Most commission disputes are about vague agreements, not bad clients. The 7 clauses:
This article is part of our Artist's Business Playbook — the complete guide to the business side of your art.
Pricing the commission correctly comes first — here's the formula most artists get wrong.
- Scope and deliverables — exact medium, size, subject, and what's NOT included.
- Payment terms — 30–50% non-refundable deposit, balance before final delivery.
- Revision policy — two included rounds is standard; define what counts as a revision vs new work; fee per extra round.
- Timeline — 4–6 week window starting when deposit clears; client delays move the deadline.
- Copyright — artist retains copyright by default; state it explicitly; commercial rights are a separate license with a separate fee.
- Cancellation/kill fee — scaled to work completed (25%/50%/100%).
- Dispute resolution — governing jurisdiction; mediation before litigation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a contract for art commissions?
Yes. Most disputes aren't about bad clients — they're about vague agreements. A written agreement makes you professional, and clients who won't sign are telling you something before money changes hands.
What should an art commission contract include?
At minimum: exact deliverables, payment terms with a 30–50% deposit, revision limits, timeline, copyright terms, and a cancellation/kill-fee clause.
Who owns the copyright on commissioned artwork?
In most jurisdictions the artist retains copyright by default — but clients routinely assume they bought everything. State it explicitly in writing: the client gets the physical piece and personal display rights, you keep copyright and portfolio rights. Commercial use is a separate license with a separate fee.
Note: this article is for educational purposes and is not legal advice.