Creative tips: Thoughts on commissions

When it comes to commissions, there are a number of benefits. For artists, it’s a way of earning money that can fund personal projects and pay the bills. For the client, it can be a way of illustrating ideas they wouldn’t be capable of themselves, a way of pitching ideas or a way of creating a unique gift that literally won’t be available anywhere else.

https://twitter.com/SmolSammichOwO/status/1710092682838598071

 

I asked for people to give their thoughts on commissions. Vargarous had this to say “I have requested a couple of commissions as customer before though my experience has been rather straightforward and a clear understanding of what was wanted.

In terms of how artists process commissions: be clear on how you process it, never be afraid to ask for more references if you think you need it, always show the sketch/line art first to your customer and see if they need any changes made to the piece.”

https://twitter.com/BlitzyArts/status/1609699708150362115

To discuss this some more, I was lucky to go over this with Firestorm Fox, a fantastic artist with Sonic style artwork and a strong work ethic. Find out more about their work below!

Please note- this is adapted from a conversation with Firestorm Fox and has been edited to focus on the topic of commissions

Can you tell us about what you can offer clients?

Well my comm prices are here https://buymeacoffee.com/firestormfox/commissions | I have them roughly priced out on $10 to $15 an hour. I dare not raise that any higher given the current economy. I even added $15 sketches to give an affordable option for people who really don’t have the money for anything else.

What can affect the price of commissions?

The main difference is who has more notoriety, which is another factor in commission cost. People with a bigger name can charge more.

What would you say are the benefits for clients when it comes to getting commissions from an artist?

Well for artists, especially freelancers, it’s money to live off of, buy food, pay bills, etc. It’s also a way to challenge our skills as we can be commissioned to draw stuff we don’t normally draw.

Most commissioners are probably just looking for a nice art piece, usually of their character. Sometimes because they don’t have the skill to do it themselves or they just like the artist’s style. some may be working on a project and need something done they can’t do.

Thanks Firestorm Fox for contributing, please follow them here to get the latest info on their commissions. As someone who I have commissioned, I can confirm as well as their fantastic artwork they work hard and are passionate about their work.

Below are some tips to help artists with their commission work and for clients to work with artists, as well as some excellent artists you can contact. Got any thoughts on this? Please comment below ( Note- if you can please keep this broad, this is not about naming names but making things better for everyone).

https://twitter.com/ArtworksHms/status/1713298918295929300/photo/1

 

 

 

A few extra notes on this-

1. Have a pinned comment, website, shop page etc with a link that people can click on (for example our Ko-Fi commission page) Click on the link to make sure it works (sounds obvious but typos/slip-ups can happen!)
2. When pricing, consider the time it takes for you to do something and the cost of the materials involved. It also helps to look at other artists and gauge for yourself where you level is at when it comes to charging
3. It helps to have some leeway for larger projects but don’t feel pressured if you don’t feel comfortable with what someone is offering.
4. Trust your instincts- if you don’t feel a project is for you or you don’t like how a client is communicating with you feel free to back away.
5. Be positive- There may be a situation where you really need money. However, think very carefully before you do this. Ideally you want people to focus on the quality that you offer. While it is important to be true to yourself, be wary of comparing yourself to other artists (don’t do yourself down and don’t trash them either!)
6. Breaks are important- Give yourself time in the day to relax and don’t feel guilty about it.
7. Communicate when commission slots are closed and when you are going for a break. Have a template ready so that you can send it to people who are currently ordering a commission from you, so that they are aware of the situation (for example you are going on holiday, sick etc).
8. Try to be prompt with communication- This is especially important if a commission is time-sensitive (eg someone’s birthday)
9. It is better to be upfront with people- if you feel you won’t be able to hit a deadline then please tell people as soon as possible so that they can make alternative arrangements.
10. Don’t “cold call”- Ideally you want to build a relationship with clients so avoid starting off by going “Hi” or trying to be overly familiar. Say what you are doing and what you are offering.
11. Listen to clients- If they say that they don’t have the budget then don’t push too hard. People may come back to you but not if they feel you are giving them the hard sell.
12. Keep getting yourself out there-  The odd free request can help but it’s best to do this in the form of memes, fanart, personal projects etc.
13. Engage- Social media can be a good promotional tool but try to think of it like a networking event. Talk about your interests, the last film you saw, play hashtag games etc. You want to balance the promotion with the social!

 

 

1. Do the research- Look on sites such as Deviantart, Ko-Fi, Instagram etc to find artists who do the kind of art you want.
2. Be as specific but not overly specific- Ideally you should have some reference material and details of what you want. However don’t be overly specific (for example “I want a reference to Hannah Montana every third sentence and you need to mention a fruit at least 100 times in a six page short story”)
3. Don’t post saying “I would commission you but you’re too expensive”- This is unhelpful and could lose the artist work. Instead look for someone you can afford (or through the Deviantart points system)
4. Remember- Commissions are not just about the art. It’s also about the experience of the artist, the years of work that has got them to that point.
5. Don’t post saying “Your art is too cheap” either. Commission them and give them an extra tip instead.
6. Don’t try to go into an interaction with artists in order to try and get cheaper/free art, that’s poor etiquette.
7. Be reasonable with deadlines- If they are time sensitive (eg a birthday) try and get the commission ordered with time to spare (as well as being easier on the artist it also allows time to adjust for feedback)
8. Be honest- if something is not ideal it’s better to tell the artist sooner when they can correct than when it’s too late.
9. Don’t bug them- A followup email/message should be reasonable (One to ask after progress, one nearer the deadline etc). Give artists time to do their work!
10. Be polite- This goes for both the artist (it’s good to be polite to them) and also promoting them in a positive way (Avoid saying “So much better than ____ “)
11. Remember- a commission can be more than just a picture. It’s additional promotion both for you and the artist!
12. Talk to the artist- for example if you want to make merchandise from the picture there may be an extra charge/revenue share (though this should be something to offer)
13. If at any point you’re not sure, ask and if the artist has questions please get back to them as soon as possible (likewise let them know if you’re going on holiday, sick etc).
14. If an artist does a good job, give them a shoutout and show them your support (though check with them before tagging, made that mistake myself!)

 

 

 

 

Dan Butcher available for commission (more info https://vanguardcomic.com/commissions/ )

 

BlueIke is currently available for commissions, latest info here

#ocart for the lovely CLIENT @lie51651926, thank you so much for trusting me to make these for you 📷#logos #comic#vrchatfurry #2d #banner #Vtuber#twitch #overlays #GFX #animation @BlazedRTs @sme_rt
@SupStreamers @500wolff @eSportsMerc https://t.co/yOuNKhPJNi

— Emily Oster (@Emily_Osterrrr) September 5, 2023

 

 

Remember- if you want to see more Reynard City commissions (or you are an artist who wants to work on commissions!) then please support us via Patreon, Ko-Fi, Paypal and Deviantart tip jar/core folders. You can also get a number of commissions direct from our commission page.

Special thanks to everyone who makes the Reynard City possible, find out more about the incredible folks who contribute to the project below!