Get Started Selling Your First Art Commissions!

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/mimipurnellillustrator...
I'm sharing LOTS of tips in this video about how to start selling your first art commissions which is how a lot of artists begin turning their art into a business or side income, plus they're really lovely to do!
Thanks so much to Skillshare for sponsoring this video!
🎨 ETSY
Find my commissions on my Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/au/shop/MimimooI...
----
🥰 PATREON
Join my Illustration Club over on Patreon:
/ mimimooillustration
🌷 PRINTABLE PROMPT LIST 🌷
gum.co/SSDUe
When you're stuck for something to draw you can download my prompt list for free or if you'd like to support me you have the option to pay what you like for it ♥
---
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com.au/mimimooi...
INSTAGRAM: / mimimoo_illustration
WEBSITE: www.mimimooillustration.com
♥︎
WHAT I'M USING FOR ART:
Laptop: Microsoft Surfacebook 3
Stylus: Surface Pen amzn.to/3xfVd1E
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Brushes: 'Natural Feel' from Kyle T Webster's Megapack www.adobe.com/au/products/pho...
FOR FILMING:
Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3ga0y4C
Tamron 24mm f/2.8: amzn.to/2TONZD4
Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6: amzn.to/3vgItGm
Manfrotto 190x Tripod amzn.to/3xzEOFv
Zoom h5 Audio Recorder: amzn.to/35dUKRe
Elgato Key Light amzn.to/3xyVoW8
All music is licensed from Artlist.io. Sign up today to get access to all the music I use:
artlist.io/Hello-16426
♥︎
Some of the links provided in this description are affiliate links
A big thank you to my partner for filming and editing this video!

[@MimimooIllustration]

A big thank you to Skillshare for sponsoring this video! The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/mimipurnellillustrator03221 🎉💖✨ Let me know if you take any of their classes!

[@maximusothunderman]

I plan on doing commissions so I could get some pocket money. My skill at digital art is decent when it comes to sketches and coloring, but shading and line art are my biggest issues. Should I make my art about $3 USD and gradually increase to like $5? PS I have a more anime style and some people don't really pay for anime styles, sometimes.

[@SiraGem]

I've been thinking about opening commissions for a while now, a couple days ago I finally did and posted it everywhere possible but I was always so scared that no one would ask me one and that I would be disappointed, but I just got a message for my first commission and I'm screaaaamingggg hahaha I'm so happy but nervous as to what to say so I found help in this video!!

[@Hello__01]

Where have you been posting 😭

[@rajkumarbharuduaj2543]

yes please tell

[@eeveefever13]

Just followed you on instagram :))

[@_clxmentine_]

Congratulations girl!!

[@SIRKISSHY]

i've sold numerous art commissions before but i'm still watching this because your content is such a breeze to enjoy 😁💕💞

[@MimimooIllustration]

Naw that's so sweet of you to say!

[@avacadoyt472]

@SIRKISSHY just a question, if you did it digitally, how do you give it to them?

[@maddy1224]

Can you also give some tips please it sometimes nice to see something from other people's point of view as well

[@usagihika]

@@avacadoyt472 just sending the finished image

[@Hedone15]

@@avacadoyt472 it can be a digital art piece

[@drei5573]

i think i’ll be going over this video a lot in the future so here are timestamps that might help everyone else! 00:00 - intro 01:30 - developing your skills 02:14 - building an audience & showing off your work 03:35 - skillshare sponsorship 04:48 - pricing your work 07:41 - receiving money 09:10 - spreading the word about your commissions 10:20 - completing an order

[@Sasha_is-bad-at_Art]

Thanks for the timestamps

[@Vanessa-ii7cc]

I've been doing commissions for a few years now, but I still watch videos like this because it's still hard. Like I said, I've been at this for a while. Four years to be exact (not a primary source of income at all). My style is semi realistic (more realistic than semi), highly rendered and often fantasy painting. A single digital portrait can take me between 8-10 hours (maybe a little more if it has a lot of details), but I still can't charge more than 35 euros. I've seen people charge over 200 for the same thing and it kills me not knowing what makes them able to sell at those prices, filling their lists every month, while I can't. I think your way of calculating prices is very accurate and everyone should take that into account. In practice, unfortunately, it is not so simple. Not in this world that believes that drawings are made by a computer.

