How to Commission a Custom Metal Art Design

​The first step in the process is to contact me with as much detail as you can about your project. Do you have any reference photos that you would like me to use? You can upload images on the custom design request form. Is there anything in particular about my design style that you like or anything that you don’t like? The more information I have, the better I can provide you with both design suggestions and an accurate estimate of the design cost for your project and the timeline. It is also a good idea to have a budget in mind and if necessary I can help you with ideas to keep costs within your budget.

Pricing for a design will depend on the size, the level of detail and whether or not we are drawing something completely new or using existing or repeating design elements. As a rough estimate you would be looking at anywhere from $25 to $75 per square foot for a finished custom design in DXF format. Larger scenes generally run toward the lower end of that range but again it really depends on the level of detail and design content. The more information you give me the better an estimate I can provide.​

For custom design requests or if you request custom changes to be made (adding words or numbers or custom re-sizing of one of our existing designs) extra time will be required to complete the design and send it to you via e-mail or USB flash drive if requested. This will depend on the nature of the design request and the length of our waiting list.
Time and cost estimates for custom work will be given on a case by case basis after requests are received. We do our best to provide estimates within 48 business hours. In the event that we cannot provide you with an accurate estimate in that time frame, you will receive a response informing you that your request has been received and when you might expect to receive your estimate. This will depend on when a request is received, for example over the weekend/public holidays and how many requests we have in progress. We will be in consistent contact with you throughout the custom design process so that you know what to expect and when.

After we have discussed the particulars of your project and you have received your estimate, if you are ready to proceed, a 50% deposit is required to begin the design work. You will receive an invoice via e-mail for the deposit with a description of the work to be done and an estimated cost for the finished work. This cost will not be exceeded unless changes are agreed upon.


I will keep in contact with you throughout the process to show you design progress, sketch layouts followed by black and white silhouettes in jpeg format. This ensures that we are on the right track and you are getting the design you want.  If you request any changes that will affect the final cost of the design work I will relay that to you prior to making any changes. We don’t like surprises and hidden costs and believe that transparent pricing is the best policy. Once you are happy with the design it will be prepared in clean DXF format ready for cutting. Final payment is required in order receive a link to download the finished DXF file.​

Custom Design Request Form

If you are having a welding shop do the cutting and any fabrication for you, I will be happy to send the DXF file direct to them. I do keep a directory of preferred fabricators, with CNC plasma, laser or waterjet cutting capabilities, so if you are not local to Kalispell, Montana and you do not have a welding or fabrication shop in mind to complete any fabrication for you please let me know. I will research shops in your area if I don’t have one on my list.

We will help you create a stunning and unique metal art project, just imagine it and have DXF Design help you bring it to life. #dxfdesign #dxf #dxffiles #plasma #laser #waterjet #cnc #metalart #silhouette #welding