One of the common ways to make money as an artist is by working on commissions for others. But what are commissions in art, rules, prices, contracts, etc? Let’s find out!

Commissions in the art are the act of requesting an artist’s service for the creation of an artwork by private individuals, government or business.

Another use for commissions in art refers to a percentage cut that an art gallery or an agency takes in exchange for their services.

For example,

When a person, let’s call them Diana, comes to you and requests a painting of their dog, they will pay you a commission price in exchange for your service.
If you work with an agency, and they find Diana and then give you the job, you pay them a commission % of the fee for finding the job.
And if you just painted a beautiful dog and then showcased it in an art gallery, and Diana buys it – you pay a commission % to the gallery for hosting and selling your piece.

7 a few do’s and don’ts of commissioning an artwork:

• Once you agree on a concept, price, and timeline for completion, sign a contract. You can find sample commission contracts here.

• Let go of any preconceived concepts and allow the artist to create. 

• You can ask for updates throughout the process but that’s it–no surprise studio visits, no emailing color suggestions or photos of your dog that you’d like the artist to slip in. 

• Many artists won’t take commissions, so don’t expect everyone to jump at the chance. –Nearly every artist I know has a horror story about a client who decided, mid-process, to dictate changes and treat the artist like a servant. The end result: either the client was fired or the finished work was rushed just to get rid of the client.

• Consider using a dealer or consultant to manage the process; they can work through issues that arise and can keep the project on target.

• Expect to pay 50% down before the artist gets started. Enter this relationship knowing you won’t get this money back if you don’t like the finished work. 

• Do not ask an artist to replicate a work of art that already exists—especially a work of art by a different artist! Original art, whether commissioned or not, is just that: original and unique.

One last takeaway on commissions: If you’re really wanting a very specific vision—that is outside of the style of the artist you are commissioning, consider taking art lessons. Who knows, maybe there’s an artist in you struggling to get out!

Thank you for your interest in a commission.

Click below to email the artist your project idea