[@MimimooIllustration]

Hi Vanessa! It sounds like your situation is quite different to mine given that your art is realistic and requires more time. I wonder if the other artists you talk about have a different way of marketing their commissions that are finding people who understand their value? I hate the thought of you having to sell yourself short to get sales! ❤

[@Vanessa-ii7cc]

@@MimimooIllustration In fact, I don't know. Except some are more consistent than me, I don't see them doing anything drastically different. The only thing left for me to try is precisely to raise my prices, since sometimes comments in groups say that they are suspicious if the price is too cheap. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

[@wedwhb9899]

@@Vanessa-ii7cc maybe it’s because you’re underselling your self? Like, when you make sure you have a right payment and not backdown on it, people will think you’re more professional, which mean you need to get payed more Kinda like how some people will go to more expensive clothes store even when the cheap one have the same things, because it’s make them feel fancier and all So just use this against people ( I mean ask for just how much you think it’s deserve and how long it took, like in the video ) and maybe that will help? Also are you showing previous commissions, because it will also make people feel fancier when they know other people are paying for the same thing and all I hope everything works out for you in the end

[@Foxuniverso]

Hey Vanessa! Tbh i think you should probably raise the price. i used to do Graphic design and i felt the same till one day i was mad and a client called wanting a logo i just said 100$ cos i didnt wanna deal with it and he actually said "Woah really? Alright!" and sent me the money before i even sent the contract. thing is we tend to de value ourselves and assume were to expensive be it insecurities or by here we live. but thats not the issue, the real issue is if we have the right client. if you say 35 Eauro and they wine about it being to high. they very likely aren't the right client. what you do then is just be real! "Im sorry, might i recommend this other designer/artist/illustrator" (or tell them where else to go and get similar work for cheap, fiverr). if they want it truly theyll call if not, its fine. just stick to your guns and do the work. the other thing id say is record those jobs and make videos out of them, you might actually be able to work on youtube while doing art. also got proof of the effort lol.

[@WedgyBlue]

@@Vanessa-ii7cc hello what web/social med u used for commissions?

[@naturejelisabeth]

Just re-watched this video after getting my first commission request from a stranger in my IG inbox today!!! 😍✨I immediately remembered this video from you and wanted to jump back and taking notes & plan how I could proceed now😊🌞Thanks so much for your tipps and valuable sharings Mimi!!!💜🌸

[@whatdoyaink]

This was actually really helpful, just got a big time commission and was uncertain how to proceed in some areas. I usually do payments in halves though. Half of the payment upfront, which is then led by me giving them mock ups of what they want (this to to give both the client and you a sense of security, that they will be getting their service from you, and for you that you will be getting paid). The second half is to release the finalized image. I know a lot of people are sometimes skeptical about paying artists before they get the art because they could "take the money and run".

[@amandaray_art]

Thanks for the information! I’ve always been too scared to open commissions haha. But I definitely feel more comfortable in my style so I might give it a go later this year. Do you ever get requests that are not inline with your style or comfort zone? If so, how do you handle that?

[@MimimooIllustration]

Great question, Amanda! If I think a request is not something I want to do then I'll simply politely decline,. If it's something that just sounds a bit hard though and that I haven't drawn before then I'll personally still accept the commission and use it as a learning opportunity (even if it takes me a little longer than normal) 😊

[@journalsai]

Think you so much Mimi for this informative and more understandable for all illustrator like me, who would like to start a journey like this. 😌✨💖

[@WillowRoseArlen]

This is so helpful and your videos are always presented in such a clear and approachable way. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this content it is incredible. You've been a big inspiration to me and I am getting ready to start my own art youtube channel (no videos yet, but soon). I wanted to say thank you for helping me feel like I could finally take that leap!

[@coritoons]

this was an amazingly helpful video! i was going through a crisis trying to figure everything out and after finding your video, everything has fallen into place. thank you Mimi (also i subscribed hehe 🥰)

[@zaza_ink]

Thank you so much for this! I'm just about to launch my first commission page, and I've been getting advice from some art friends but I wanted to see if I could collect some more detailed info and this was just what I needed! It felt like I was just confirming to be accurate what I already knew, but also brought out some information that had passed my mind by. Thank you for the advice! It was all very helpful!

[@maccheesecheese]

I just made my first art commission timelaps! 😊

[@CiarraStebbins]

Haha this was very synchronistic, because I just launched my first commission listing via ko-fi! 😆 Thank you for another wonderful video! 👍🏻💖✨

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh wow perfect timing! 💕

[@heatherartsy8944]

Idk if I’ll do commissions but I do want to do digital prints and colouring pages so I still think this video is helpful!!

[@sthiel126]

So comprehensive! Thank you so much!

