Complete Guide to Art Commission Pricing

Setting Professional Commission Rates

Commission work requires special pricing considerations beyond regular artwork sales:

Why Commissions Cost More

Multiple consultations and communications
Custom design work to client specifications
Revision rounds and adjustments
Inability to sell the piece to other buyers
Potential for scope creep and additional requests

Commission Process Best Practices

Initial Consultation: Discuss vision, timeline, and budget
Written Agreement: Document all terms and conditions
Deposit Collection: Always require 50% upfront
Progress Updates: Share work-in-progress at agreed milestones
Final Approval: Get written approval before shipping
Final Payment: Collect balance before delivery

Protecting Yourself as an Artist

Clear Contracts

Specify exact deliverables
Define revision limits
Include kill fee clause
Retain reproduction rights

Payment Terms

Non-refundable deposits
Progress payments for large projects
Late payment penalties
Accepted payment methods

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I charge differently for commercial vs. personal commissions?

Yes, commercial commissions should be priced 2-3x higher than personal commissions. Commercial clients will use the artwork for business purposes, potentially generating revenue. You should also consider usage rights, exclusivity periods, and whether the client wants full copyright transfer (which commands a premium price).

How do I handle clients who want unlimited revisions?

Never agree to unlimited revisions. Include 2-3 revision rounds in your base price, then charge hourly or per-revision fees for additional changes. Be specific about what constitutes a revision (color adjustments vs. complete composition changes). Document all requested changes in writing.

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