5 Things to Think On When Commissioning Someone

This is something that I've been tempted to point out but was a little nervous cause I don't want to make anyone think I'm talking about them specifically. I've been doing commission art for a few years now and these are just things I've observed over that time period. Many of my friends and fellow artists have also experienced similar but for many artists, we can be a tad introvert and not want to say these things to the commissioner, often times just fear of driving away someone even though most people I've meet who commission me are very open and understanding when I've told them things or given suggestions on what they're commissioning from me.

So I thought I'd post this to hopefully let some commissioners who might do these things from time to time a chance to reflect or for fellow artists to think on it and maybe be a bit more open when they do end up running in to any of these things if they bother them. That said, here are just a few things commissioners should think on:

~Keep It Simple~
Best for first time commissioners but can apply to a number of situations, make sure the commission is simple enough for the artist to understand. Not everyone speaks English as a first language and as such not every is always clear when they write their commission down. So coming forward with like paragraph long explanations on what you want, whether you speak English or not, can sometimes leave the artist confused and unsure what you want. Make sure to spell out what you want simple and clean so that the artist knows what you want and then from there you can add to it once he understands part of what you want.

~For Their Art, Not Someone Elses~
Make sure you're commissioning an artist because you want to see their art, not because they're cheaper then someone else but you want them to replicate that style of the other artist. Most artists have their own style and are not able to divert from it as good as others. So to try and push them to replicate another's style is a bit of a disservice to them. Be sure you are ok with their style, both how they make it and how it ultimately looks. You'll typically get the best from the artist if you keep that in mind.

~Read Between The Lines~
As I said at the beginning, many artists are introverts or in some cases just try to be nice and don't want to outright tell you they are unsure if they can accomplish the commission you want. So often times we'll sort of hint at it but not say it. In cases like this, do try and read what's there a bit and understand the artist may not be fully comfortable with what's being asked so have a back up plan. It would go a long way to making the process all the smoother.

~Art Takes Time~
Impatience is an understandable feeling people have when waiting for something they paid money for but please be patient with us. Even if we give you a specific time frame, delays can occur and pestering us a few days before or after the time frame can be bothersome and make us less eager to get to the piece. Keep this mind and try to hold off on asking us 'where is the commission?' until at least a week or two after the intended time frame the artist said. Also, for commissioners, do try and get a time frame from the artist so you know for your record too, just in case the artist is taking longer then they should.

~No Means No~
If an artist or a writer, as some of my writing buddies have experienced, says no to an idea, then accept it. Don't try and keep pushing the idea on to them or reworking it a dozen times just to try and get your way. Maybe they are uncomfortable with the material or perhaps they just don't like the subject matter, but in either case no means no and most times all you do by asking over and over is make them less likely to accept any of your ideas.

~@~
As I said, not calling out any particular experiences I've had, just that these are things I've noticed and experienced over the years. Some artists are different so don't take these as concrete facts but they are simply things to consider when you commission people. Overall the goal of a commission artist is to accomplish the goal you want of us in a timely fashion and to ensure you're pleased with the results. We can only do the best we can do when the commissioner makes it easy for us so please be considerate be it for me or for any future artists you might commission.
Thank you.