Advice on conducting business?

[Julie Deane]

Hi -

I just got a call today from a dean at a local university, interested in a portrait for her retirement. Of course, I'm ecstatic! It will probably be a three-quarters portrait in oil.

My main concern right now is to conduct business professionally when we meet in two weeks and not forget anything. I have some ideas of what to do, and I'll list them below:

See her predecessor's portraits and see where her portrait will hang.
Discuss size of portrait, clothing worn, background, lighting, etc.
Mini-interview to get a better idea of her personality.
Financial - draw up a contract, including payment schedule.
Set up schedule for photo session and hopefully, sittings.
Discuss any deadlines, the possibility of an unveiling party
Model release

Anything I'm not mentioning? Your advice is appreciated!

[Michele Rushworth]

Congratulations! Sounds like you've got all the bases covered. Good luck with it.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

I'd add the down payment and framing... Many customers hope you're going to do it too.
As portraits tell stories, interviewing close friends and relatives would be nice if that's possible because they can tell you some interesting things about your model.
Congrats on that Julie.

[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Michelle, for the positive feedback

Thanks, Bonfim - I hadn't thought about discussing framing, but that needs to be spelled out, I can see. I will probably offer the option of providing the frame.

Nothing happens without a down payment, of course. While I'm thrilled with the possibility of this commission, business is business.

[Terri Ficenec]

Julie--
Good for you--Congrats!!