THIS is why you DON’T GET Art Commissions! Honest Beginner Art Commission Advice

[@decadentgamer3108]

The thing that really grinds my gears with commissions is when you advertise that you're open for them but no one hits you up. Then the moment you're not open for any because you're busy with other work, then some people com out of the woodwork to ask for one and you just don't have the time to do them lol.

[@TheArtMentor]

Isn’t that true lol. Every time I suppose I’ll work on a personal project, I get clients lol

[@lottie_here]

Just pretend you busy and closed sometimes lol

[@TheArtMentor]

I would but I love working with clients so… lol

[@CrazyGreenFluff]

i think one of the reasons i never get commissions is because i used to frequently do free requests. i absolutely love drawing for people and always had fun with requests, but i feel like that might've made my followers think i shouldn't charge for my work or something. it sucks. i don't really take requests anymore, so now i hardly ever get to draw for people and it makes me sad

[@waberoid]

It's refreshing to hear to just stick to one focus. Going to school I would be told, just don't do cyberpunk all the time, do something else. So I made a fantasy tavern that did really well, but I want to focus more sci-fi. So that's been a big block for me because I feel I need to think about fantasy now and other genres

[@TheArtMentor]

We’re always told to cast a wider net aren’t we? But that falls apart when we fish in waters without fish, right? Definitely just sharpen your spear and you’ll eat better my friend! Btw what do you like to do in the sci-fi sphere of art?

[@spencethealien]

I find the biggest turn off from hiring someone to do a commission is an inflated ego and sense of self-importance. Usually is a sign of a bad time incoming. But the rare few instances I have found someone down to earth and easy to talk to I usually tip them pretty big just for making it a pleasant experience instead of treating me like I was a peasant the whole time.

[@TheArtMentor]

As an art client, the experience is very important to you isn’t it? Just as important as the end product right? That’s something I’m always advocating for too. What are some signs you’ve experienced that the artist isn’t going to give you a good experience? I’m curious to hear what you’ve encountered

[@spencethealien]

@The Art Mentor The first signs i usually encounter at first that give me an indicator that the artist will be hard to work with, usually are their outline for the work they do, with a very long list of things they don't want their customers to do or say. Anything that has an arrogant line like "don't waste my time" or something to that effect can be a good indicator that they think their time is more valuable than their clients. Which is quite off-putting for a prospective client at first glance. It's good to have an outline for what one is willing to do and not do, but when your list seems like a shopping list of bad experiences with past clients, it doesn't show the artist in the best light. And has the potential to make the artist appear difficult to get along with to the potential client. Who will simply move along.

[@TheArtMentor]

Oh wow I’m shocked to hear that happens. Is it quite common that you come upon lists like that? Kind of gives the impression that the artist expects every client to be hard to deal with, doesn’t it?

[@spencethealien]

@@TheArtMentor Absolutely, and that makes it a no-go for a lot of clients if they see something like that. Or seeing the artists complaining about various past clients. Makes you not want to even attempt working with them, lest they run the risk of being yet another client that is complained about.

[@TheArtMentor]

Totally agree. Very unprofessional huh? Btw do you have any examples or posts you’d want to share that embody that? I’m so horrified by that concept that I want to make a video about it lol

[@phantasmagoriac9225]

Absolutely, I have had a demoralizing time as a beginner on instagram. And I definitely think you should make a sole video on that. It's important to spread the word. I know there must be a lot of people out there feeling stuck like I was once.

[@TheArtMentor]

That’s a great idea! I definitely feel like there’s a lot of content for that I could speak about. What would you like to see included on that topic?

[@jetboyblue4478]

Never really did emergency commissions just saw other people do it but for me I usually only get few commissions.

[@TheArtMentor]

good, don't! lol. It's not worth it, is it?

