How to do art commissions and find paying clients in 2025

Commissioned art pieces have become lucrative for artists looking to monetize their talent. As we journey through 2025, the demand for original and personalized art continues to grow. However, navigating the waters of art commissions requires more than just artistic flair; it demands savvy business skills and strategic marketing.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the essentials of how to do art commissions to build a thriving business. You'll discover everything from creating an appealing portfolio to leveraging tools like Gelato to produce high-quality custom pieces.

Plus, you'll learn how to refine your business structure with clear pricing, policies, and global reach capabilities.

• Build a professional portfolio and pricing structure to kickstart your art commission business effectively.

• Utilize platforms and social media for exposure, reach, and community engagement to attract clients and art lovers.

• Engage with your audience and network with other artists or influencers to broaden your client base.

• Ensure clear communication and set realistic expectations to successfully manage client relationships and project outcomes.

• Leverage Gelato's high-quality printing and global shipping solutions to provide exceptionally good art pieces and scale your business internationally.

An art commission is a bespoke art piece created at a client's request, reflecting their specific desires and requirements. The commission process involves the artist and the client collaborating through concept, style, and medium discussions. Commissions can serve individuals, businesses, or public entities, allowing artists to showcase their creativity while fulfilling unique client visions and earning income.

Many artists engage in art commissions as part of their business model. This approach allows them to earn a living while customizing pieces to client preferences. Though not all artists choose the path of commission art, those who do often find it a rewarding way to steady income and diversify their portfolios. Commissioned work is a prevalent option among modern artists.

Let's explore how you can start an art commission business. Follow our tips below to develop the right foundation and strategy for transforming your passion into a successful business venture.

Create a professional portfolio

Include a diverse range of styles and subjects to demonstrate versatility. High-quality images are essential, so ensure all pieces are well-photographed or digitally presented. Organize your portfolio logically, making navigating through different categories or themes easy for visitors. 

Consider adding descriptions or stories behind each piece to engage viewers. A professional portfolio highlights your skills and builds trust with prospective clients.

Set up a pricing structure

Consider factors such as time investment, materials used, and the uniqueness of each commission. Research market rates to ensure your prices are competitive and sustainable. Offer tiered pricing options to cater to different budgets and clearly outline what each package includes. 

Transparency in pricing helps prevent misunderstandings and builds credibility, making clients more comfortable committing to your services.

Establish terms and policies

Outline payment terms, including deposits, payment methods, and shipping costs. Specify the number of revisions included and the process for requesting changes. Address your cancellation policy and any applicable refunds to manage expectations. 

Guidelines on copyright ownership and usage rights of the commissioned artwork should be included. Clear policies ensure smooth transactions and reduce the likelihood of disputes.

Choose your platform

Popular options include personal websites offering full control and branding opportunities or online marketplaces like Etsy, DeviantArt, and Patreon, which provide built-in audiences and tools. Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter are also effective for promoting your work and engaging with potential clients. 

Evaluate each platform’s features, fees, and community to determine which aligns best with your business goals and artistic style

Marketing your art commissions is a critical component in growing a thriving business. Here are some creative strategies to help your art become a sought-after masterpiece.

Build a website

Use a clean, visually appealing design highlighting your portfolio, services, and pricing. Include an easy-to-navigate gallery featuring high-quality images of your work and detailed descriptions. Incorporate an “About” page to share your story and connect with potential clients. 

Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines to increase visibility. Integrate contact forms and secure payment options to facilitate smooth transactions.

Leverage social media

Establish a presence on popular sites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, where visual content thrives. Regularly post high-quality images of your work, behind-the-scenes processes, and client testimonials to engage your audience. 

Utilize relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience and interact with followers by promptly responding to comments and messages. Schedule consistent updates and leverage features like Stories, Reels, and live sessions to showcase your creativity. 

Network in online communities

Joining online communities can expand your reach and connect you with potential clients. Participate in forums, art groups, and social media communities related to your niche. Share your work, offer constructive feedback to others, and engage in meaningful conversations to build relationships. 

Collaborate with other artists and influencers to increase your visibility. Being an active and supportive member establishes credibility and trust, making members more likely to seek out your art commissions.

Offer limited-time promotions

Offer discounts, exclusive packages, or bonus services for a short period to encourage potential clients to act quickly. Promote these offers through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters to reach a global audience.

Communicate the value and benefits of the promotion, and set a clear deadline to motivate prompt responses. Limited-time promotions can also help you attract new clients, generate buzz around your work, and boost sales.

Build a personal brand

Developing a strong personal brand helps differentiate you from other artists and attracts clients who resonate with your unique style. Define your brand’s identity by articulating your artistic vision, values, and the story behind your work. 

