Commissions vary in scope from the simple gift to public monuments and of course they vary in complexity.
For the Artist:
In my case most commissions have come about through word of mouth satisfied clients or people who are aware of my work - or just plain luck. Some commissions are obtained through advertising. Some through competitions usually in the form of a “Call for Artists” Public art usually falls into this category.
For the Client:
Commissioning a work of art is a rather simple process if the client knows what he wants.