Commission Work for Artists: How to Get, Price, and Manage Custom Orders#
Commissions can provide steady income and deepen relationships with collectors. But they also introduce complexity: client expectations, revision cycles, and the challenge of creating personal work to someone elses specifications.
This guide covers how to find commission work, price it appropriately, and manage the process professionally.
✅ Quick Answer
Charge 20-50% more for commissions than comparable finished work
Always require a deposit (50% upfront is standard)
Use written contracts with clear revision limits
Set realistic timelines that include buffer for revisions
Commission Types Type Client Typical Price Range Complexity Pet portraits Individual collectors $200-2,000 Low-Medium Family portraits Individual collectors $500-10,000+ Medium-High Corporate art Businesses, offices $1,000-50,000+ Medium Public art Government, institutions $5,000-500,000+ Very High Private collectors Art collectors $1,000-100,000+ Varies
Finding Commission Clients#
From Existing Collectors#
Your best commission clients are people who already own your work:
Follow up after sales
Mention commission availability
Offer first access to commission slots
Portfolio Signals#
Make commission availability clear:
Commission page on website
Commission inquiry form
Commission examples in portfolio
Clear pricing information
Post commission work (with permission)
Share commission process content
Mention open commission slots
Respond to inquiries promptly
Referrals#
Ask satisfied clients for referrals
Offer referral incentives
Partner with interior designers
Connect with art consultants
Some platforms facilitate commissions:
Instagram DMs (most common)
Your website inquiry form
Etsy custom orders
Thumbtack (for portraits)
Pricing Commissions#
Commissions should cost MORE than finished work, not less. You are accommodating client preferences and giving up creative control.
Base price (comparable finished work) + Commission premium (20-50%) = Commission price
Why charge more:
Client meetings and communication time
Revision cycles
Creative constraints
Rush potential
Opportunity cost
Size-Based Pricing#
Create clear price ranges by size:
Small (up to 12x12): $X - $X
Medium (up to 24x24): $X - $X
Large (up to 36x48): $X - $X
Very large: Custom quote
Complexity Adjustments#
Add fees for:
Multiple subjects
Complex backgrounds
Reference photo quality (poor = more work)
Rush delivery
Special materials
What NOT to Include#
Charge separately for:
Framing
Shipping
Revisions beyond agreed number
Additional reference sessions
See our pricing guide for complete pricing strategies.
The Commission Process#
Step 1: Initial Inquiry#
Collect information upfront:
What they want (subject, size, style)
Budget range
Timeline needs
How they found you
Reference images
Use a form to standardize this.
Step 2: Quote and Proposal#
Provide clear written quote including:
Total price
What is included
Timeline
Deposit requirement
Revision policy
Contract terms
Step 3: Deposit and Contract#
Before starting any work:
50% deposit (non-refundable)
Signed contract
Approved reference materials
Never start without deposit. This filters out non-serious inquiries.
Step 4: Sketch/Concept Approval#
Share initial concept before proceeding:
Digital sketch or mockup
Composition approval
Color palette if relevant
One round of major changes
Step 5: Work in Progress#
Depending on project:
Progress updates (photos)
Midpoint check-in
Approval before final details
Step 6: Final Approval and Payment#
Present finished work (photo first)
Collect remaining 50%
Ship or arrange pickup
Request testimonial/photos in situ
Managing Client Expectations#
Clear Communication#
Set expectations upfront about:
Your artistic style (they should want YOUR work)
Timeline realities
Revision limits
What you will and will not paint
The Right Clients#
Good commission clients:
Admire your existing work
Have realistic budgets
Respect your process
Communicate clearly
Red flag clients:
Want you to copy someone elses style
Haggle aggressively on price
Have unrealistic timelines
Cannot articulate what they want
Saying No#
Not every inquiry should become a commission:
Poor fit with your style
Unrealistic expectations
Bad feeling about the project
Already at capacity
Polite decline: "Thank you for thinking of me for this project. After reviewing the details, I dont think Im the right fit, but I wish you success finding the right artist."
Handling Revisions#
Set Limits Upfront#
Include in your contract:
Number of revisions included (typically 1-2)
What counts as a revision
Cost for additional revisions
Types of Revisions#
Minor (usually included):
Small color adjustments
Minor compositional tweaks
Major (may incur fees):
Subject changes
Complete composition redo
Size changes
Beyond scope (requires new agreement):
Changing subject entirely
Adding elements not discussed
Changing medium or style
When Client Is Never Satisfied#
Sometimes projects do not work out:
Return deposit minus work completed
Release client from obligation
Learn from the experience
Consider what screening you could improve
Contracts and Deposits#
Why Deposits Matter#
Deposits:
Prove client commitment
Cover your time if cancelled
Provide working capital
Filter out non-serious inquiries
Standard: 50% upfront, 50% on completion
Contract Essentials#
See our contracts guide for detailed information. Key commission terms:
Scope of work
Price and payment schedule
Timeline
Revision policy
Cancellation terms
Rights and ownership
Approval process
Kill Fees#
If client cancels mid-project:
Deposit is non-refundable
Work completed beyond deposit = additional fee
Typical: 25-50% of remaining balance
Track Your Commissions Manage your pipeline, track deposits, and keep your CV updated with Artsumé.
Create Free Profile Frequently Asked Questions# Frequently Asked Questions How much should I charge for commissions? 20-50% more than comparable finished work. Commissions require more communication, revisions, and creative constraints. Never charge less than finished work. See our pricing guide for detailed formulas.
What if the client does not like the finished work? Should I offer payment plans? How long should commissions take? Can I display commission work in my portfolio? How do I handle rush requests? Conclusion#
Commissions can be rewarding income that deepens collector relationships. Success requires:
Clear pricing and processes
Written contracts
Upfront deposits
Realistic timelines
Good client screening
Excellent communication
The best commission relationships feel collaborative, not transactional.
Ready to grow your commission business? Create your free Artsumé profile to showcase your work and attract clients.
Last updated: January 2025
Related Guides:
