Introduction Commission Work
Commission Work has become very trendy among freelancers, service providers and us Artists because it provides a source of Making Money and Getting Personal Creations to clients. If you are an artist, who sells custom portraits, you are a writer who makes unique stories, or you are an artist who creates personalized logos, knowing more about commissions is very important for both buyers and sellers.
This comprehensive guide covers:
• What commission work is and what the positives are
• Types of commission-based services
• How to price commissions fairly
• Tips for artists and clients
• Locating and offering commission work
• Legal and payment considerations
You won’t be wondering about the world of commissions anymore (either when you’re buying or selling)… After you are finished with this guide.
What Is Commission Work?
Commission [ edit ] Commission work is custom works or services specifically created on request of the client. Unlike pre-mades, commissions are made to exact specifications, likes and budget.
Who Uses Commission Services?
• Artists & Illustrators (both digital, traditional, and concept art)
• Writers & Editors (top articles, blogs, manuscripts, content)
• Designers (logos, branding, merchandise)
• Crafters & Makers (hand-built jewelry, sculptures, cosplay props)
Freelancers (web building, video editing, consulting).
Benefits of Commission Work
✅ For Sellers:
• Steady income from custom orders
• Creative freedom within client guidelines
• Building and maintaining a customer base that is loyal, returning customers.
✅ For Buyers:
• Unique, one-of-a-kind products
• Individualized service customized to meet specific needs
• Direct collaboration with creators
- Types of Commission Services
- Art Commissions
- · digital art (character designs fan art portraits)
- · Visual Art (paintings, sketches, ink drawings)
- · 3D Modelling & Sculptures (figures, game pieces)
- Writing & Content Commissions
- · Custom Story & Poetry
- · Ghostwriting & Editing.
- Blog Posts & SEO Content What’s there to know?
- Design & Branding Commissions
- · E-Commerce site for Credit Card processing · Logo & Graphics Creation
- · Swag (T-shirts, stickers and prints)
- · Web & UI/UX Design
- Handmade & Craft Commissions
- · Jewelry & Accessories
- · Cosplay & Props
- · Knit, Crochet & Sewaternity Style File Photo Credit: We’re Pregnant!
- Digital & Tech Services
- · Programming and Web Development
- · Video Editing and Animation
- Voice Acting & Audio Production
How to Price Commissions Fairly
Pricing can be a delicate issue: Charge too little, and you undervalue your work; too much, and you risk losing clients. Here’s how you can set fair prices.
Factors Affecting Pricing
• Complexity (rough sketch vs. finished painting)
• The Artist (beginner vs. professional rates)
• What did you use as your media and tools? (Traditional, digital, software, etc.)
• Complexité de la commande (décors, personnages multiples)
• Market Demand (although niche services may earn more)
Common Pricing Models
3 ‐ Hourly Rate (Great for consulting and editing services)
PP Fixed Price (Very Common for art and design)
Various Pricing (Basic, Standard, Premium features)
Example Price Ranges (Art & Design)
| Type of Work | Beginner | Intermediate | Professional |
| Simple Sketch | $10-$30 | $30-$80 | $80-$200+ |
| Full Illustration | $50-$150 | $150-$400 | $400-$1000+ |
| Logo Design | $50-$200 | $200-$600 | $600-$2000+ |
Note: Prices vary by industry and location.
Advice for Sellers & Artists
1. Find Clear Terms & Conditions
– Be clear about number of revisions
– Be clear about payment methods and dates
– Be clear with copyright and usage rights
2. Discuss Client Expectations
– Provide WIPs (works in progress)
– Provide drafts or proposed terms for a larger project
– Provide total delivery time
3. Advertise for your commissions
– Use Social Media (Twitter/Instagram/TikTok)
– Use Etsy/Fiver/Ko-fi/Patreon to advertise services
– Make deadlines on the commission to limit the commissions
Ways to purchase commissions (For clients)
1. Finding the right artist/professional
• Check art platforms (DeviantArt, ArtStation)
• Look at freelance sites (Upwork, Fiverr)
• Search for hashtags on social media (commissions open)
2. Clearly communicating your request
• Provide reference pictures and descriptions
• Disclose the time frame & budget upfront
• Ask for revisions and payment plans
3. Avoiding scams
• Use secured payments (PayPal, contracts);
• It is important to not pay 100% upfront (50% upfront payment is typical)
Introduction
Commission Work has become very trendy among freelancers, service providers and us Artists because it provides a source of Making Money and Getting Personal Creations to clients. If you are an artist, who sells custom portraits, you are a writer who makes unique stories, or you are an artist who creates personalized logos, knowing more about commissions is very important for both buyers and sellers.
This comprehensive guide covers:
• What commission work is and what the positives are
• Types of commission-based services
• How to price commissions fairly
• Tips for artists and clients
• Locating and offering commission work
• Legal and payment considerations
You won’t be wondering about the world of commissions anymore (either when you’re buying or selling)… After you are finished with this guide.