[@vitoriachagas6586]

Hi! Here I'm watching your videos one after other like a Netflix series lol 🍿 just want to say thank you specially for this final part, I was dealing with syndrome impostor (still trying hard to win against it) and was so inspiring to see your first commission work and how you've improved and been successful since then! Always making a good job on motivating us 👏💕

[@TheArtMentor]

That imposter syndrome is nasty isn’t it?? What do you think it has you second guessing yourself? Thanks for your thoughts on my first ever commission! That was so long ago 😂 should I do a repaint of that guy? Haha

[@alanissabrinamihockaviglie7487]

I've been promoting my commissions at least twice a week for about 2 months, and still, silence. I've had commissions in the past, but i suspect the rising prices had to do with the lack of clients... (on the other hand, i got 1 writing commission last month! going to try getting more of these too)

[@TheArtMentor]

Hang tight and keep up the efforts! I’ve had dry spells as well. Are you still making your own art while you wait for clients? Also, what platforms are you currently using?

[@alanissabrinamihockaviglie7487]

@@TheArtMentor Yes, ive been drawing art for myself in the meanwhile, although i dont finish as many pieces as i'd like due to college (winter break coming soon, so i plan to draw haha) Im currently using instagram, twitter, tumblr and reddit! So far, reddit seems like the platform where more people see my stuff, so i'll slowly go using it more and more haha. also, just wanna say that your videos have been teaching me lots of stuff about commissions that i havent seen other people say so tysm for ur good content :)

[@TheArtMentor]

Those personal projects are always tough to squeeze in. Trust me I know that pain! And thanks so much for watching!! I’m always happy to hear that type of reaction. I just remember when I first started out all of the advice out there was so vague and depended on dumb luck. That’s honestly what drives my content, and I wonder if you’ve maybe noticed those gaps in a lot of other content about commissions?

[@TheArtMentor]

Those personal projects are always tough to squeeze in. Trust me I know that pain! And thanks so much for watching!! I’m always happy to hear that type of reaction. I just remember when I first started out all of the advice out there was so vague and depended on dumb luck. That’s honestly what drives my content, and I wonder if you’ve maybe noticed those gaps in a lot of other content about commissions?

[@alanissabrinamihockaviglie7487]

@@TheArtMentor yes, I've noticed that most commission tips you find around, they don't talk about how to speak with the client, how to promote your commissions very well in the sense you've mentioned in another video, of talking about your previous experience with, say, drawing humans or robots. And i only saw you and literally only other artist recommend Reddit to promote themselves, where it seems to be the only place in which people seem willing to not make you work for cents. I've been using toyhouse sometimes, and I've only landed a writing commission, as it seems to be a commission type that not many people offer there. In short, I've also taken your advice of no commission sheets, and I've decided to only put a base price about every commission type i offer (they start at 30usd to 70usd but those are only the base price, which I intend on raising once i get more clients hehe)

[@soul_jhonata]

Literally in my favorites bar "Facebook, Fiverr and Upwok"

[@TheArtMentor]

Lol yeah nobody really talks about this which is why it’s so important to know this to find better clients 😅 hey I’ve done all of that too

[@Voltergeist]

I can relate a lot to this video, although I will say as a slight critique, your calls to action are waaaay frequent. I don't know if it's just me but saying 'tell me down below in the comments' once or twice per segment gets a little redundant. about 3 times in a video is fine (beginning, mid, end), but upwards of 8 times and it's a little excessive. That being said, I've been guilty of not putting my work out there enough! Especially since my nerves get to me when it's time to put up my art.

[@TheArtMentor]

Oh no I was afraid of getting called out on that lol! I’m just trying to interact with y’all more bc I love to hear your thoughts. Where do u advertise your services?

[@f8keuser]

It can be annoying to get notifications from people you follow saying they need a quick commission for some dire situation... and it's not the first time they've done it.. someone don't want to get jobs while they build up their skills and gather clients. I did the mistake a while back of using the same drawing by in different versions for my commission layout hah. Currently I am not looking for clients only due to the fact that I'm still working on a commission and haven't got the time to do more atm.

