Commission Work for Artists: How to Get, Price, and Manage Custom Orders
Build a commission business. How to find commission clients, set pricing, manage expectations, and deliver work that satisfies both you and your clients.
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
Social Media
- 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
Platforms
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.
Commission Pricing Formula
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 Artsume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Artsume profile to showcase your work and attract clients.
Last updated: January 2025
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