If you’ve followed the earlier articles in this series—Should You Take That Commission? A Clear Guide to Knowing When to Say Yes (and When to Walk Away) and Communication Makes or Breaks a Commission: How to Set Expectations and Establish a Realistic Timeline—you’ve already put yourself in a strong position to take on commissions with calm confidence.
This final article in the series covers the last essential piece in the commission process:
putting the agreement in writing.
I know—contracts aren’t most artists’ favorite part of the job. But a commission agreement doesn’t have to feel formal or intimidating. In fact, when it’s written simply and clearly, it becomes a relief rather than a hurdle. A good agreement:
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Prevents misunderstandings
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Clarifies expectations on both sides
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Protects your creative process
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Reinforces your boundaries
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Builds trust
Collectors appreciate clarity. They don’t want surprises any more than you do.
Let’s walk through what a helpful agreement looks like and how to keep it friendly.
A Quick Note Before We Begin
There are many examples of commission and consignment agreements available online. You can easily find templates through arts organizations, volunteer lawyer networks for the arts, or general business resources. Choose one that makes sense to you and adapt it to your own process and voice.
And here’s the important caveat:
I’m not an attorney, and I don’t play one on TV.
If you’re doing a high volume of commissions, or if you’ve had conflicts in the past and want to tighten things up, it’s wise to consult with an attorney familiar with creative business. The goal, however, is not to intimidate your clients or create a document that feels heavy-handed. The agreement should support the experience—not scare people away.
Why a Written Agreement Matters
Most commission challenges don’t come from the artwork—they come from misaligned assumptions. A written agreement prevents confusion later by:
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Giving both sides a shared reference point
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Making sure the scope is understood
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Establishing timelines and payment expectations
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Clarifying what is—and is not—part of the creative process
You don’t need complex legal language. A clear email summary works beautifully in most cases.
Essential Elements of a Commission Agreement
Below are the core elements worth including, with simple sample language you can use as-is or modify.
1. Scope of the Artwork
Sample wording:
“The artwork will be created in the artist’s signature style. The final piece will reflect the size, general subject matter, and overall feeling discussed. While the artist will consider the client’s preferences, the artist retains full creative interpretation.”
This protects your creative freedom while showing you’ve heard the client.
2. Size, Medium, and Materials
Sample wording:
“The artwork will be ___ × ___ inches, created using ___.”
Factual and simple.
3. Creative Boundaries and Process
This is where many commissions fall apart if you don’t set expectations in advance.
Sample wording:
“The artwork will not be created through a step-by-step approval process. No sketches, revisions, or in-progress photos will be provided unless noted below. The client agrees to trust the artist’s creative process.”
If you do offer early-stage input, keep it contained:
“One preliminary sketch will be provided for color and composition review. Up to two minor adjustments may be made. No revisions will be made once the final artwork is underway.”
4. Timeline
Timeline clarity protects both sides—and your sanity.
Sample wording:
“The estimated completion time is ___ weeks from the date the deposit is received. This timeline accounts for the artist’s workflow, material needs, and natural variations in the creative process.”
Remember:
The timeline begins the moment the deposit arrives—not before.
5. Payment Structure
Simple is best.
Sample wording:
“Total price: $____. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to begin the project. The remaining balance is due upon completion, prior to delivery or shipment.”
Collectors are used to deposits for custom work in other industries. They understand.
6. Delivery or Shipping
Sample wording:
“After the final payment is received, the artwork will be shipped or delivered as arranged. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the client unless otherwise noted.”
7. Copyright and Reproduction Rights
Keep it straightforward.
Sample wording:
“The artist retains all copyright and reproduction rights. The client receives the physical artwork for personal display.”
This protects you if you want to use the commission image for promotion.
8. Cancellation and Dissatisfaction
You don’t need harsh language—just clarity.
Sample wording:
“The deposit is non-refundable. If the client chooses not to proceed after the artwork is complete, the final balance remains due. The deposit may, at the artist’s discretion, be applied toward another artwork.”
This section supports you without feeling confrontational.
9. Signature or Email Confirmation
A formal signature isn’t required for most commissions. A simple email reply works fine.
Sample wording:
“To move forward, please reply to this email stating that you agree to the terms outlined above.”
That’s it.
A Complete Sample Email Agreement
Here’s what all of the above looks like combined:
Subject: Commission Agreement and Next Steps
Thank you for the opportunity to create a custom artwork. Below is a summary of the agreement so we can proceed with clarity and confidence.
Scope of Work
The artwork will be created in my signature style and reflect the size, subject, and overall feeling we discussed. While I will consider your preferences, I retain full creative interpretation.
Size and Medium
The artwork will measure ___ × ___ inches and be created using ___.
Creative Process
The artwork will not be created through a step-by-step approval process. No in-progress images or revisions will be provided unless noted here: ____. This ensures the integrity of the final artwork.
Timeline
The estimated completion time is ___ weeks from the date the deposit is received. I will notify you when the artwork is finished.
Pricing and Deposit
Total: $____
Deposit (50%): $____
Final balance (50%): $____ due upon completion, prior to delivery.
Delivery/Shipping
Once the final payment is received, the artwork will be shipped or delivered as arranged. Shipping costs are the client’s responsibility unless otherwise noted.
Copyright
I retain all copyright and reproduction rights. You receive the physical artwork for personal display.
Cancellation
The deposit is non-refundable. If the project is canceled after completion, the final balance remains due.
If you agree to the terms, simply reply to this email stating:
“I agree to the terms outlined above.”
Once I receive your reply and the deposit, I’ll begin the project.
Keep Agreements Simple, Clear, and Client-Friendly
A commission agreement isn’t about legal maneuvering—it’s about good communication. When you set expectations early and clearly, you remove the biggest sources of conflict in the process.
Clients don’t feel burdened by clarity; they feel reassured by it. And you get to create with the freedom and confidence that comes from knowing everyone is on the same page.
If you’d like to continue this series, we can move into marketing commissions, turning commission clients into long-term patrons, or handling post-delivery issues gracefully.