[@TheArtMentor]

Yeah I’ve seen serial emergency posters like that too. It really makes it seem insincere, right? Btw I’ve done that multi version commission sheet when first starting out too lol. Was yours with people or something else?

[@f8keuser]

@@TheArtMentor It was with people.

[@TheArtMentor]

Yeah same here, and that’s definitely what I see done most of the time. Thanks so much for watching!

[@WedgyBlue]

Uhm trying to find client in Reddit but no luck. My price still cheap bc I start simple first.

[@TheArtMentor]

How long have you been looking? Also, have you narrowed down what you’re presenting to client yet?

[@StrudelDoodle]

yo, you should really make a updated version of this Id love to see if it changed any and how it changed if it changed at all

[@TheArtMentor]

as you command! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4SpfqagitmMo6s

[@kol-dia]

I have no idea how to get any attention. I will never find out if the price of my art is low enough because I have no good equipment. I tried to post everywhere, but no response, no feedback. I did only 1 commission in my life. People like art which looks worse than mine. Sometimes I wish my art never existed.

[@TheArtMentor]

It sounds like you’re feeling pretty down on your skills. What kind of commissions do you sell? What kind of art do you want to make?

[@jazzwolfblaze5250]

For me, I'm going back to the drawing board every time I see a speedpaint I say how easily people were able to draw certain things. It made me want to learn how to draw anything I have ideas but can't get them out because I can't draw certain things and its frustrating. I've been doing photo studies of people for a bit I got the shapes down somewhat but then the topic of perspective came up so I'm working on that as well.

[@TheArtMentor]

That’s great that you’re acknowledging your areas of growth, since most people don’t even get to that point. I’m curious, what about perspective came up in regards to drawing figures?

[@jazzwolfblaze5250]

@@TheArtMentor Being able to draw primitive shapes in 3d space can help a lot in drawings. At least that's what I saw from a few videos.

[@minnesuh_]

I tried to do my commission sheet simple, pretty direct and attractive and I don't think my prices are too cheap or too expensive based on my experience drawing and what I know to do. I'm not trying to be rude and I'm glad other artists get commissioned ofc but I saw some artists where you can see they don't have a lot of skills or/and their prices are higher than mine but they get a lot of commissions! Literally just 1 person asked me about my commission prices on deviantart but never answered me lmao. Maybe they were scared of the prices-

[@TheArtMentor]

Not saying it’s impossible, but can I ask you one thing? How long do you think you can keep that practice before clients start overlooking your prices entirely? Eventually, it’ll become sticker shock and ward off higher paying clients. Also I’m curious, how much do those other artists make with their commissions sheets?

[@minnesuh_]

@@TheArtMentor I will keep practicing until I am a profesional 😤 (which I have a long way to go yet). From what I saw, they posted like 5 done commissions, in maybe 1 month and a half, that costed 30$ each one. That's total success for me 👏

[@TheArtMentor]

That’s a great attitude you have. And I bet you will be a pro one day if you keep that passion 🔥 So in regards to those artists you’re looking up to, that’s way too cheap. Anything under $50 is disrespectful as a commissioned artist. Perhaps $30 seems like a lot? I know it might fit many. Have you considered what that would even out to if you priced out your efforts per hour?

[@EmmVarsArt]

2:09 In my eyes this is now your catchphrase 😂

[@TheArtMentor]

Seriously, get yourself several digiorno’s! Lol

[@karaelzexceed666]

Personally I did like 9 free commissions in a week prior to looking for clients on reddit, but I failed to get any paid commissions (am not overcharging either, it's 5 euros a piece). However the free commission clients were very satisfied and one even gave me a core membership for deviantart which made me so happy :3 edit: yes I'm looking for a quick buck cause I'm a college student with tuition fees and lost 2 jobs in under 2 weeks each. I love drawing, but I also wanna stay alive somehow and am seriously concerned for my future if I can't even make minimum wage as an academic.

