Why I Stopped Doing Art Commissions (And Maybe You Should Too)

Many of us started our journey making money as an artist with art commissions. It's very rewarding to create custom art for people and their loved ones or to commemorate a special event, person, pet, or concept in your own style of art.
However, in my experience, creating commissions where you are always executing other people's visions can be energetically draining. I offered commissioned watercolor art for 2 years before hitting burnout in 2017 and decided to phase out this offering by 2018. At the time it felt like a premature decision and a huge risk, but I believe it paid off for me in the long run, for my creative energy and for the growth of my business.
In this video, I'll share my experience with art commissions and give 5 reasons why I decided to pivot away from doing commissions. I want to provide an analysis (albeit a subjective one) to encourage you to think critically about whether commission is something you want to keep doing, stop, or do it differently. Also keep in mind that just because it's not working out for you now doesn't mean you have to stop completely.
If you found this video informative, we'd love for you to subscribe to our channel, and follow us on Instagram at @easysundayclub.
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Cathy is a self taught watercolor artist based in Los Angeles, CA and the founder of Easy Sunday Club, a collection of art and baby/children's goods that combine fine art aesthetics with playfulness and educational values. Prior to ESC, Cathy got an MBA and worked in the tech industry for 10 years and Nam is an attorney. This channel is our way of giving back to the art community.
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Shop: www.easysundayclub.com
Instagram: / easysundayclub
Clubhouse: @cathyz
Facebook: / easysundayclub
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A full list of tools and equipment we use for art and business is available at our website here: www.easysundayclub.com/pages/...
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Music: In French (Used w/ Artist Permission)
/ infrench

[@mr.brilliantdiecastcollect8482]

Reasons why I stop doing them , people give you a picture that you aren't interested in drawing.

[@rebekah1362]

I think a lot of artists think they're supposed to take commissions as their first steps. So many illustrators and artists have said they felt trapped and unhappy doing so. It definitely is something to make time and think about taking on. Quite frankly if I'm not inspired by the subject I'm less likely to do the work.

[@EasySundayClub]

I think commissions is a relatively easy start and requires very little upfront investment other than our time, but most artists who do well don’t ONLY do commission. Agreed, if i’m not inspired by the subject or have done it many times before, I lose the motivation.

[@EasySundayClub]

Rebecca: we answered your questions and comments in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@EasySundayClub]

The year after I stopped doing commissions, my art business revenue doubled. It was a huge risk at the time to give up an entire sales channel but it paid off when I started to work smarter. Where are you currently in your commissions journey?

[@watercolorsofmidnight6373]

Is it wrong not to want to do commissions at all ever? I did one commision for my sister. And then her friends are asking me to do more, and I frankly hate it. I feel 0% motivation to do the work. And actually the stress of having to deal with them leave me with no energy to work on my own art. I really haven't done many commissions in my life but I already know I don't want to follow that path. Am I wrong?

[@kaheaisaac1]

How where you able to do it?

[@genxlife]

It's my opinion that Fiverr is contributing to the reduction in the value of art.

[@rebeccanewberry3176]

I definitely feel the stress with commissions too. I've just been so blessed to have had really kind clients so far. Since I'm not a legit business yet, I can't afford to turn them down... They're kind of the only thing keeping me running right now.

[@EasySundayClub]

I totally understand that dilemma! It's good that your clients have been kind. Most of mine were too, I just got burnt out after a while and felt like the short term sacrifice was worth it for longer term happiness.

[@EasySundayClub]

Rebecca: we answered questions and comments re: commissions in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@rayne6737]

I used to deal with people a lot in my day job along with those I dealt with doing commissions and people's attitudes, way too many of them, are outrageous when they think they can get away with it. So years ago I quit the day job, commissions and painting/drawing people. Now I'm so much more content and happy with my life and my art.

[@WorldisArt]

HELL YES I can already say I don't see myself wanting to be a commissions based artist haha, client demands are so difficult to manage

[@EasySundayClub]

Haha that clarity and self awareness will save a lot of headaches down the road.