[@princessKeithz]

This video was super helpful and had the text examples for an interaction that I have been looking for forever. I just needed to see how to word things professionally without saying way too much all at once cause I have a hard time with words and talking to new people online. Thank you so much! I think I'm finally ready to start coms, as soon as I make some price sheets for advertising that is lol ^w^

[@thelords936]

I've been posting my art everywhere and never had a first commission, so this might help me!

[@LordKraken3]

As someone who wants to start doing art commissions but wasn't sure how to go about getting paid, Etsy might just be the way I want to do it and I have you to thank for bringing that option to my attention! So thanks for that!

[@lindseyfishel3909]

I been thinking of selling my art for some time, have been asking around for some help but no one really wanted to get back to me. So thank you for making this, it really helps and I'll probably be watching this on repeat for some time

[@scrambledeggswithwaffles2579]

Hi! Thank you so much for the advice! I’m planning to start commissions and I found this video incredibly helpful because of how much you dove into each important aspect. I just wanted to let you know that I was afraid before, but now I’m not as intimidated to start selling my art, thanks so much, have a great day❤️

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw I'm so happy to hear that, I hope it goes well for you!

[@Polina888art]

Thank you for sharing all of these details☺️

[@Habsramhappy]

This helped me a lot! Thanks for the honest and informative video!!!

[@glimpses15]

Thank you for making all these useful videos. They serve as inspiration and encouragement too. 💕

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw that's lovely to hear - I appreciate it!

[@sissy2373]

Thank you for today's video!!! So many great informations in such a well organized, short video!!!! Loved it and it totally inspired me ❤️🤩❤️

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw that's so nice of you to say! ❤

[@sissy2373]

@@MimimooIllustration it's the honest truth 🥰

[@Hunden_33]

Someone asked me if i did commissions and I got so happy lol I said yes and rn were figuring out what the price should be and what I should draw! Yay :DDD

[@anang9109]

Thank you for the video!! It motivates me and inspires me so much!! Plus, the information helps a lot! :D ❤

[@maidela_art]

Thank you Mimi for all your content, you really inspired me to believe in me and start my own youtube journey. Your videos are always a treat to watch !

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw that makes me so happy to hear! ❤

[@maidela_art]

@@MimimooIllustration I'll keep this video for later, I always watch them while I cook haha. But just wanted to let you know that what you do matters ❤️

[@daisyssketchbook]

This is very helpful! I'm not planning to start commissions yet but when I do I will come back to this video. Thank you for the information ❤❤

[@Laalaalaa10]

This is great! Thank you!

[@art_nickorp]

Thank you! Im gonna try opening commission this year to get some extra income. I really appreciate the tips :)

[@emacopek9508]

That helped me a lot! Thank you!

[@audrey3703]

thank you for the info! I just started art commissions and no one has ask me yet but I’m gonna try!

[@hieugao4695]

Thank you so much, this helps me a lot 💖

[@aby_creativejourney]

Hi Mimi! I was wondering if you have a longer video where you talk about the payment methods in particular on the "how" behind having a an Etsy product for commissions, it sounds really interesting to charge it in that way to avoid scams. Thanks for your content ! ❤

[@kipporah]

Very encouraging, thank you!

[@thytranvonhu3635]

thank you so much, it's simple to get and it's really helpful for me now, thank you so much.

[@fuzzydragons]

I use to do commissions, usually tattoo commissions but had to stop due to uni, have thought about starting again but would have to make up a new contract for people since its been so long and a lot has changed skill and price wise

[@MimimooIllustration]

Tattoo commissions that's so cool!

[@magorzatahuzar6235]

I love you and your work❤ amazing!

[@angeldollface666]

So useful, thank you!

[@sweetlemon229]

So beautiful 😍😍😍💕

[@NatachaTea]

Thank you very much. Now I think I need to build up my portfolio.

[@JandenHale]

You have a very cool style!

[@shashaneko84]

thank you lady, 🥰 thats help a lot

[@2park_]

Thank you very much for the video !❤

[@yallseeinthat4200]

Great video:D It's easy to understand and really helpful!:>

[@Ojo_sama_arts]

thank you so much for the info , i started commissions from 2 days ago and there's no orders but it's okay i will continue drawing until come my first client

[@raii7629]

Thank you so much!!!

[@starbook5]

I like to draw because it is so cool 😊⭐

[@shadedglade4475]

Take your countries minimum and add a small amount to it, that's how I'll price my work, seriously I was struggling with figuring that one out. Also a limited time discount idea for the first few commisions is a smart idea for testing out

[@marshmallowweekly8575]

I can't wait to start commisioning. I have people who want me to sell some art. I just have been struggling with the get money part

[@vitoriachagas6586]

Thank you!