[@TheArtMentor]

have you maybe considered that you aren't getting many clients because you're charging too little? Often, clients would look at someone charging too cheap and assume they're either a scammer or ai user. Have you considered that?

[@secretlyalizzard7030]

Yes! I am disabled unable to get a job, i can only do art. I need income and literally can only offer art

[@claudioadriano5422]

Great video! I would like a separate video on why Instagram sucks for artists

[@TheArtMentor]

Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed! What was the biggest takeaway from watching this for you? And here’s that video 😁 THE WORST Places for Art Commissions! Don't Look for Art Commissions Here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5nQmauddrmteNk

[@claudioadriano5422]

@@TheArtMentor I think the biggest takeaway from watching this was knowing that Instagram and Facebook are terrible for commissions. I've tried to sell art on these two platforms and now I know why I couldn't. Thank you!

[@TheArtMentor]

You’re welcome! So did you get some better ideas on non-algorithmic platforms to use for better results? Btw not saying those are impossible to get work on, they’re just not set up as a proper market 😅

[@claudioadriano5422]

@@TheArtMentor Yes I understood. I already got works on Facebook, but it was with comics, not commissions. I am now trying Reddit to sell art as you teach.

[@TheArtMentor]

I wish you the best of luck! And feel free to experiment with Twitter and Discord as well 👍

[@ali32bit42]

8:01 I disagree with this point. seeing the same design at various quality levels helps me tell what my commission could generally look like by comparing the design vs quality

[@TheArtMentor]

Are you saying that as an artist or client?

[@tarahayes6529]

I see you mentioned the worst sites to advertise your art, but what do you think are some of the best sites? This would be really helpful to me as a starving artist.

[@TheArtMentor]

Sure thing! I have full playlists on that topic. Have you seen those, or would you like a link?

[@dynamics9000]

This is one of the best video

[@TheArtMentor]

Thanks! What was most helpful for you?

[@KamillsWorld]

I find a lot of these are probably why I don't even get any art trades e.e

[@TheArtMentor]

I hadn’t even considered that when I made this. Is that hard to find art trades?

[@darifulcar8547]

i have be looking for commission in almost every platform, practice diferent characters, tried to improve my marketing and portfolio and look for commission jobs several times a day and i barely get anything in all my life i just have clients 2 times 🤣😭😭😭 i don't think i draw that bad

[@TheArtMentor]

How long have you been seeking commissions and consistently trying to get clients?

[@darifulcar8547]

@@TheArtMentor Probably since August 😅 I don't know if I should be getting clients or if it's more like "wait for it"

[@TheArtMentor]

Yeah man it takes a while 😅 took me 6 months to get mine. How often are you creating finished artworks while looking for clients?

[@darifulcar8547]

@@TheArtMentor I Think i started on 2020 but i have improved a lot since that and this weeks i'm just drawing a lot and practicing so i can get attention from ppl, i've been watching your videos the whole day and i'm changing a thing or two

[@TheArtMentor]

Awesome I’m happy to hear this is helpful for you! Let me know if you ever have ideas for future helpful content for commissions

[@zapre2284]

How do you find people who want to commission you to make art ?

[@TheArtMentor]

Here’s your starter guide: TOTAL BEGINNER GUIDE to Art Commissions | Where to Find Art Commissions, Pricing, EVERYTHING kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2jFfWqHZ7FghMU

[@happica2934]

how much does this guy expect me to comment

[@TheArtMentor]

How much do you want to get commissions going to the point that it’s regular?

