For Clients

Latest Version: 18/04/2024
Before making an offer, please read the following page, especially if you’re using Twitter to find people. To commission a specific artist, you can bypass the section titled ‘If you place an offer on Social Media.’ This advice is based on my recent personal experience and understanding of the platform.

If you place an offer on Social Media

  • Disable comments on the offer thread (or at least limit them to mutuals) and include a link to a form (such as Google Forms) or an email address.
  • Limit DMs to receive messages only from mutuals if you have the option (otherwise, you’ll receive numerous messages).
  • Consider creating or using another user account to place the offer, especially if you enable DMs from everyone.
  • Clearly state your commission expectations in the thread. This helps candidates understand which samples to showcase.
  • If possible, include images related to your commission (you can provide more details after selecting an artist).
  • Use relevant tags (e.g., #LookingToCommission) to increase visibility.
  • Specify the payment method (typically PayPal) in the thread.
  • Delete the offer once you’ve found an artist.

How to place a commission

  • Gather all necessary references for your commission, including visual references, full-body character shots from multiple angles, and detailed views for complex designs.
  • Determine your budget before discussing with the artist, and respect their pricing without requesting discounts.
  • Review the artist’s Terms of Service and Rules (TOS) thoroughly. By proceeding, you agree to their terms, including any specific DOs and DON’Ts.
  • Confirm the preferred means of contact for them.
  • Verify whether the artist is accepting commissions, and in the event that the first artist declines your request, have additional possibilities available. Place your request on the waitlist if it’s not urgent yet the line is packed.
  • Communicate clearly with the artist about your commission. Consider asking:
    • The Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) for the commission’s completion.
    • When the artist plans to start working on it.
    • For examples of specific art styles you’re interested in (e.g., Fantasy Art, Cyberpunk Art).
    • If the artist is comfortable with certain themes.
    • About obtaining a paid sketch to assess the artist’s suitability.
  • Avoid negotiating for lower prices. Instead, discuss budget-friendly options.
  • Don’t be hesitant to be as specific if they deliver a sketch for revisions.
  • Be patient throughout the process until the commission is complete.
  • Keep in touch with the artist.
  • Pay the artist. In my situation, I would rather receive payment in full up advance, or at least 60% of the total amount due after the commission is finished.

How to detect scammers

  • No Public Examples: If an artist avoids sharing work in comments and insists on sending samples via DM.
  • Missing Media Tab Samples: Artists who lack samples in their media tab (or rarely display them).
  • Stolen Art: Be cautious if they share stolen art via DM or display it in their media tab.
  • Inconsistent Style: Artists whose illustrations show inconsistent styles, possibly indicating different creators or traced work.
  • Lack of Terms of Service: Artists without clear Terms of Service or Rules.

After the completion of a commission

  • Support the artist by tipping if you appreciate their work, as it’s a great encouragement.
  • Write a recommendation; it can serve as a valuable testimonial and is highly motivating.
  • Engage with their work online by liking, retweeting, and commenting—not just on your commissioned pieces.
  • Consider rehiring them for future projects, and share your positive experiences with friends.

References

https://twitter.com/HoshiFuyu_Ch/status/1424577939211882501
https://twitter.com/Shikafy/status/1270942598321115147
https://twitter.com/Fafrotsky/status/1386492003504984067
https://twitter.com/VTuberCringe/status/1373544914026295296
https://www.reddit.com/r/FanFiction/comments/bb4ait/art_commissioning_etiquette/
https://twitter.com/phi6/status/1283039194558988292

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