[@humphrey_bear_MDC]

Thanks for the info. I have 600 on youtube but I still don't know how to get commissions, but I keep on trying.

[@santanuki1584]

thank you for sharing

[@annalunakdraws]

Love that video Mimi! 🥰 I actually have pet commissions for so long on my Etsy but never really promoted them on my social medias 😅 so now will definitely do that more ☺️🧡

[@MimimooIllustration]

Oh you draw animals so beautifully, your pet portraits would be gorgeous! 😍

[@maris2sanae]

I just wanted to take the time to tell you how much of an inspiration you are!!! I've been watching your videos and they are AMAZING! I've been so unmotivated lately, but your videos are keeping me going and they are also giving me some ideas of some changes I want to make on my brand. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH for your content and for inspiring so many of us!!! 🥰

[@MimimooIllustration]

Aw I'm so happy to hear that! 🥰✨

[@PhoenixWave23]

thank you :)

[@frothylattestudio]

I am curious about watermarking and clients reselling the issue of the artwork. How do you actually deal with this?

[@jessalygonzalez7754]

I’ve gotten asked about 5 times if I did commissions but at the time, I was REALLY nervous to take any. SO! Since I’m FINALLY an “adult” I’ll be able to have MY OWN bank account so now I think I’m ready. It’s the whole “how to send the actual art” part that I’m confused. I do traditional art, so I’m confused if I have to send the client a photo of the commission or if I have to send it to them physically. I’m lost at this point ._.

[@lillianinspace]

I still don’t know if my art is good enough for commissions, but I really want to try…

[@spicychai69]

I want to do commissions again.. But imposter syndrome and not feeling good enough is so hard to overcome

[@ychbluebxrrybear3994]

thank you for the tips! But may i ask which brush do u use on procreate? I’m dying to know!

[@jad2lol875]

Hello if it’s alright that I ask that how was it when commissioning your art of on paper instead of digital? Do we still use images to send them their final output?

[@mahakhan7285]

Just found your channel. Its quite insightful and inspirational but I have one question. How do you ensure that the illustrations that you share on insta to attract audience are not used by anyone else illegaly?? Its one question that comes whenever I think about starting to share my design or work with public.

[@user-ot3kb3bd9z]

Hi I really admire your work. Where do you get inspirations for your artwork or illustration?

[@Vsnumber1simp]

I been thinking on doing commissions as a side job for fun and also to get some money cause 10$ a week isn’t cuting it

[@benburdayim4069]

What app can I use to draw digital art and sell it without problems of copyright or anything, I was drawing on ibis paint x but I found out that I can't use it for commercial use, pls help...

[@Artstorybookstoys]

very nicely done, wish I could have had touch screen laptop

There are Wacom tablets out there to hook to your computer. Either with or without a screen.

[@Artstorybookstoys]

@ ok

[@anthonyj.manttan9986]

Hey miss, do you reckon you should do some kinda exchange rate conversion like bloody, 25 bucks AUD but 30 trillion [hyper-inflated nation] dollars, or just 25 bucks across the board?

[@chicatoon]

I love your illustration style! May I know what software do you use to draw digitally?

[@MimimooIllustration]

I'm mostly using Photoshop, but sometime Procreate 😊

[@coldnight9067]

How can I open online shop and how can I get the money AND how can I use PayPal?

[@eesmarie_art]

How i can send my digital artwork in a high definition. Or like in original quality as I made it

[@Gworaii-mt5cb]

Hello, nowadays I've been thinking if I should do art commissions but I had no experience in doing so. There is only one thing I'm not clear with, when I'm already done working on it do I have to print it and deliver it to my customer or do I only have to send them the picture?

[@chevgage6210]

I want to do this but my health is so dodgy I can't guarantee I'll finish anything. In the mean time I've been practicing personal projects and stuff and I don't even finish those. I hope to graduate to commissions when I build up a portfolio and reliably finish art

[@tswiftgraphic]

Hello! I have a question while i want to start commissions soon!Are people usually interest to buy art by commissions and can u actually make people want your art and make them buy it?

