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Jun 2019

Hello, I am an artist and I am thinking about starting art commissions. Is there any advice you guys could give me before starting it? Is there anything you wish you knew before commissioning your art?

I was thinking I would start an Etsy shop for it, but are there any other recommendations you guys would have for me?

Thank you in advance for anyone who responds! Any advice or tips you can give me will be great!

  • created

    Jun '19
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    Jun '19
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CLARITY!!!

Create very clear rules/ guidelines from the beginning!

  • How many sketches/ changes are allowed before you charge extra
  • If they do exceed their change limit - how much extra will you charge
  • Define what they are allowed to use the artwork for - can they use it for a logo, business card ect? Or do you still own the rights to the design and you are just selling them a print

I'm sure there are way more - but my brain isn't fully awake yet!

Thank you! I will definitely make sure to include detailed descriptions of the work that I am offering and the cost. I don't want to risk any misunderstandings!

  • Charge up front.

  • List what you are willing and not willing to do.

  • Don't take too many commissions at once.

  • Don't devalue yourself. You know the effort you put in to learn this skill.

  • Be cautious of the: "You charge too much :frowning: Lower your prices." messages. You'll find people willing to pay you for your worth.

And be cautious of front loading yourself with commissions to the point it leaves you no room to take on unexpected opportunities. You need schedule wiggle room.

And if you're shipping physical copies, make them pay for the shipping rate/workload. Don't let this eat into profits.

Yea, one thing I don't want is to feel like I don't have time for things that I want to do for myself. I plan on being very careful and making sure I do have that wiggle room. Thanks for the advice!