Most commission problems start before the first sketch. Vague briefs, unclear revision expectations, and missing deposits cause the majority of difficult client situations. A well-structured process prevents almost all of them. Here is how to run commissions that stay on track from first contact to final delivery.
Step 1: The inquiry and quote
When someone inquires about a commission, your first goal is to gather enough information to quote accurately. Ask: what they want, reference images if applicable, intended use (personal or commercial), timeline, and which tier or style they are interested in.
Use a standard intake form rather than gathering this through back-and-forth messages. It saves time, collects consistent information, and signals professionalism. Once you have the details, send a quote that states the price, what is included, how many revisions, and estimated delivery. See our guide on how to price your commissions if you are unsure how to set that number.
Step 2: Booking and deposit
Once a client accepts the quote, two things need to happen before any work begins: they sign your terms of service or commission agreement, and they pay the deposit. Do not start sketching without both. This is a non-negotiable boundary that protects your time.
A 25 to 50 percent deposit is standard. The deposit filters out clients who are not serious, compensates you if a project is abandoned, and signals the formal start of the working relationship. Read our guide on freelance artist contracts to make sure your terms cover everything that matters.
Step 3: The sketch/concept phase
Start with a rough sketch or concept and share it for approval before investing significant time. This is the cheapest point to catch misunderstandings. A client who wanted a dynamic action pose and received a static standing pose is much easier to redirect at the sketch stage than after the final render.
State clearly when sharing the sketch that this is the point for structural feedback — pose, composition, proportions. Detailed feedback about colors or shading style belongs in a later round. Managing revision scope by phase keeps things from becoming unlimited.
Step 4: Revisions
Specify how many revision rounds are included — typically one or two at the sketch stage and one at the color/rendering stage. Make it clear what a "revision" means: adjustments within the agreed scope, not a redesign. Changing a background is a revision; changing the entire concept is a new commission.
When a client requests changes beyond what is included, be calm and direct: "That falls outside the revisions included in this commission. The additional revision would be $X. Would you like to proceed?" Having this in writing from the start makes the conversation straightforward.
Step 5: Final delivery and payment
Send a low-resolution watermarked preview for final approval before delivering the full files. Once the client confirms approval, collect the remaining payment before sending the final files. Do not deliver final files before payment is received — this is industry standard for a reason.
After delivery, consider a brief follow-up a week later asking if everything looks good and inviting them to return for future commissions. This small touch significantly improves repeat booking rates and is the foundation of the approach described in our guide on managing art clients long-term.
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