[@kayrinrin1541]

This was a very helpful video, but I have a few questions I'd like clarified. I'm not sure if you'll see this but if you do I'd really appreciate a response. 1. How could I prevent myself from being scammed or taken advantage of? I'm not sure how transactions work so is there I way I can send the artwork (digital) and be guaranteed the payment? 2. What's the quickest way to advertise my artwork on Instagram? Are there certain hashtags I should use, maybe reels? If I end up deciding to make a website, what's the best way to format it? 3. Could I consider this a part time job? That's all for now. I'm thinking of turning my hobby of drawing into something I can profit from. I still have ways to go before I officially start commissions, but getting started on the general idea of commissions could really motivate me to work harder. Once again this was a very informative video and ill make sure to look back on it later on.

[@WedgyBlue]

What is the formula If I include canvas size?

[@ipolyaka]

Mimi, a very useful video! Tell me, please, what model of laptop with a touch screen do you have?

[@MimimooIllustration]

Hi! I have a Microsoft Surfacebook 3 at the moment 😊

[@dananimationstudios8369]

we need ppl to see ur arts

[@WedgyBlue]

Girl what website/social media should I do commission?

[@zeenaveyaratclk8929]

Hello. This is probably a dumb question. But when you sell these commissions do you send the art piece to them as a jpg file. If so, then can't wait people screen shot a drawing post and adjust it.

[@archspace7288]

I just want to start, can you tell me which software to use for digital art?

[@Prettyfulco]

Hi, How do I reply to my first requested commission? I'm a new artist at selling. I paint animals/landscapes/Abstract etc my mediums are Acrylics/Goauche/Watercolor.. idk how to offer a medium or pricing my work depending on mediums. should I charge more or less depending on the medium I use?

[@Rin._.002]

should have watched this video before TvT))

[@user-pk6vu7sp3k]

I don't have a tab or ipad... I'm a paint paper artist... I've only got one commission till now...😭 Please some suggestions on what can I do to increase my buyers

[@jenna_n_goodwell_art]

I've been offering commissions forever, but as soon as the price comes up, people vanish 😅

[@nahidaalmas1112]

Keep going ❤ you will find soon

[@hei4589]

Hi I would like to ask do Etsy will get the 5% of your money , if you just only sell the digital art ?

[@Seri_here]

can any1 tell me how ill be able to give my client the comission? like do i just send a picture to them or ????

[@kopokopo20]

hi!! i've had my commissions open for quite a while but im not getting any commissions :( do you have any advice for how to get them?? or any idea why that might be?

[@iri5016]

I doodle for fun and recently got an offer for one of my drawings to be use as commercial use. Im so confused if i need a sellers permit or something like that😭 im from NJ

[@HarpocratesSilence]

I've had commissions up for life half a year, for around 5 dollars, I've posted on all socials, so I guess my art just isn't what people want

[@Brownie6762]

So to start a commission all i need is PayPal to get paid right? And I'm all set? Or do i need more things to get started? Pls help 😭

[@devonjasper5284]

What type of computer do you have that your drawing with ?

[@surbhirajput6731]

which software is required for making this illustration?

[@reika1971]

So, I have a question.. I am a traditional artist and im wondering if i can just send the scanned version of my work to clients (instead of actual work itself)? Thanks..

[@bbadperson594]

Maybe clarifying that you'll send a scan might help?

[@vebbyrosedesucatan7946]

Do i just give my commission in insta where we chatted or somewhere else like a folder? Sorry for being too dumb to understand the concept but i'm quite new to things here

[@HerrlockSholmes]

Instagram usually ruins image quality so it would probably be better to email the final product

[@keithykeesheashy9164]

Hey guys this looks like a pretty cool space to share experience and such. I’m a self taught artist, I make digital and traditional art and I really want to start selling custom digital art, in fact I’ve been trying to for a couple years but it seems like no matter what i do, post on Instagram accounts I’ve made for my art, put it on websites, it never gets attention or reaches the art community or people which really suck. So I’m just stuck, is there any tips anyone can give me?

[@Renurfa_Artnimation]

I've only started commissions a few months and still haven't got any customers. I've been trying to improve my skills and upload them to my social media. I've even given a cheap discount price, but still no one has bought it. yeah now I'm confused about what to do next😮‍💨

[@Bugframe]

How do you send the art that has been commisioned? Like dm the client and send a document type or normal photo?

[@samira352]

Did you get an answer for your question? Let me know if u did

[@Bugframe]

@@samira352 i never did but i maybe figured that sending through email is the way to go

[@thebookworm8764]

Honestly personally im scared of starting the commisions beacouse of how to make everything legal and good xD Like i'm not sure how to do taxes and contracts and stuff in my country and i'm confused af