Consistently use specific colors, fonts, and imagery across all your marketing materials to create a cohesive brand. Share your journey, inspirations, and creative process through blog posts, videos, or social media to build a deeper connection with your audience. 

Target your local community

Participate in local art fairs, exhibitions, and markets to showcase your work and meet potential clients face-to-face. Collaborate with local businesses, such as cafes, galleries, and boutiques, to display your art or host joint events. 

To promote your services, utilize local media, including newspapers, radio stations, and community boards. Building a strong presence in your area can lead to word-of-mouth referrals and establish you as a trusted local artist.

Let's discuss the importance of attracting paying clients; here’s how you can connect with art enthusiasts eager for unique, tailor-made pieces.

Engage with your audience

Regularly share your artwork on social media platforms and engage through comments, messages, and live sessions. Showcase your creative process, behind-the-scenes content, and personal stories to create a relatable presence. 

Respond promptly to inquiries and feedback to build trust and loyalty. Hosting interactive events like Q&As or art challenges can further deepen your relationship, making potential clients feel valued and more likely to commission your work.

Collaborate with other artists or influencers

Partnering with other artists or relevant influencers can expand your reach and attract new clients. Collaborations can include joint projects, guest features, or cross-promotions on social media platforms. By aligning with artists or influencers with a similar audience, you can tap into their follower base and gain credibility through association.

These partnerships increase visibility and showcase your versatility and ability to work within different creative dynamics, making your services more appealing.

Ask for referrals

Encourage satisfied clients to recommend your services to friends, family, and networks. You can offer incentives such as discounts, freebies, or exclusive content for successful referrals. Make it easy for clients to share your work by providing them with shareable links or promotional materials. 

Personal recommendations build trust and credibility, as potential clients are more likely to commission artwork from someone recommended by someone they trust.

Use targeted ads

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads allow you to define your audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Create visually appealing ads highlighting your unique style and showcasing your best work. Use clear calls to action to encourage inquiries and commissions. 

Monitor and adjust your ad campaigns based on performance metrics to optimize your reach and return on investment, ensuring your advertising efforts attract high-quality leads.

Here are the key strategies to ensure smooth communication and manage client expectations regardless of the project.

Clarify the project scope

Begin by outlining the objectives, deliverables, timelines, and any other specific requirements. Use detailed documentation to prevent misunderstandings and ensure both parties agree on what is included and what is not. 

Regularly review the scope with the client to accommodate any necessary adjustments while avoiding scope creep. A well-defined project scope sets a solid foundation for successful collaboration and project completion.

Provide clear communication

Establish regular check-ins and updates to inform the client about progress, challenges, and happenings. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon to ensure mutual understanding. To maintain transparency, utilize various communication channels, such as emails, meetings, and project management tools. 

Promptly address any questions or concerns the client may have, building a trustworthy and collaborative relationship throughout the project.

Handle revisions professionally

Revisions are a natural part of any project, and handling them professionally ensures client satisfaction. Establish a clear revision process from the beginning, including the number of revisions allowed and the timeframe for making changes. 

Listen carefully to the client's wishes and feedback and approach each revision positively. If revisions exceed the agreed terms, communicate any additional costs or time implications transparently. 

Deliver high-quality results

Focus on attention to detail, accuracy, and excellence in every aspect of your work. Implement thorough quality control measures to catch and rectify any issues before presenting the final product during the approval process. 

Stay updated with industry standards and continuously improve your skills to enhance the quality of your deliverables. High-quality results fulfill client expectations and build long-term relationships and positive referrals.

Leveraging Gelato’s high-quality printing capabilities can greatly enhance the final output of your artwork. If you're working on wall art or other custom pieces, our sophisticated technology ensures that every detail is captured perfectly. 

Plus, with Gelato's global shipping options, artists have the exciting opportunity to reach clients across the world, breaking geographical barriers to build a truly international clientele. Smooth integration of all our solutions can help you meet and exceed client expectations, paving the way for a thriving art commission business.

With the right tools and strategies, you can transform your art into a thriving enterprise with happy customers. So, how do you start the process? 

Enter Gelato — a game-changer for artists ready to elevate their operations. Gelato provides an unparalleled print on demand service, allowing artists to manage orders efficiently and focus on creativity. Our product range includes stunning wall art and various custom products like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, tote bags, and photo books crafted to perfection.

With Gelato's global shipping network, artists can effortlessly reach a worldwide audience, turning local talent into a global phenomenon. Our user-friendly platform and robust solutions allow artists to deliver consistently high-quality art pieces to clients worldwide. Ready to take the leap?

Sign up for Gelato today!