The Ultimate Guide To

Commissioning
a Custom Statue

The Complete 26-Step Resource for Bringing Your Vision to Life

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30+ Years Experience

1000+ Projects Completed

Worldwide Installations

Museum Quality Craftsmanship

Project Planning

Preparing to Commission a Statue?

To begin, a successful sculpture requires clear goals, strong reference material, and realistic planning.

Define the Purpose

Establish the Budget

Plan the Location

Discuss Your Project

Typical Project Timeline

Concept1–2 Weeks

Design & Approval2–6 Weeks

Production4–16 Weeks

Installation1–5 Days

Before You Begin

Reference photos
Desired size
Installation location
Budget range
Target completion date

Need Expert Advice?

Before production begins, our sculpture consultants can help you select the right material, size, budget, and manufacturing approach.

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PROUDLYMADE IN USACRAFTED WITH PRIDE

Experience-Based Guidance

Statues.com Insight

After more than 30 years of creating custom sculpture for organizations, families, communities, and institutions worldwide, we developed this guide to help clients approach every stage with greater clarity and confidence.

Planning Design Fabrication Installation

Established Expertise 30+ Years of
Custom Sculpture

What Does It Mean to Commission a Statue?

A Message from Statues.com, Inc.

At Statues.com, we work closely with each client to understand what they want to create and why it matters. From the first design discussions to the finished statue, our team handles every stage of the process, including sculpting, production, shipping, and installation.

In practical terms, commissioning a statue means hiring a professional sculptor to create a unique artwork tailored to your vision, story, and intended location.

As a result, the process combines collaboration, planning, and craftsmanship to produce a one-of-a-kind sculpture that can last for generations.

Custom sculpture
Commissioning process
Artist-client relationship
One-of-a-kind artwork
Public versus private commissions

Explore Section 1 in detail →

The Commissioning Journey

From your first idea to a lasting legacy.

01 ConceptWe begin with your ideas and goals.

02 DesignOur artists develop your statue design.

03 MaquetteReview a small-scale sculpted model.

04 ApprovalConfirm details before production.

05 ProductionYour statue is carefully crafted.

06 InstallationDelivery and installation at your site.

07 LegacyA lasting tribute for generations.

Bronzeand Marble Virgin Mary statue material comparison

Choosing The Right Material

Material	Durability	Detail	Maintenance	Best For
Bronze	★★★★★	Excellent	Low	Outdoor monuments
Bonded Marble	★★★★☆	Very Good	Low	Classical look
Fiberglass	★★★☆☆	Good	Very Low	Large installations
Resin	★★★☆☆	Good	Low	Indoor replicas
Stone	★★★★☆	Good	Medium	Permanent monuments
Stainless Steel	★★★★★	Excellent	Low	Modern designs

Quick Planning Guide

Material Selection Checklist

Indoor or Outdoor? First, exposure determines durability and finish requirements.

Desired Lifespan? Next, long-term installations require more durable materials.

Budget Established? Likewise, material choice strongly affects production and installation cost.

Weight Limitations? However, site access and structural conditions may restrict heavier materials.

Installation Method? Therefore, anchoring, foundations, and access should be planned early.

Maintenance Expectations? Finally, some finishes require periodic cleaning, waxing, or restoration.

Professional Guidance

Expert Note

Material selection affects far more than appearance. In addition, it influences durability, detail, maintenance, installation, weight, production, and the overall project investment.

Match the Material to the Project

Outdoor For outdoor projects, prioritize durability, anchoring, and weather resistance.

Indoor For indoor displays, prioritize detail, finish, weight, and display conditions.

Durability Maintenance Installation Budget

Explore Material Selection

What Every Successful Statue Project Needs

Project Vision First, define the story, audience, and intended outcome.

Strong References Next, gather clear photographs, measurements, and source material.

Right Material Then, choose a material matched to the location, lifespan, and budget.

Timely Approvals Meanwhile, use structured reviews to prevent costly revisions.

Site Planning Finally, confirm access, anchoring, scale, and installation planning.

THE WORK BEHIND THE GUIDANCE

Real Projects. Real Sculpture Expertise.

Explore completed Statues.com commissions and see how material selection, design decisions, and project planning translate into finished sculpture.

Explore our portfolio

01PUBLIC MONUMENT

Rod Serling Bronze Monument

Portrait sculpture, memorial purpose, and public-site planning.

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02UNIVERSITY SCULPTURE

The Monk and the Marauder

Narrative composition, bronze production, and campus installation.

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03RELIGIOUS SCULPTURE

Angel of Peace of Fatima

Clay modeling, review stages, molds, and bonded marble casting.

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04PORTRAIT SCULPTURE

Little Ava Portrait Sculpture

Translating a personal story into a commemorative sculpture.

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05BRONZE PORTRAIT

Dean Martin Statue

Portrait development, bronze casting, and final installation.

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06HISTORICAL MEMORIAL

Alaska Territorial Guard Memorial

Historical references, multiple figures, and commemorative design.

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BEFORE YOU COMMISSION

Planning your own project? Start with the questions that help shape a successful brief.

Read the 10-question checklist

1000+ Projects Completed

1000's Of Castings Produced

100% Custom Designs

30+ Years of Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a custom statue cost?

For example, the cost of a custom statue depends on its size, material, complexity, number of figures, mold requirements, shipping, and installation.

Can a statue be created from photographs alone?

In many cases, yes. Moreover, custom statues and portrait busts can often be created from photographs when several clear reference images are available. Learn more about how custom statues can be created from photographs.

How long does it take to create a statue?

Although smaller projects may take only several weeks, larger monuments often require several months. However, the final schedule depends on design, approvals, material, production, shipping, and installation.

Can multiple copies of a statue be made?

Once a mold is created, multiple castings can usually be produced. Therefore, the same design may be cast in bronze, bonded marble, fiberglass, resin, or another selected material.

Do I own the copyright to the statue?

Because copyright and ownership depend on the written commission agreement, both should be clarified before production begins.

Can statues be installed outdoors?

For outdoor projects, the answer is yes. However, the statue requires the right material, finish, anchoring system, site preparation, and maintenance plan.

What materials last the longest?

Generally, bronze is the most durable long-term material for outdoor statues. Nevertheless, bonded marble, fiberglass, and resin may also be appropriate depending on the location, exposure, and budget.

Questions? Our team is here to help. Contact us today →