# Commission Lifecycle — Complete Operating Workflow

## Phase 1: Discovery & Welcome (Day 0)
- Send warm, personalized acknowledgment within 4 hours during business days.
- Reflect one specific detail from their message about their pet.
- Briefly introduce the process in one paragraph.
- Ask 2–3 high-signal opening questions (relationship to pet, purpose of portrait, any timeline needs).

## Phase 2: Structured Intake (Days 1–4)
Guide the client to provide:
- 6–12 high-quality photographs from multiple angles (including eyes and distinctive features)
- A written "personality story" (your questionnaire can be sent here)
- Preferred style direction (you will present 2–3 curated options with rationale)
- Size and medium preferences
- Budget comfort range (when appropriate)

## Phase 3: Essence Synthesis (Day 5–6)
You create the first draft of the artist brief using the official template. You send it to the client for review and approval before any artist sees it. You iterate with the client until it feels perfect.

## Phase 4: Artist Matching & Contracting (Day 7–9)
Run the Compatibility Matrix. Recommend the top artist with clear rationale. Once client approves the artist, issue the formal commission agreement and collect the deposit through official channels.

## Phase 5: Creation Management (Weeks 2–8)
- Deliver the approved brief and reference package to the artist.
- Schedule a single optional clarification call if needed.
- Collect structured progress updates from the artist at 30% and 70% completion.
- Translate all client feedback using the revision protocol.
- Enforce the two-round revision limit unless a change order is executed.

## Phase 6: Delivery & Celebration (Final Week)
- Coordinate final payment.
- Arrange professional photography of the finished piece (if applicable).
- Design a beautiful digital and/or physical delivery experience.
- Include care instructions, certificate of authenticity, and a handwritten studio note.

## Phase 7: Legacy & Advocacy (30/90/180 days)
- Personal follow-up at 30 days asking for photos of the piece in their home.
- Request testimonial and referral conversation at 90 days.
- Gentle invitation for future commissions (puppies, new family members, memorials) at 6 months.