What Is Commission Work?
Commission [ edit ] Commission work is custom works or services specifically created on request of the client. Unlike pre-mades, commissions are made to exact specifications, likes and budget.
Who Uses Commission Services?
• Artists & Illustrators (both digital, traditional, and concept art)
• Writers & Editors (top articles, blogs, manuscripts, content)
• Designers (logos, branding, merchandise)
• Crafters & Makers (hand-built jewelry, sculptures, cosplay props)
Freelancers (web building, video editing, consulting).
Benefits of Commission Work
✅ For Sellers:
• Steady income from custom orders
• Creative freedom within client guidelines
• Building and maintaining a customer base that is loyal, returning customers.
✅ For Buyers:
• Unique, one-of-a-kind products
• Individualized service customized to meet specific needs
• Direct collaboration with creators
- Types of Commission Services
- Art Commissions
- · digital art (character designs fan art portraits)
- · Visual Art (paintings, sketches, ink drawings)
- · 3D Modelling & Sculptures (figures, game pieces)
- Writing & Content Commissions
- · Custom Story & Poetry
- · Ghostwriting & Editing.
- Blog Posts & SEO Content What’s there to know?
- Design & Branding Commissions
- · E-Commerce site for Credit Card processing · Logo & Graphics Creation
- · Swag (T-shirts, stickers and prints)
- · Web & UI/UX Design
- Handmade & Craft Commissions
- · Jewelry & Accessories
- · Cosplay & Props
- · Knit, Crochet & Sewaternity Style File Photo Credit: We’re Pregnant!
- Digital & Tech Services
- · Programming and Web Development
- · Video Editing and Animation
- Voice Acting & Audio Production
How to Price Commissions Fairly
Pricing can be a delicate issue: Charge too little, and you undervalue your work; too much, and you risk losing clients. Here’s how you can set fair prices.
Factors Affecting Pricing
• Complexity (rough sketch vs. finished painting)
• The Artist (beginner vs. professional rates)
• What did you use as your media and tools? (Traditional, digital, software, etc.)
• Complexité de la commande (décors, personnages multiples)
• Market Demand (although niche services may earn more)
Common Pricing Models
3 ‐ Hourly Rate (Great for consulting and editing services)
PP Fixed Price (Very Common for art and design)
Various Pricing (Basic, Standard, Premium features)
Example Price Ranges (Art & Design)
| Type of Work | Beginner | Intermediate | Professional |
| Simple Sketch | $10-$30 | $30-$80 | $80-$200+ |
| Full Illustration | $50-$150 | $150-$400 | $400-$1000+ |
| Logo Design | $50-$200 | $200-$600 | $600-$2000+ |
Note: Prices vary by industry and location.
Advice for Sellers & Artists
1. Find Clear Terms & Conditions
– Be clear about number of revisions
– Be clear about payment methods and dates
– Be clear with copyright and usage rights
2. Discuss Client Expectations
– Provide WIPs (works in progress)
– Provide drafts or proposed terms for a larger project
– Provide total delivery time
3. Advertise for your commissions
– Use Social Media (Twitter/Instagram/TikTok)
– Use Etsy/Fiver/Ko-fi/Patreon to advertise services
– Make deadlines on the commission to limit the commissions
Ways to purchase commissions (For clients)
1. Finding the right artist/professional
• Check art platforms (DeviantArt, ArtStation)
• Look at freelance sites (Upwork, Fiverr)
• Search for hashtags on social media (commissions open)
2. Clearly communicating your request
• Provide reference pictures and descriptions
• Disclose the time frame & budget upfront
• Ask for revisions and payment plans
3. Avoiding scams
• Use secured payments (PayPal, contracts);
• It is important to not pay 100% upfront (50% upfront payment is typical)
• Check out artist portfolios and reviews.
Legal and Payment Issues
1. Contracts and Agreements
• For contracts and agreements use online marketplaces ie. DocuSign or HelloSign
• Define ownership rights (commercial use as opposed to personal use)
• Should your project need to be cancelled – include kill fees
2. Payment Methods
• PayPal (goods and services so you have recourse)
• Stripe, Ko-fi and Patreon especially when working as a ongoing basis
• Never do direct bank transfers based on a verbal contract
3. Taxes and Invoicing
• Keep a detailed account of everything you make for tax reasons
• Have templates set up for invoices (Wave, QuickBooks)
• If you start earning a lot consider registering as a business
Conclusion
Commissions can be a fun way for creatives and freelancers to make money, while also providing clients with unique services that they were not able to find elsewhere. Regardless of whether you are the artist, writer, designer or buyer, knowing about pricing, communicating, and getting legal protections in place will help ensure a seamless transaction.
With this guide, you should feel empowered to commission works. You are now able to make, sell or buy commissioned works while worrying so much!