[@NullAndVoidTV]

I'm at the point where I'm getting tired of commissions. not only do they take a lot of time, the randomness and sporadic payments I'm so tired of. I never have steady income from it and it's so much pressure for barely any payoff. I may get one 500 dollar commission... in 2 months. meanwhile no other art is getting made or sold. it's a time, creativity and money suck tbh.

[@Angelinka9]

I really really struggle to get any commissions. I love doing pet portraits but most of them are for friends. I post a lot on my social media, I post all my pet portraits on various groups and I get a lot of "wow nice" and "beautiful" but zero interest in commissioning me. I even had couple of people asking me if I do commissions and when I said my price (which is very reasonable and even quite low compared to many artists), they either said they will "think about it" or straight up ghosted me. I am starting to wonder what is wrong with me. It seems that everybody else is getting commissions effortlessly. Do you have any tips? Amazing channel by the way!

[@Yuki-ky1jk]

How many followers do you have? Many people have messaged me too but most of the time they ghosted me , didn't even say they will think about it

[@ainsleyharriott2209]

Ironically I work as a commercial artist for one of the world’s biggest ad agencies but struggle to get any commissions for my 3d work online despite lots of nice comments. I think sharing artwork online is a waste of time unless you are going to spend endless hours marketing it, which is just no fun to me unlike art itself. Customer service for example sucks and feels like a job, not creative. I just make stuff for myself now and don’t even share it and am much happier.

[@spintillimdizzy2340]

Belive me as someone who has done commission work for the past 5 years its not all that great Im still broke at no fault of my own. backed up on at least 10 commissions some i havent completed in over a year. I basically had to nuke my IG to get caught up and now I'm working a regular job to pay clients back so i can focus on building a brand that is self sustainable while I'm making the art that i want to make.

[@beaolayon7344]

I recommend checking out "The art mentor" channel

[@antonio.clark.art01]

literally just had this convo with my friend and your video popped up on my youtube. thankful it did. this video is awesome. you got a new sub.

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank you so much!

[@d3thedancer341]

I feel the exact same way! Thank you for this, I really feel understood

[@cx1291]

I enjoyed your video, and there is a lot of truth in what you mention about commissions. An artist starts with a particular interest and style, but you need to grow and try something new and rewarding. This journey takes you on a new road of discovery, and you grow as an artist. Thanks for your video.

[@EasySundayClub]

thanks for watching and for sharing your thought, Paul. It's well said.

[@brognaarts3266]

I am almost solely doing commissions and I REALLY want to have the time and branch out to make some other products like prints and cards. But I currently don’t have the time. This was helpful and encouraging. I may need to increase my prices or quit doing commissions

[@EasySundayClub]

Brogna: we answered your questions and comments in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@brognaarts3266]

@@EasySundayClub thank you so much!

[@elysegalloway]

Another great video Cathy! I have a very similar story as you, but I'm currently in the commission burnout stage. I've reduced my commissions to 1 per month, raising prices by a dollar (per linear inch) every quarter, and I'm still having a hard time with it. I'm looking to stop commissions and do work more on my own style and teach workshops (eventually). Thank you for the reminder that we should pay attention to that inner voice!

[@EasySundayClub]

you’re doing it the right way slowly phasing it out. creative energy flows differently so if even once a month can feel like a drag and that usually means you’re ready to move on. good luck!

[@EasySundayClub]

Elyse: we answered your questions and comments in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@DisplayofColor]

Always love your advice and experienced learned/shared. My most fav is your watercolor tutorials of course. ☺️ I cannot imagine requesting a commission piece from you and not having you doing it in your unique artistic style/expression. To not give you that freedom to do it how you would. That’s crazy to me! That’s what makes your artwork insanely amazing! You have such a beautiful artistic expression. I LUV ur style! 😍🙌🏻

[@EasySundayClub]

You're too kind! Yea I needed more creative freedom and control over the output of my work so after a year and half commissions just didn't bring me joy anymore, even if I increased my prices. I'll try to record more tutorials :).

