EASY WAY to make art clients buy your art WITHOUT a stupid commission sheet or website!

[@TheArtMentor]

What part of selling your services/artwork do you dislike the most?

[@sincostine]

Thank you for making this really helpful video! I'm a teenager artist about to start commissions so I can support myself and earn my own money, usually the tips I see on the internet usually talks about what not to do but doesn't really explain how the commissions actually goes since I have 0 experience. Your advices are perfect for a beginner like me and made me more confident on what to do and how to react to specific scenarios, thank you for the advice sir your tutorials are top notch!

[@TheArtMentor]

Thanks so much for watching! I was at that point not that long ago, so I’m really glad you found my content valuable. What kinds of commissions are you interested in?

[@Voltergeist]

I NEVER hear advice like this from anyone else, especially regarding simple client apprehension. This is VERY useful and I'll be implementing these practices going forward, thank you SO much.

[@TheArtMentor]

I think you hit exactly why I made this! Nobody ever does talk about these topics 😅 I hope you’ll check out my other videos about this topic as well and let me know your thoughts! Was there anything in particular that you felt is normally left unsaid?

[@Voltergeist]

@@TheArtMentor I had to really think about your question before coming back to it, but I think for me, the only thing that’s stopping me is the first few steps. The first places to post my services. I freeze up at this point every time and I get terrified that nobody will want to commission me. I do fantasy art, so I know there’s places for my niche. I just get a ton of anxiety. Thanks so much for making these videos again, I forgot to subscribe last time I was here but now I am!

[@TheArtMentor]

Not sure if you saw my other videos about where to post/not to post, but I’ve made some pretty thorough guides to help you out. Check them out and tell me what you think 🤔 also, I’m thrilled to have you join my channel! Check out my community tab sometime and let’s talk there more

[@theevilchicken4407]

Man you're so cool! I'm afraid to work with clients and always feel awkward talking to them. But your videos with examples helps a lot! Your channel deserves way more followers!

[@TheArtMentor]

Hey thanks so much! Feel free to share and help my little channel grow haha. What about working with clients concerns you the most

[@gregh2x4]

Hi, art mentor. I always see your videos but never commented before. I wanna thank you for this tips becuase I finally got my first commission! Before when someone used to ask how much I price I send them my comission sheet then never know of them again due the high prices I put (I guess). But today I went to DA job forum and literally do what you said here and in the other video of DA and I got a +80 dollars commsission! So I really thank you from my hearth! After that I deleted my commission sheet XD.

[@TheArtMentor]

Wow that’s great! I’m so happy for you! 😁 what kind of artwork were you commissioned to do?

[@gregh2x4]

@@TheArtMentor I was commissioned to do a NSFW character design. I really like to draw that kind of stuff so I'm really happy to work in a topic that I really enjoy. Also my dream is to be a NSFW freelance artist, so this first step really motivate me to continue after almost two years publishing online and don't getting anything from it. So again, thank you!

[@TheArtMentor]

That’s great that you have a vision, and good luck! Feel free to ask me anything and say hi every once in a while 👍

[@FLoof_T_Doof]

I love this video! Every other video I've watched has basically made me think i have to go above and beyond to set up a website or something with a computer that i dont have and i wasnt looking forward to any of that. This gives me encouragement as well, it lets me know that the way i do business is my way and not to let anyone effect that, and that i dont have to act all cold just like a business person. Ill probably have some kinda greeting message that i copy and paste letting the person know i dos and donts, basic prices, my way of receiving payment, and then ask them what they'd like done. Youve just given me the confidence and the start up my brain needed to be more confident in my commissions and how i work them. Thank you!!!

[@TheArtMentor]

I'm happy to hear that this has helped you so much. However, can I give you some feedback on that plan? It's actually counter to this strategy. Remember that people enjoy talking to people, and that means authentic conversation. Maybe have a script you can copy and paste sections based on responses, but you'll still need to edit and personalize. Keep it real and human. How does that sound?

[@FLoof_T_Doof]

@@TheArtMentor honestly that sounds a lot better lol Though I will admit I found a different way to do it that's still fairly easy. I'm setting them up on Google forms and I'm currently drawing references for different coloring and lining options and stuff like that. I've gotten criticism for a few different things and I think I've laid it out pretty well. Doesn't change the fact that your video really helped and I'll be applying certain techniques to certain things, especially when talking to clients.

[@veggsbacon1891]

Communication is key in a nutshell. Now that's interesting. 👍🏻

[@TheArtMentor]

It’s so simple, but so overlooked isn’t it? So what do you think of this alternative approach?

[@ali32bit42]

12:01. i think this one depands on the client. if they have an existing gallery of commisions from other artists you can tust them to pay you After the work is finished since they already paid other's. personally i prefer not to take payment upfront because of my living situation . this makes it easy to cancell the project if i need to do so or am unable to finish it. it also means i dont need to deal with refunds . but yeah if they are a stranger or kid its better to get payment upfront since they might never pay for all the work you do .

