Ultimate Commission Guide for Artists (+ Free resources) with Artistree

Ultimate Commission Guide for Artists

Introduction to Commissions

• The speaker introduces the video as an ultimate guide for artists on taking commissions, highlighting their improved experience and skills.

• They mention a new platform, Artistree.io, which provides a free and safe space for hosting and managing commissions.

• The collaboration with Artistree is emphasized as beneficial for the art commission community.

Understanding Commissions

• A commission is defined as a paid request for artwork from clients in online creative communities.

• Artists announce when their commissions are "OPEN," often displaying a menu of available products and prices known as “Commission Info.”

• Common commission types include portraits, half-body, and full-body artworks, each potentially offered in variations like sketches or colored versions.

Pricing and Extras

• Artists may offer extras such as additional characters or backgrounds that increase the overall price of the commission.

• A do's and don'ts list is often included in commission info to clarify themes artists will not draw (e.g., violence or NSFW content).

• Conversely, artists may list preferred themes they enjoy drawing (e.g., couples, fanart).

Promoting Commission Info

• To maximize visibility, artists should upload their commission info across major social platforms like Instagram or DeviantArt.

• The speaker strongly recommends using dedicated platforms like Artistree for processing orders due to its safety features.

Benefits of Using Artistree

• Artistree allows artists to keep 100% of their earnings without fees; clients cover any small fees associated with transactions.

• The platform offers secure payment options and organizational tools through a dashboard for managing commissions effectively.

• For every commission sold via Artistree, a tree is planted, promoting environmental sustainability alongside artistic work.

Comparison with Other Platforms

• Unlike other platforms like Fiverr or Upwork that take significant cuts from artist earnings (20%), Artistree does not charge artists any fees.

• Even PayPal incurs transaction fees that can jeopardize compliance with terms of service if mismanaged by artists seeking to avoid costs.

Communication Features

Understanding Commission Pricing for Artists

Factors Influencing Commission Work

• Artists should evaluate whether they are taking commissions as a hobby or as a source of income, considering their previous experience and the time commitment involved.

• Time tracking is essential; artists should note how long different types of commissions take to complete, which will aid in pricing.

• Include additional hours for client communication when calculating time spent on commissions to ensure accurate pricing.

Calculating Your Worth

• Using an example, if a commission takes approximately 11 hours, multiplying this by an hourly wage can help determine a fair price.

• An artist might charge $82.50 for a complex commission based on minimum wage calculations but has the freedom to set higher prices as independent artists.

• Consider taxes and savings when setting prices; these factors are more critical if the artist relies on commission income.

Dealing with Client Pressure

• Artists should not feel pressured to lower their prices due to clients' personal stories or threats about finding cheaper alternatives.

• Dismiss negative comments about art quality from clients; such individuals do not deserve attention or negotiation.

Commercial Use Considerations

• If clients wish to use artwork commercially, artists should charge more and require approval before any commercial use occurs.

• Pricing for commercial licenses varies based on the size of the client's business; larger businesses may incur significantly higher fees (50% to 70% extra).

Setting Up Commissions on Artistree

• Remember that art is a luxury item; pricing should reflect its value without concern for affordability issues faced by potential clients.

• To start accepting commissions, sign up at www.artistree.io and verify your email before logging into your dashboard.

Configuring Commission Types

• Set up payment options through Stripe or PayPal in your profile settings to ensure secure transactions for commissioned work.

• Add new commission types easily by filling out details like estimated delivery time and pricing structures within your profile settings.

Finalizing Commission Details

• Clearly outline what is included in base prices and list extras that could increase costs based on client requests during order placement.

• Provide examples of past work with descriptions so clients understand what they can expect from each type of commission offered.

Commission Process Overview

Commission Request Form

• The request form allows artists to view their commission information, which is also accessible to clients. Clients can select a commission type, provide contact details, and describe the commission while uploading up to five reference images.

Commercial Use Considerations

• Clients must indicate if they want the commission for commercial use, which impacts pricing. Artists can create a "Don’ts list" specifying what they will not draw.

Managing Commission Settings

• Artists can add keywords or phrases under commission settings to clarify what they won't draw. They can also set the number of open slots for commissions or close them temporarily.

Promoting Commissions Effectively

• Artists should utilize their unique URL from the request form across platforms to direct clients on where to place orders. This page serves as a primary hosting site for commission information.

Strategies for Attracting Clients

Building Visibility

• A larger social media following increases chances of receiving commissions. If orders are low, artists should focus on posting personal work and enhancing their skills.

Clear Communication of Availability

• Artists need to clearly communicate when commissions are open by updating bios on platforms like Instagram and using calls-to-action that link back to their Artistree page.

Utilizing Social Media Features

• On Instagram, artists should pin stories with commission info and include URLs in posts. Hashtags related to commissions can help reach potential customers who follow those tags.

Target Audience Insights

Identifying Target Groups

• Artists should consider their drawing style and interests when identifying target audiences. There’s a distinction between appealing to artist communities versus general consumers looking for personalized art.

Engaging with Role-play Communities

• Role-play communities often seek artists for character illustrations; thus, these spaces are valuable for finding potential clients.

Payment Practices in Commissions

Upfront Payment Recommendations

• To avoid issues with non-payment after project completion, it’s advisable for artists to request at least 50% upfront payment from new clients before starting work.

Using Artistree for Secure Transactions

• Artistree offers secure payment options that protect both parties involved in the transaction, ensuring full payment is received upfront while providing refund options if necessary.

Best Practices in Client Communication

Importance of Honest Communication

• Maintaining good communication with clients helps prevent misunderstandings about deadlines or changes in workload due to unforeseen circumstances like illness.

Timely Acceptance of Orders

• Accepting client orders promptly increases the likelihood of payment; data from Artistree supports this practice as beneficial for securing commissions effectively.

Establishing Terms of Service

Protecting Both Parties

• Having clear terms or written agreements safeguards both the artist's work and the client's interests. Sample terms can be found through resources provided by Artistree.

Demonstration of Commission Process

Client Interaction with Artistree

How to Use Artistree for Commissions

Communication with Clients

• The in-built messaging system allows artists to communicate with clients and attach images, ensuring clients receive email notifications for messages.

Managing Commissions

• Artists can find commissions on their dashboard even if they accidentally close the window. They can set a final price, send a message, and include custom terms of service when accepting a commission.

Commission Workflow

• After acceptance, the client is notified of the final price and prompted to pay. Once paid, the commission status changes from "awaiting payment" to "in progress," allowing further communication through the messaging system.

Submitting Work in Progress

• Artists should use the “Submit WIP” button for sending progress images instead of using regular chat. Clients can accept or request revisions based on submitted work in progress.

Final Submission Process

• To submit finished artwork, click “Submit Final.” Multiple files can be uploaded. Upon acceptance by the client, they download the artwork while it automatically closes on the artist's dashboard.

Platform Development and Benefits

• Artistree is continuously evolving based on user feedback. It remains free for artists who retain 100% of their earnings while contributing to environmental efforts by planting trees.

Getting Started with Artistree

• Viewers are encouraged to visit www.artistree.io or check links in descriptions to set up profiles and access additional resources like blog posts about commissions.

Acknowledgments