Do you take commissions for art? Commissions can be a great opportunity for artists, if you aren't completely turned off by the very word from all the commission scams targeting artists. Over the years, I have become increasingly particularly about my commission policies, and I'm going to share them with you to hopefully help you navigate your own journey. I'm going to focus on 4 of the big problem areas 🧑🎨
The Type Of Art
To start, I only accept commissions in my style, no exceptions. This helps me weed out a lot of unwanted work right away. I'm only interested in making the work I'm connected to, the work that contains pieces of my heart and soul. If I'm working outside of that realm, it's going to show in the work. By removing that work from the table, the problems is already solved. People can pick their size, general color palette, and let me know an emotion or vibe they want to capture. That's it. When they piece is done, they can name it 🙆
The Payment Policy
I typically price my art, including commissions, relatively high based on my history and experience. This allows me the flexibility to account for my time and energy, while also working deals when I want to. It's always nice to have a little wiggle room, as well as some control. There may be times where business is slow and I'm open to working for a smaller margin because I know I'm not going to have to sit on the piece and have to try to market it. It also may be a project opportunity I'm really interested in. In theory, commissions are easy in, easy out💰
I generally require 100% payment up front, particularly if it's someone that I haven't worked with before. This ensures my time is not wasted. If this is an issue for them, the job is not for me. I have built my reputation and a business history that validates my professional qualifications. Materials are up front costs, and I can't get my time back once it's invested. A payment up front policy ensures that at no point will I have to chase someone down for a payment, or deal with common issues where something happens and their budget changes. Handling this up front just gets it out of the way 💵
The Delivery
I see so many artists fall short in this area. You have been presented an opportunity. Make sure you deliver. I hear horror stories about artists sitting on commissions for months on end. No wonder so many have a problem with paying up front. If you make a commitment, keep it. What I do suggest that will help you greatly and give you a buffer, is to underpromise and over deliver. If you expect a commission will take you a week, tell them 2-3. Pad your time in case something comes up, or it takes a moment to get into your groove. This method has never failed me, and clients are always pleasantly surprised that I always come in under deadline 🚚📦
The Issues & Resolution
Sometimes things don't go according to plan or come out as expected. I am an intuitive artist with a fluid process. Sometimes it's not what they envisioned at the start. This goes back to setting realistic expectations at the very beginning. I do have a policy, particularly since I'm paid up front, that if I client isn't happy with a commission, I will do a second piece, and they can choose between the two. Since I don't do super custom work, the piece that isn't selected is still sellable. If for some reason a client still isn't happy, I would offer them credit. I have a zero refund policy, no exceptions. I don't recall ever doing a second piece, which tells me my model is good 🖼️
I hope this helps you on your art journey. Commissions can be a great way to build your community, secure opportunities, and deeper relationships if they work for you. If they don't, that's okay too. It's not about find THE way. It's about finding YOUR way. I offer a ton of free artist support without the BS and lies, and have hundreds of vids on YouTube. You can find me everywhere HERE. Please always feel free to share my tips and tell people about me, because it helps 🙏💙
