Why Art Commissions Matter More Than Ever

Art commissions have become one of the most reliable and flexible income streams for artists who want to earn from their creativity without relying solely on galleries, exhibitions or unpredictable sales cycles.

In a world where audiences want meaningful, personalised artwork rather than mass-produced décor, commissions sit at the intersection of emotional value and artistic skill.

For many artists, commissions offer something that open-ended studio work does not: a clear brief, a defined buyer, and payment attached to a specific outcome.

Why Art Commissions Are a Strong Income Option for Artists

One of the biggest challenges artists face is inconsistent income.

Art commissions help smooth out financial peaks and troughs because they are usually pre-sold.

You are creating work that already has a buyer, which reduces uncertainty and financial risk.

Unlike speculative artwork, where you hope the right buyer finds the right piece, commissions start with demand.

This makes them particularly attractive for emerging artists, regional artists, and those balancing creative practice with other commitments.

Emotional Value Equals Willingness to Pay

Commissioned art isn’t just decorative; it’s emotional.

Clients aren’t buying “art” in the abstract — they’re buying memories, relationships, and stories.

This emotional connection often justifies higher price points than comparable non-commissioned work.

For example:

• A pet portrait captures companionship and grief
• A house portrait celebrates heritage or a new beginning
• A family portrait becomes a legacy piece

This emotional investment often leads to repeat clients and referrals.

Creative Flexibility and Artistic Growth

Contrary to the myth that commissions restrict creativity, many artists find they refine their style through commissioned work.

Repetition within a theme — such as pets or homes — helps you develop confidence, speed, and a recognisable aesthetic.

Commissions can sit alongside personal and exhibition work, funding experimentation without financial pressure.

Shaping a Sustainable Livelihood with a Creative Business

Building a creative business is about more than making art; it is about shaping a sustainable livelihood from your creativity and skills.

For many artists and makers, a creative business offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build a career doing what they love.

It can grow from working on it on the weekends to dedicating a week day work to it and changing from full time external employment to part time. And it gives you the choice to figure out which combination works best for you.

Multiple Income Streams and Financial Security

The first step in growing a creative business is understanding why multiple income streams matter for long-term sustainability and financial security.

It is much easier to choose where to focus your efforts when you’ve figured out where to start with what.

Having a plan, even a basic one, makes all the difference with giving yourself a road map where you can learn the skills needed, learn from experiences and others and explore your ideas.

Choosing the Right Medium for Art Commissions

Traditional Mediums

Many clients value traditional, physical artwork. Popular choices include:

• Pencil and charcoal drawings
• Watercolour
• Acrylic and oil painting
• Ink and line work
• Pastels

These mediums often feel more “authentic” and gift-worthy.

Digital Art Commissions

Digital commissions suit illustrators and designers and offer advantages such as:

• Faster turnaround
• Easier revisions
• No shipping or framing concerns

They can be printed professionally by clients or offered with print add-ons.

Mixed Media and Contemporary Approaches

Mixed media commissions allow artists to differentiate themselves and command higher prices, especially when combined with storytelling elements or handmade finishes.

Understanding the Risks of Art Commissions (and How to Mitigate Them)

Risk: Scope Creep and Unlimited Revisions

Without clear boundaries, art commissions can quietly expand beyond the original agreement.

A client may request additional subjects, background changes, or multiple rounds of revisions, all of which increase your time investment without additional pay.

Scope creep often happens when artists want to please clients but haven’t clearly defined what the commission includes.

Mitigation:

Using written terms, even a simple commission agreement, protects both you and the client.

Clearly outline what is included, how many revisions are allowed, and what constitutes an additional fee.

Defining the size, medium and subject matter upfront ensures expectations are aligned from the start and reduces misunderstandings later in the process.

Risk: Non-Payment or Cancellations

One of the most stressful risks with art commissions is beginning work without securing payment, only to have the client cancel, delay payment, or disappear altogether.

This can leave artists unpaid for hours of labour and materials, particularly with custom work that cannot be resold.

Mitigation:

Taking a non-refundable deposit confirms the client’s commitment and covers your initial time and costs.

Clear payment milestones,  such as a deposit before starting and final payment before delivery, create structure and professionalism.

Avoid delivering high-resolution images or physical artwork until full payment is received to protect your income.

Risk: Creative Burnout

While commissions provide income, completing too many in a row can lead to creative fatigue and resentment towards your own practice.

When every artwork is dictated by someone else’s brief, artists may feel disconnected from their original motivation to create.

Mitigation:

Limiting the number of commission slots available at any one time helps protect your energy and focus. Scheduling intentional breaks between commissions prevents exhaustion.

Balancing paid commissions with personal or experimental work keeps your creativity alive and ensures commissioned pieces continue to benefit from your enthusiasm and skill.

Promoting Your Art Commissions as Part of Content Planning

Social Media: Facebook and Instagram

Social media is ideal for making art commissions visible without feeling overly promotional.

Sharing works in progress, finished commissions, and client stories (with permission) helps potential clients understand your process and builds trust.

Consistent posting reinforces that commissions are available, while behind-the-scenes content makes your work feel accessible and human — key factors in encouraging enquiries.

Your Blog and Website

Writing about your commission process on your blog helps clients know what to expect and positions you as professional and organised.

Blog content also improves search engine visibility, making it easier for potential clients to find your services.

Process articles, FAQs and case studies of past commissions are particularly effective for SEO and client education.

Email Newsletters

Email newsletters allow you to speak directly to an engaged audience. Announcing open commission slots, seasonal opportunities (such as Christmas or pet memorials), and behind-the-scenes stories keeps commissions top of mind without relying on algorithms.

Regular newsletters help turn followers into paying clients by nurturing relationships over time.

What’s Next

In Part 2 of this Art Commissions series, we’ll explore exactly how to promote commissions effectively, set pricing, manage systems, and turn commissions into a sustainable income stream rather than occasional side work.