[@DisplayofColor]

@@EasySundayClub I’m glad you did what makes you most happy. I’m still so mind blown that you taught yourself to watercolor. It’s amazing. Yaaayyy!! More watercoloring tutorials! 😃🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Thank you! That would be absolutely wonderfully amazing! 🙏🏻🥰

[@EasySundayClub]

​@@DisplayofColor thank you! fyi we answered questions and comments re: our commission video in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@marisspot7677]

Loved your perspective, I have to admit I'm feeling everything you mentioned. I felt desperate though and took on commissions for way less than I should've just to have "something."

[@EasySundayClub]

Mari: we answered your questions and comments in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@ainsleyharriott2209]

I now just make art for myself, friends and family. No online sharing. I’m much happier making what I want without letting the negativity of the internet drag my work down.

[@EasySundayClub]

That's awesome!

[@aligned4good]

Thank you for this video! I feel the same way.

[@willozcreations.9064]

I’m here again catching up on some of your videos. I know it’s been a minute but I spend 3 hours over here or more. Good job on these educational videos

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank you for your kind words!! We know time is precious and it means a lot that you chose to spend hours on our videos. Your encouragement keep us motivated to create more valuable content.

[@willozcreations.9064]

@@EasySundayClub your welcome

[@nickliovich]

I just noticed you are using magna tiles to prop up the mic. LOL. Love it. Those magna tiles come in handy! ;)

[@EasySundayClub]

Hahah, practical hack, adjustable height, what’s not to love!

[@xribl9895]

I couldn’t possibly agree more with this video. Thank you. The reason I searched this topic was because I just had to see if there was a tribe that shared my feelings about commission work. Clearly it’s a vehicle for earning money through your art but it truly is stifling, and exhausting creatively. I really want to just eliminate them from my practice entirely. I’ve been a graphic designer for my entire career and people pleasing is my least favorite aspect of the profession. Thanks for validating my feelings about this. Think I’m done.

[@EasySundayClub]

Thank you for articulating your feelings in a very relatable way! I'm sure you brought up several good points that resonate with other creatives including myself.

[@hacer316]

very honest comments. appreciate. thank you

[@EasySundayClub]

My pleasure!

[@watercolorsofmidnight6373]

Also thank you for putting words to what I was feeling like.

[@bboyjohnanytimesoon4862]

I love harsh truth . I love this video.

[@cristelarts]

I'll probably only accept commissions moving forward only from clients with whom I never felt pressured or controlled. Also, I agree with your suggestion. I'll increase my rate to 50%. I realize my asking price for painting doesn't compensate well with the time and effort I put.

[@EasySundayClub]

Good for you for setting the right expectations and boundaries!

[@AshleyMintz]

I did a commission one time for a friend who had already purchased several of my pieces and who was very familiar with my work, and one for an arts organization. Both were great experiences. However, I will now only do similar art commissions....if they are for people who have already purchased art and know my styles, and organizations. I have only ever run into problems when it is friends, acquaintances or complete strangers asking you to do commissions. I had someone ask me to do a logo for them, and when I quoted them, they seemed uncomfortable with the price (probably because they thought I'd greatly discount it since we were acquaintances) but reluctantly agreed and then started changing things saying that it didn't have to be a logo but just an art piece because they just wanted art from me. And then when I stated the terms, I got no deposit, so I never started it. I then told them a couple of weeks later that I in fact could not take any commissions and told them where to go to find my art.

[@jeanfugate-besalke5734]

So spot on Cathy! No commission work for me!

[@EasySundayClub]

Haha thanks Jean!

[@EasySundayClub]

Jean: we answered questions and comments re: commissions in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@grandmaisback6052]

I just refuse to do them... I have spent two years of in and out of lockdown doing requests for this and that from 11 grandkids and their parents... in an attempt to help them through the difficult time... Then add on top of it the requests from Hubby to supply certain things for twenty odd of his fellow staff members for Xmas gifts... my whole year was consumed by these requests and I burnt out.. I dont care if I sell nothing. I have had enough of painting what others want and not being able to develop what I want to paint. I Took some months of doing nothing at all. My paints gathered dust and then I picked up the brush and started small. Two cards as way of thank you for something I needed. I have been going slowly since but I do only what I want and when I want now so I do not burn out again.

