable deposit through Square Processing is required to book. In-house financing is available upon request.
är təˈ mō-tiv® Fine Art (Automotive Paint on Canvas or metal panel):
Small custom works are $36/linear inch. (11″x14″ and smaller)
Large custom works are $62/linear inch. (Larger than 11″x14″)
*Pricing can vary slightly due to detail or reference photo quality. Custom sizes welcome. Common sizes above.
Pinstriping | Lettering
Starting at: $400.00 for any pinstriping within 30 miles of Belton, Texas.
Wall Murals
Starting at: $50.00 per square foot.
*All pricing DOES NOT reflect additional expenses such as framing, travel, taxes, processing fees and shipping*
What’s Included
- Official, signed and sealed certificate of authenticity.
- Three chances for optional revisions
- Open lines of communication with me via email or phone with any “ah ha!” ideas or lingering questions.
- Archival art papers (so it lasts a lifetime), hand-built gallery wrapped canvas, or a hand-cut, custom painted steel panel to act as the background of your custom art if we are not painting directly onto a surface you’ve provided (i.e. car, helmet, tank etc.).
- American made, durable enamel paints originally made for painting automobiles and antifade India inks.
Behind-the-Easel with Kate Cook of Asphalt Canvas Custom Art
Add- On’s
Professional Artist-Selected Framing, Starting at $200.00
An artist-selected frame not only complements the artwork, but provides an even better sense of grandeur on your wall. More importantly, using quality hardwoods, metal, and archival backing materials to custom frame your art will protect your investment for years to come.
Canvas paintings can be hung directly on the wall upon completion without a frame, as all four edges will be painted. If the final painting is created on paper or metal panel, there will be no way to hang the artwork unless the piece is framed.
Framed Paint Pallet $200.00 + Free Shipping
The framed paint pallet is a colorful and abstract piece of unique artwork that will coordinate perfectly with your final piece of custom art because it is organically made as I pour and mix paint onto the same pallet page over and over again while creating your custom painting. No two pallet paintings are alike. The frame will be a clean white or black color.
White or Black Frame, 8”x10”.
Framed Original Sketch $400.00 + Free Shipping
The framed original sketch is a piece of hand-drawn art that will tell the story of how your final artwork came to life. In the framed sketch you may see my original pencil marks, eraser smudges, or even colored pencil renderings of ideas I jotted down while brainstorming your custom art idea with you.
The framed original sketch will not match the exact size of your custom painting or drawing. White or Black Frame, 8”x10”.
Ready to Create?
Many of my clients come to me with nothing more than a cherished photo or a unfinished sketch of an idea they’ve envisioned for their custom art. At first, they doubt their own creativity, unsure of how to turn their vision into something tangible. But by the time the final brushstroke is applied, they are holding a work of art that’s entirely theirs—carefully crafted, thoughtfully detailed, and deeply personal. See for yourself here.
If you have an idea, no matter how small or unfinished, let’s bring it to life. Together, we’ll create a custom piece of art that captures your vision with timeless beauty and craftsmanship.
I encourage you to review some of my past art commission collaborations through my Custom Art Features blog here.
Still have questions regarding your custom art inquiry? Check out my free comprehensive guide called, “How to Hire An Artist”, or visit the Asphalt Canvas FAQ Page.
To Inquire & Book
Please complete the Custom Art Inquiry form below. My current response time is 1-3 business days. I look forward to potentially making art with you!
Email: Kate@asphaltcanvascustomart.com
Phone: (909)273-7947 Call or Text
Hours: Monday- Friday 9am-6pm Saturday & Sunday by appointment only