[@TheArtMentor]

I can see your unique situation, but isn’t it easier and more secure walking into a commission knowing you already received some payment? As someone who’s been burned by working first, and seeing so many other artists resoundingly echo the same situation, doesn’t this issue invite scammers to take advantage of artists? Also, who’s to say the client doesn’t have a link to fake “previously commissioned” artwork? Isn’t that easy to fake? Consider these

[@ali32bit42]

@@TheArtMentor i can see and understand the benefits of upfront payments but not being paid upfront does not scare me. in fact i feel more relaxed to focus on the art and wont get stressed and worried about missing a deadline or being unable to deliver quallity work . My 3D work is especially expansive and takes months to complete and i worry a lot about how my client my feel when they see the ugly progress pictures before i put the polish oil on them. over all i get a lot of anxiety and guilt from being paid early and owing something to someone which gives me a bad mood troughout the project. if needed for the very large and expansive projects i take payments as each part of the work is completed. so each charactet and each background design is sold separately until the entire project is completed. this also lets me send models to my clients early as they already paid for it so they can inspect it for quality while i work for the rest of the project. since its 3D small changes and corrections are not too expansive its not exactly too hard to spot a fake gallery. coming from the furry community there are lots of "commisioners" that regularly commision artsits to make the same character in different styles and are well known in the community . and their gallery contains many unique images of the same few original characters that cant simply be faked without a ton of effort . if you see generic and reposted artwork with mismatched content that's when you know its not a trust worthy gallary . thats pretty easy to check with my image search plug in as well. many artists also post their commisions on their perosnal profile so you can cross refrence both sides if needed. orher factors like their behavior and mannerisms can help too. you generally want adult commissioners who understand the workflow and cost and treat you with respect and are able to clearly and accurately share their wants and needs. if possible you can also check their job description to see if they can actually afford to pay you. another good sign is that they offer payment without being asked to do so. liers and scammers typically avoid bringing up payment in the convo until the last minute. if they act like or are a kid / teenager . are rude , get mad at late responses, are judgemental and controlling / are too focused on cost and not the art during communications , act sexually immature before even mentioning that they want NSFW artwork , its their first time ever taking a commision then payment is upfront and mandatory .

[@TheArtMentor]

That’s great that you have a process that you’re secure with. By no means can I say “this is the only way…” but I do have to keep the video short and sweet, you know? Haha. I’m just falling back on my personally experience, as well as fellow artists that work in publishing and commercial art that follow a simile payment structure to this. It’s ultimately up to you to make that call, and adjust whenever you see fit. Thanks for watching! So what kinds of commissions do you make?

[@ali32bit42]

@@TheArtMentor i design or model 3D characters and other 3D assets. and if needed i make entire environments and animations with those assets. i am basically a Computer graphics generalist.

[@TheArtMentor]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing

[@KamillsWorld]

T h anks for the video , I always wondered the best way to converse with a client that was a bit more professional , clear, and concise than what I was seeing from others

[@TheArtMentor]

Awesome I’m glad it helped! How do you usually go about this?

[@villagerjj]

you got me my first client, I thank you a ton!

[@TheArtMentor]

Oh that’s awesome!! Do tell! What kind of commission is it and what helped you so much?

[@villagerjj]

@@TheArtMentor I got a commission to make a retro styled 3D Character, this video really helped me get clients to actually DM me! this lead to my first client. thank you a ton!

[@TheArtMentor]

Oh that’s sick, I love to hear that! I wish you lots of luck 💪 can you share it with me when you’re done on my Instagram?

[@celine5273]

Thank you so much for the great advice ^^

[@TheArtMentor]

You’re so welcome! What did you find most helpful in this video?

[@thealdoc]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@TheArtMentor]

You’re very welcome! Have you ever tried this before?

[@deep.padayon]

Thank you so much, this makes me more confident to engage with my future clients.

[@TheArtMentor]

I’m so glad this was valuable to you! Was this different from what you’ve seen, heard, or done before?

[@BCGraphixArt]

Great channel

[@TheArtMentor]

Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed! What did you find most helpful in this video?

[@micheleyoung9292]

Hi Art Mentor! You graciously answered a question I had regarding another video, and you recommended I watch this one as well. This one is also very informative; thank you! So now I do have another question. Do you ever make exceptions to conversing via DM? Like for people who aren't up to date on the newer technology and prefer older ways to communicate?

[@TheArtMentor]

Good question. So what “older ways” are you considering when asking this?

[@micheleyoung9292]

@@TheArtMentor Well, I know you mentioned the disadvantages of email, but I'm asking about exceptions here... a lot of older people in their 70's like my parents have no idea how to DM, so they prefer emailing. Some really old school people don't even like email or text and would prefer a phone call, which I would think would be fine since you can have the conversation you described verbally. I suppose mailing a letter isn't much of an option for anyone these days! So I guess by "older ways" I mean email, text or phone.

[@TheArtMentor]

I understand what you’re describing, but that experience is going to be for an extreme minority of people. Honestly anyone who doesn’t have a social media account definitely isn’t seeking online commissions. So, most likely, grandpa doesn’t want OC fan art of the MHA character lol. This does alter a bit, so here’s kind of my hierarchy for conversations: 1) discord 2) Instagram 3) Reddit/DeviantArt/native platform the client first reached out to you on 4) FB messenger 5) email (last resort!) There are many issues with emails. It’s outdated, it’s slow, you never know if the other person read your message, when they’re responding, or if messages are going to a junk folder. Also, that’s a fantastic way to get your account hacked. So for all of those reasons, I reserve email for a last resort. FYI, 7 years into freelancing, I have only ever used email once, for a corporate client. That’s it. What do you think of that?

