The main problem I’ve been preoccupied with for the past 10 years is: When you’ve saved a little bit of money, how do you spend it on art in such a way that you do not regret your purchase, even if you take away all considerations about the financial value of said art?

My conclusion was that you have to optimize for meaning. What can be more meaningful than being the zero-to-one difference affording a supremely talented living artist the ability to carry out a dream project of theirs entirely on their own terms?

I think of it as upgrading the artist’s portfolio. What does an artist most want to share with the world? Their own vision! What is the least likely thing to be given to the artist when money is involved? Creative freedom. Total control over the entire process, starting with the quality of the materials chosen for the job.

When you approach art commissions as, How can I help the artist upgrade their portfolio? and pay whatever is necessary to make that happen, in my opinion this is the most meaningful way that you can help support living artists.