[@EasySundayClub]

Sorry to hear that. Commissions can be very demanding and working with family comes with its own set of complexities :). Sometimes we have to reach a rock bottom before making drastic changes that will make us happier. Sounds like you made the right decision.

[@kalirally]

Definitely better to make things that scale IMO! Good for you for getting away from what you don’t like! When I first started my shop, I made my own designs but took “requests” and just found that customers became demanding and wouldn’t buy till their request was fulfilled. And they wanted things that would not scale. Never putting that offer out there again, Lesson learned.

[@EasySundayClub]

Kali: we answered your questions and comments in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@kalirally]

@@EasySundayClub Hey Cathy Thanks for the heads up! I just realized I didn't have it set to all notifications and I really enjoy your videos.

[@vivianuwakwestudio]

Well articulated points. You've PERFECTLY expressed my reservations about commissions. Please explain how you have been earning income as an artist since you stopped taking commissions. If you have a video about that, kindly give me the link. Thank you.

[@EasySundayClub]

we need to make an updated revenue stream video. this is our 2020 year in review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqWTeZedi9qrgrM . in short our revenue streams: licensing, direct e-commerce sales, whole sale, my design agency business, youtube ads and related affiliate. hope that helps :)

[@expressionbynada]

You are awesome and I agree with you

[@EasySundayClub]

Nada: we answered questions and comments re: commissions in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@teresacesario6247]

I can imagine the NIGHTMARE!!!! Good for you!!

[@EasySundayClub]

it was mostly fun while it lasted but I nipped it in the bud way before I became miserable!

[@EasySundayClub]

Teresa: we answered your questions and comments in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@tkikpar4882]

Great tips!!! What would you suggest to someone who has many friends and family members requesting commissions? And is it mandatory to give them discounts? Thank you for all the support. 🎨

[@EasySundayClub]

such a great question! I felt some pressure to give discounts when I did commissions, but landed on this: I’d only offer discount to immediate family for all my products, but charge regular prices for everyone else. Because as a new business you’re still trying to make it, and as your friends and family they should want to support you by paying your worth. That’s my 0.02!

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

I've had commissions open for a while now, offered sales etc, and still didn't get the return I was hoping for. Honestly my area is a bit niche (anime/manga) so I can't be too surprised... But it was demoralizing to see others who were succeeding and myself fail miserably. I'm planning to close my commissions soon because it just hurts to get no interest when I work so hard. Better off focusing on my own projects

[@NullAndVoidTV]

THIS is a big reason I'm probably going to stop doing mine. I get interest but not enough follow through for it to be worth it to pursue anymore

[@OwnyOne]

@@NullAndVoidTV I wouldnt say anime/manga is niche at all

[@artgirlmermaid]

I will never do a commission again for all of the reasons mentioned and.. because people flake out and are literally incapable of communicating clearly before, during and after the commission. After too many burns... I'm out forever.

[@paulwoodford1984]

Simple, just pick and choose commissions. It’s your fault you felt like you had to accept everyone. it’s really easy to handle

[@miaforte8536]

I make and sew things and absolutely hate doing anything custom. Unless it is personalizing something I already created with a name or monogram. Very good points in your video!

[@EasySundayClub]

Miaforte: we answered your questions and comments in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@Phil_Scott]

Great video, Thanks. I am an 80 yo retired mechanical engineer. The race to the bottom will always be with us, especially as billions of people living well enough on less than $3 a day, are with us on line ... world wide. This will shape everything we do... especially here in the west. Your solution to *add value to otherwise profitable items, that you can buy competitively priced IS the solution. I will try the engineering business approach... hot air and bullchit ... into the wealthy fine arts market. Wish me luck pleeeze.

