How do I start art commissions?
You're not going to like hearing this, but you do not have quite a few years of drawing experience. Artists in their 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond do - not you.I'm not writing this to discourage you. Your drawing is very good for a 7th grader, but as another poster said, just enjoy the ride for now and don't over think things. You'll get there eventually. Finally - a commissioned piece is something someone hires you to produce, not a piece that you've already produced and are putting up for sale.If I hire you to draw me as an anime character, that's a commission. If I buy the piece you included in your post, that's just a sale.
How do I start getting art commissions?
A large majority of art commissions are transacted through galleries. Some, are when the artist accumulates a large enough following (often in his / her home country though) and fans of his / her work trust the artist enough to commission pieces from him / her. If you're looking at getting art commissions internationally, there are platforms out there that enable you to do so. These platforms connect artists and buyers -- giving them a platform to transact and interact in trust; and to share the works that they co-create. The Commissioned is an example of such a platform.
How do I start commissioning my digital art on DeviantArt?
To build on Rosie’s answer, there is a such thing as promoting to the point of becoming spammy. But having your availability for commissions on your profile, journal header/footer and submissions is a great start.Keep posting artwork though, scour forums to see if anyone is looking for artists for a project. (As a forewarning, be extremely careful and tread lightly with the Job Offers forum)This won’t get you to be commissioned immediately. It does take time. Come up with a price list. Figure out what you can offer, then have a list of those things and prices to accommodate. Come up with a terms of service. Call it your “will/will not draw list” as well as have things such as the commissioner’s rights and your rights.I hope I’m not intimidating you. It’s a lot on your plate when you first start out.Research others! If you have friends on DeviantArt or other people you watch, check their price sheet out. See what they offer.I’ll also shamelessly drop my terms of service and my price sheet so you can get a feel of what others do outside of dA.Good luck!
What is the best way to start commissions for digital art?
First of all set up a paypal account for your commissions. I find paypal to be easier seeing as all you need to do for payment information is just an email.I have always set a base price for everything.For example: A bust lineart, flat colour and full colour will all be different prices.So let’s make an example.Say you wanted to do bust, hip and full body art. You would have a base starting price from lineart. Going up with the more detail you put into it.A lot of traditional artists charge from the amount of hours it took them which I personally don’t like seeing as I don’t record how long it takes me to create something and I personally find it a bit scattered, however that’s just me.It’s best to have some requirements set in place too, remember, this is your art and what your comfortable with doing is up to you. If you can’t or don’t like drawing certain things, place disclaimers so you’re collecting customers from your own boundaries.In short, the easiest way that I personally have found to sort out my commissions is lineart, flat colour and full colour for fractions of a body. Adding an extra person can be maybe adding an extra amount of money and also a detailed background could cost more as an option.Treat your commission set up like a Subway, except everything they want adds up in price.
Why will nobody commission my artwork?
As one artist to another I’ll be honest with you.Your art is good but it's not presented in a marketable way. Always remember that art is an investment. Art collectors look for something that will increase in value over the years as you become more well-known.Here are some issues I see:Continuity: I see that you are trying to portray two completely different styles. Pick only one. Your art is a brand. Your name is a brand. If a company wouldn't use two logos, you shouldn't use two art styles.Originality: Everyone and their third cousin has seen both realism and anime. They want something new or cool, that relates to them. Stand out. You don't have to invent something new, just put a fun twist on your art that makes you stand out. If someone buys your art, would they be able to tell it is yours? If not, you've got work to do so that your art is worth investing in. Otherwise, if you do choose realism, become the best. You can be successful in anything if you are the best of the best. Become better than everyone in your school/ workplace, then your city, then your state or country.Perceived Value: Art should always look priceless if you're selling it. Use the highest quality materials you can afford that will last the longest.Loopholes: Under what is currently popular, you might be able to sell your cartoon artwork. What you need to do is target your demographic. Go to conventions and sell art there. Draw commissions of your clients’ Original Characters.I hope this helps!
What rights do you have if you commission art?
Okay, so this all depends on who you are working with. Your artist should have a clear terms of service drawn up so you know exactly what you are getting into. For example, with my terms of service, I allow exclusive rights with modification. Let’s say I illustrate something, one of your characters, perhaps and you have a Youtube channel, or are a part of a forum, you have every right to take that piece and crop it, modify it, distort it as you see fit for your platform of choice. I do however explicitly state in my price sheet and in the terms of service that commissions are non-commercial and must not be used for profit.If you want to commission someone and own the rights of that image, the price should be significantly higher than non-commercial prices. But, again, this all depends on your artist and their terms.It all boils down to communication. If you’re still confused and you’re working with someone, please ask them! Ask them every question they haven’t answered before moving on with the project, your payment, or their drawing. Draw up a contract and sign that both parties agree on. Commissioners should be protected just as an artist should. We value you guys. :)Good luck!~PK
Who owns the copyright on artwork in commission work?
Your original approach was correct. Copyright for your artwork is automatically assigned to you. For it to go to someone else requires a written agreement. It is reasonable for you to charge money for that, especially if the item is being used for profit.I recently researched artists to restore an old photograph, and it was universal among those artists that if you wanted full rights to an item you had to pay for it.Now, you can negotiate specific rights, it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing deal. “You can reproduce this freely for use in your seminar, but if you want to sell it outside that setting you must pay me.”Whatever arrangement you agree to must be in writing and signed by both parties; it is a legal contract.
What does privately commissioned artworks mean?
It means that a person asks an artist to make an artwork for them. Often they get to decide what the artwork will be. An example would be that you see a sculpture that you like, you find out who made it then you ring them and ask if you could make one for you. Then the artist says ok for $2000 I will make you a sculpture. This is a private commission. A public commission is one where a government department asks an artist to build a sculpture for their building and then comes to an agreement about where it will be andwhat it is. usually there are many discussionsabout public art as it effects more people rather than an individual.