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Commission Work

Turn your art skills into income by creating for others.

What Is Commission Work?

Commission work is when a client asks you to create custom artwork for them. It could be:

 

  • A portrait of their pet or family

  • A game or comic character design

  • A tattoo design

  • Book cover or album art

  • Logo or branding sketch

  • Fanart in your unique style

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You discuss the idea, fix a price, create the work, and deliver it. That’s the basic process.

Why Commission Work Is Great for Artists

  • You get paid to create art based on what someone else wants.

  • It’s one of the easiest ways to start earning as an artist.

  • Works well for both beginners and professionals.

  • Helps you practice regularly and grow faster.

  • Improves your communication with clients.

  • Adds real-world projects to your portfolio.

How to Start Commission Work

1. Build a Small Portfolio

  •  Select your best 5–10 artworks.

  •  Post them on Instagram, ArtStation, or your website.

  •  Show variety: portraits, characters, animals, fanart, etc.

  •  Include both finished and work-in-progress (WIP) images.

  •  Mention the tools you use (Procreate, Photoshop, pencil, etc.)

2. Announce You’re Open for Commissions

  •  Add “Commissions Open” in your bio.

  •  Create a post with your availability and what you offer.

  •  Pin it to your profile.

  •  Use hashtags like #commissionsopen #artistforhire.

  •  Keep reminding your audience every few weeks.

3. Create a Commission Sheet (Visual + Text)

  •  Add a clear title: “Commission Info”

  •  Show sample artworks for each type (bust, half-body, full-body).

  •  List prices for each option.

  •  Mention what you do and don’t draw.

  •  Add delivery time (e.g., 5–7 days).

  •  Provide contact: email, DMs, or Google Form.

  •  Optional: Include TOS (Terms of Service) at the bottom.

4. Set Clear Rules and Payment Terms

  •  Take 50% or full payment in advance.

  •  Accept payment via PayPal, UPI, or Razorpay.

  •  Mention number of revisions (e.g., 2 only).

  •  Tell how files will be delivered (PNG, JPG, etc.)

  •  Say if the art is for personal use or commercial use.

  •  No refunds after final delivery.

  •  Be clear about your working days and hours.

5. Decide Your Art Style and Niche

  •  Choose what you love to draw (portraits, stylized, pets, anime, etc.)

  •  Clients will remember your unique style.

  •  Stick to a few focused types of commissions at the beginning.

6. Start with Friends and Followers

  •  Offer simple commissions at a lower price to close friends or early supporters.

  •  Collect testimonials or feedback.

  •  Ask them to share your work.

7. Practice Communication

  •  Be kind and clear in messages.

  •  Ask questions before starting (pose, mood, background, etc.)

  •  Send rough sketch first to confirm.

  •  Keep updating the client if it’s a longer project.

Where to Get Clients

  • Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (post regularly, use hashtags)

  • Discord groups and artist communities

  • Fiverr or Upwork

  • Reddit (artcommissions, forhire)

  • Your own website (best for long term)

Tips to Handle Clients

  • Be polite and professional

  • Confirm details before starting (references, deadline, usage)

  • Send rough sketches first

  • Communicate clearly and show progress

  • Don’t accept unrealistic demands or free work

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait to be perfect. You can start small, take simple orders, and learn as you go. Commission work builds confidence, improves your art, and gives real-world experience. Every project you do adds value to your journey.

Next Content:

 How to Price Your Art as a Beginner >>>

 Also Learn: [Drawing Foundations] – Master basics and grow your skill >>>

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