[@micheleyoung9292]

@@TheArtMentor Lol! I think that is a very thorough answer to my question! You're absolutely right - Grandpa probably isn't the least bit interested in fan art! And if your advice applies mainly to ONLINE commissions, then yes - DM makes the most sense. I was thinking of conversing with clients who discover a person's work from not being online, like word of mouth, seeing art in someone's home, market fair, etc. So yes, your hierarchy makes sense now. I'm 51, and I feel like I am in between the digital and analog worlds. So I always like to learn from people like you, and I really appreciate your time. :-)

[@TheArtMentor]

Glad to hear that makes sense! Honestly, even if a client did hear from word of mouth, they would be given their social media info to reach out. Although, that’s a pretty inefficient method of advertisement nowadays, which only works in hyper select markets. Any other questions?

[@freakshow831]

if they first come asking for the price of x how do we shift the convo into asking them about their project?

[@TheArtMentor]

Great question! When that happens, which is really often, just redirect them back to the first sets of questions. Ask them to tell you all about the project, probe for specifics, and get a full scope of the project. Does that make sense?

[@3arth_o231]

nice

[@TheArtMentor]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@randomartist-8372]

I have a question! So say I’m nearing the end of my discussion with my client and I tell them my method of receiving payment, ex: CashApp, but they tell me they don’t have that app What should I say? I was thinking about what I’d say if I went through this situation and I can’t think of what would be the professional approach 😅

[@TheArtMentor]

Hey thanks for asking! That’s a situation that comes up occasionally. For that, here are my recommendations: 1) professional payments are rendered through PayPal. Venmo and cash app are not set up for business and more for farmers markets. Also pretty much everyone has PayPal 2) if a client doesn’t have your method of payment, ask them if they could set up an account and assure them it’s simple and protects them and you. That sounds more encouraging doesn’t it? 3) if they absolutely object, see if another payment system like the ones you mentioned earlier. Just NEVER accept a check or digital check bc those are scams. How does all that sound?

[@randomartist-8372]

@@TheArtMentor It sounds good! Thank you for answering so quickly, do you happen to know other professional payment methods besides PayPal?

[@TheArtMentor]

My pleasure! You can either use the other services or a site like square space, but PayPal is kind of the gold standard. Any particular reason why you want to avoid it? Also, any other questions?

[@randomartist-8372]

@@TheArtMentor no particular reason just wanted to know other options :D None that I can think of right now but if I do I’ll make sure to ask, again thank you for answering!

[@TheArtMentor]

My pleasure! Good luck with your hunt for clients 💪

[@artsmit9545]

But ,how to deal with people who are know you a d friends ,who wand free work?we can't do time taking work for free

[@TheArtMentor]

Well if they’re your friends, and they’re good friends, they’ll understand how valuable your time is. Won’t they?

[@markcooperartcomofficial]

Discord is new and lots of people are using it, but its still garbage. Saying email is antiquated is a pretty silly thing to say. I'll bet you also think mailing lists are antiquated. And i've had LOTS of people demand a price or else they don't wanna work with you cause the truth is, other people are giving prices and they are comparing them. You also need a website.

[@TheArtMentor]

I can see after checking out your website why you think that way, but you realize you’re talking about different markets, right? If you sell prints or merch, then you absolutely need a website or similar platform. Since that’s the focus of your business (which is very cool btw) I think it’s very different when working with commercial and private clients. But even Gary Vee says you don’t need a website and they’re antiquated. Social media is the new website, have you heard that before? And hey you can do what you’d like, but I still get asked for that too. The difference is that I teach it (here too) how to steer that request into a conversation. Don’t you think you’re being unfair in criticizing this technique when you don’t practice it?

[@orfiarts]

It's shocking to me that you're providing this information for free.

[@TheArtMentor]

Haha should I charge instead?

[@orfiarts]

@@TheArtMentor as I am watching your videos, a thought about wanting to give you a tip for that comes up more often.BUT realistically - I'm broke.☠️

[@TheArtMentor]

Haha it’s quite alright! You can pay your fee by liking and sharing out the video. Sound good? 😂

[@orfiarts]

@@TheArtMentor just about right.

[@TheArtMentor]

Perfect! Thanks for always enjoying my content 😁

[@leniekotze9697]

when making art ,people can be real bastards things like thy not happy with background or how about this as your ask to make junk your recommendation of what you like to watch get screwed up the tutorial DeviantArt videos say fave more ,,,how your recommendation of what you like to watch get screwed up DeviantArt need to look at you love not at your making on commissions or request as i am shore there people that want art to be faved

[@TheArtMentor]

It sounds like you have quite a bit of feedback here. I’m going to be honest, I don’t understand a lot of what you’re looking for so that I can help answer. Could you please ask them one at a time? Thanks