[@fuzzymelon1261]

its best to have a commission schedule like have a 1 month break or even longer depending on what youre making.

[@EasySundayClub]

good point! back to back commissions can be really draining.

[@magnus1383]

My dream is working in a company, so commissions tend to be rather unfulfilling unless I'm working with a client who enjoys being very close and communicative, and even then I rather keep it to a minimum

[@JackSmith-ud9bg]

My artwork is varied. I paint nautical subjects, farm animals, birds, portraits and many other things. what should I do? My experience painting is over many years just for fun and I love doing it. Should my business be one subject? It's hard for me to deide.

[@EasySundayClub]

Jack. we answered your questions and comments in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@MiJi_29]

The only factor i only see to get Commission Flow is "Fame". Some of you disagrees, but as i said: Fame makes your life Easier

[@amdonut8091]

Great video. I never liked commissions either. 😩

[@EasySundayClub]

Blue: we answered questions and comments re: commissions in our latest video 9 min in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjIqoWlrrBsd80 thank you.

[@kooshanjazayeri]

well, most of there problems are solvable by fixing the price and make it considerably higher, also you can make it so that you limit the subject matter and specify what type of subjects you are willing to do, and make it so that you would negotiate so that if you are not interested you just pass... that's just my two cents

[@EasySundayClub]

Agreed on setting boundaries from the beginning or course correcting along the way after we learn what works/doesn't work. A lot of artists thrive in commissions and it can still be an enjoyable/viable income stream without feeling miserable.

[@Jhihmoac]

I stopped doing all that years ago... Ditto freelance graphic design... Everyone wants it for pennies-on-the-dollar or completely free! Then _go and get it for dirt cheap or free,_ but then _don't complain about the poor quality,_ because that's _all you get,_ for your _"next-to-absolutely-nothing"_ !

[@watercolorsofmidnight6373]

Is it wrong not to want to do commissions at all ever? I did one commision for my sister. And then her friends are asking me to do more, and I frankly hate it. I feel 0% motivation to do the work. And actually the stress of having to deal with them leave me with no energy to work on my own art. I really haven't done many commissions in my life but I already know I don't want to follow that path. Am I wrong?

[@EasySundayClub]

I think having strong feelings about something is a good sign. It makes it easier to say no vs a lukewarm wishy washy feeling. The world doesn't need another miserable commission artist :). Lean into what brings you joy and sparks your curiosity.

[@watercolorsofmidnight6373]

@@EasySundayClub thank youu ! I just needed to hear this. I always thought people who draw from others people perspective and specially copy family photo albums tend to have a stiff rather boring gallery of works even if they are very good. There is nothing in their works that inspire, that goes beyond what a machine can do. And I know this works are insanely valuable for people who had a sentimental bond with the work, but for other doesn't have any Value at all 💗💗🌹🦋❣️ thank you for kindly responding to my comment so fast 💗💗

[@ainsleyharriott2209]

I worked out the salary per hour for the average ridiculously low commission enquiries I’ve received and I would be earning less than 1 dollar per hour... that’s just not worth it where I live.

[@EasySundayClub]

:( Yes most of us didn't do a good job of pricing our time and skills appropriately, and doesn't help that sometimes other people don't value it either. I wish we could collectively value our work more and not feel like we've to compete on price when it comes to custom work.

[@AMO17]

At this point I've had enough of trying to find clients. I've only had two, one of them being a returning customer, that actually worked out. I've been ghosted the rest of the time. Not to mention the huge number of artists that offer what I do but for $30 and $40 bucks for full color illustrations. While I'm glad they're successful, I've had enough and will be looking for other ways to profit off of my gift.

[@jacotromp59581]

I am stopping commissions for now. I absolutely love dogs and cats, but if I have to draw one more pet then I am going to scream to the heavens and metaphorically cut off my drawing hand, hahahaha.

[@EasySundayClub]

haha yes, as a previous dog owner I totally understand the sentiment but as an artist, I can only draw dogs and cats for so long...

[@Iwaiz]

hell naw i love money

[@1bizjets]

No thanks.