Before you buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions about buying original, one-of-one contemporary art from the studio. For the full legal terms, see Sale Terms.
Is this actually one of one, or is it a print?
Every piece in the catalog is an original, physical work, painted by hand, not a print and not part of an edition. Once a piece sells, it's gone, there's no second copy made to replace it. That's enforced in how the shop itself works, not just a line in the description.
What if the piece doesn't look exactly like the photo?
Every photo is shot to represent the real piece as closely as possible, true color, real texture, no filters pretending a piece is something it isn't. That said, screens vary, and paint has a depth and texture a photo can't fully carry. If you want more detail, more angles, or a specific question answered about a piece before you buy, ask. That's what the inquiry form on each page is for.
What's included with a Certificate of Authenticity?
Certificate-eligible pieces come with an artist-issued Certificate of Authenticity and an artwork-specific Care Guide, both emailed with your order confirmation. Every certificate has its own verification link, printed on the certificate itself, so you can confirm the piece's authenticity and provenance anytime. It's not a market appraisal, and the care guide isn't a professional conservation assessment, it's practical handling and preservation guidance for the piece you actually bought.
How does shipping work, and what does it cost?
Shipping is available domestically within the U.S. and to a number of international destinations, including Canada, the UK, the EU, and Australia. Cost depends on the specific piece and destination, and you'll see the real charge before you pay at checkout, not after. Work is packaged appropriately for its size and materials, and very large pieces may need a shipping quote confirmed directly rather than an automatic checkout rate. If you're in the Greater Pittsburgh area, you can request hand delivery in person instead, no box, no carrier, mention it after checkout.
Can I return a piece if I change my mind?
No. Every piece is one of one, so a return isn't like returning a mass-produced item, there's no restocking it for someone else. All sales are final. Review photos, dimensions, and medium carefully before buying, and reach out beforehand with any questions, that's always better than a surprise after.
Why do prices range from $12 to several thousand dollars?
Different pieces represent different tiers of the same practice, not different levels of seriousness. Minis are small-format studio originals, a real, lower-commitment way to start collecting. Full-scale originals are priced for their size, materials, and the time they represent. Buying a $35 mini and buying a $2,000 piece are both buying something real, just at a different point in the collection.
How do auctions work?
Each auction has an opening bid and a countdown. Place a bid at or above the next minimum, and if you're outbid, you'll know. Whoever holds the highest bid when the clock runs out wins the piece, there's no reserve beyond the opening bid itself.
What does "Price on request" mean?
A small number of pieces are priced on request rather than listed outright. Those are inquire-only, use the Ask About This Piece button on the piece's page and you'll hear back directly with a real number.
What happens right after I pay?
A confirmation email arrives with your order details. For certificate-eligible pieces, your Certificate of Authenticity and Care Guide are emailed separately. The artist writes to you directly to arrange shipping or local hand delivery, and tracking is emailed once the piece actually ships.
Can I commission a piece instead of buying what's already available?
Yes. Straight Jacket accepts a limited number of commissions, for individual collectors and for professional spaces alike. The process, what to include, and how to start one are all on the Commissions page.
Still have a question? info@straightjacketart.com