[@Wendy_de_Boer]

I'm not looking for commissions at this stage, but I watched the video out of curiosity anyway. On the topic of how not to go about getting commissions, I've watched in complete bafflement how a once popular artist has been going about getting commissions over the past year or so. I shall not name any names, of course. This person has not posted any new art in several years, but instead they are hitting "update" on their old Deviations without making any actual changes, just so that it shows up in their follower's streams again and again. Meanwhile, their comment section is filling up with upset fans telling them to stop reposting old art and make something new instead. They are also posting reminders that they are taking commissions every single day on Twitter, each time accompanied by one of their old popular pieces. And they do this by simply retweeting one of their own previous posts. I have no idea why this person feels the need to do this. They have absolutely top tier skills. They have worked for some of the biggest companies. If they are out of work and in need of commissions now, it seems to me this would be the perfect time to rework their portfolio and make some new pieces to properly advertise their work. Also, considering their skill level and how hard they have been promoting themselves, they must at least have gotten at least SOME commissions already. Why not post those? I have no idea. I unfollowed the person just to get rid of the constant stream of old work being reposted.

[@TheArtMentor]

Wow that’s crazy! I’ve never heard of such a thing. Did they work for some huge AAA company? The only reason I can think of to justify not posting new art is that theirs might all be proprietary to the company, which isn’t uncommon. However, if that were the case, those artists can usually bang out amazing work in a couple days. Is that the case here?

[@yoonglevell2845]

If EVERYTHING sucks so bad then why don't you tell us where we can go and get commissions and make some money..?? Saying everything is bad doesn't really help anyone you know? Telling us where we can find some sort of work would be really helpful

[@TheArtMentor]

Sure thing, want some links? Those are different video topics, and I’ve made plenty of them 😅

[@TheEnigmaProductions]

No offense but how's this guy getting commission? His painting is so soupy.

[@TheArtMentor]

Are you getting commissions?

[@SmallHappyOtter]

Soupy 🥣

[@seanbianchi4517]

Is there anything else I missed? Tell me here.

[@scribblerjones]

The last part of the video hit me where I live. For the longest time, I had been wanting to get out there in the world of art... and I always choked because "I'm not good enough" or "imnot ready." I went and took courses or lessons on art, felt a little better, decided to go out and try my hand at commissions or something similar... and tripped over "I'm still not good enough." Boy I needed to hear this. Thanks, Teach.

[@TheArtMentor]

Hey I know how you feel! I just wish I started earlier, but I’m happy to hear this from you. Do you feel ready now after hearing that?

[@scribblerjones]

@@TheArtMentor I feel ready to start. Do I feel like I'm as good as I would like to be? No. Do I feel like I'm good enough to at least begin, get the ball rolling, and improve as I go? Absolutely. The more I think about it... maybe this is what I need. I've always followed videos or books to learn... but I've bever really tested myself out there in the wild. Maybe all my hangups were cop-outs to keep me from getting my feet wet. I could be overthinking it, but maybe I need to go ahead and just jump in.

[@TheArtMentor]

That’s some great reflection! Btw, that’s called paralysis by analysis. Often times, we think so much we don’t take action. As you can see from my first commission example on this video, my first artworks weren’t great, but I’ve grown significantly through experience with each client. That can be you as well! Wouldn’t that feel great for you too?

[@scribblerjones]

@@TheArtMentor yes it would!

[@Enn.Vee_Nkocee]

I got 18k followers and 10k likes on Facebook but I can barely get 10 followers on Instagram, been feeling defeated ever since

[@TheArtMentor]

It’s a common occurrence. Thing is, remember why you make art okay? Do you want to get better or do you want attention? I know it’s hard bc we all want that external validation, but make sure you keep challenging yourself and learning so that YOU feel good regardless of numbers. Nobody can ever validate you like you can. Okay? 👍

[@k.k.6480]

im starting comms!!!

[@TheArtMentor]

Glad to hear! What kinds of commissions are you going to do? 😮

[@k.k.6480]

@@TheArtMentor I'm trying to do digital and portraits

[@TheArtMentor]

Awesome! Best of luck to you 👍