Use our commission template to build a professional commission quote with revisions, usage rights, and deposit terms spelled out.
Names on the quote.
The single biggest source of commission pain. Put the limits in writing, or switch this off if it doesn't fit the project.
Set any of these to 0 to leave it out of the wording.
Standard clauses to include:
Use your browser's print dialog and choose "Save as PDF" to send it digitally. Add signature and date before work begins and you have a lightweight agreement.
A description of the work, the price with any add-ons itemized, the deposit and payment schedule, the timeline, and terms covering revisions, copyright, and delivery. If it isn't written down, it will be renegotiated later, usually at the worst moment.
50% is the norm for art commissions, due before work begins and non-refundable once it has. It covers your materials and time if the client disappears, and it filters out clients who were never serious.
A personal commission grants display rights only. If the client wants to reproduce the work, put it on products, or use it in marketing, that's a license, typically priced at 50 to 200% on top of the commission depending on the scope of use. Unlimited use costs more than a single print run.
Not quite, but a quote with terms and two signatures gets most of the way there for small commissions. For large projects, public art, or anything involving significant money, have a lawyer look at a proper agreement. This tool is a scoping document, not legal advice.