(Taken directly from my Patreon discord channel, because I think it might be helpful for some people or ease some people's minds about if they are doing things correctly!)
"
Someone told me they didn't know how to commission someone- Well if you're not sure! Here it is!

Here is the low down:
1) You check to see if they are open, if you're not sure you can just ask! It's even nicer if you even ask for exactly what you'd like such as "Hey are you open for commissions? I would really like to get a full-body picture of my sona drinking tea." (That way they can judge if they have enough time to schedule you in!)

2) If they say yes, you just toss them any additional information they need. Refs (always spoiler and tag NSFW/nude content. (such as "/spoiled image/ The image has exposed bits and wanted to warn you" Asking if they are okay to send before you do is always good to practice!) as well as info such as heights (if more than one person, it doesn't have to be exact it can even just be "this character is taller!") body type (if the ref doesn't include it, or if the ref is unclear) and any other information you want to include.

3) It's also really helpful if you give direct bullet points such as:

-drinking tea
-wearing Hawaiian shirt like (image)
-can you include their glasses? they look like this (image)

If you can keep it quick and concise, it is easier for them to get all the info they need at a glance.
If you can tell them EVERYTHING in one go, its the best, but if you forget something its okay to mention it asap
(preferably before lining stages)

4) It might help to think of it like ordering from a restaurant:

You don't have to worry about being friends, just friendly and polite & you don't have to win an artist over or idolize them! They are just people

5) READ THE TOS FROM FRONT TO BACK, TWICE.

6) If they haven't messaged a week before the turnaround end time (Ideally on their TOS, mine is 1 month unless something comes up) I'd pop a lil message asking how it's going. OR if they sent a wip, but haven't sent another wip. Its okay to say "Hey! Just wondering about my commission "

ALSO: If their prices are too high once you find them, its totally okay to say "That's out of my price range for right now, thank you for your time "
It is TOTALLY okay to say that, over just ghosting them

Hope that help if anyone isn't sure, is nervous, or if you wanted to look for how to do it a little easier

ADDING 1 MORE THING. Please make sure refs are as accurate as possible! If you like clawed toes, add it to the ref! Body types and heights and general face shapes! Adding little notes to your ref is GREAT. It will save the artist time and frustration, either by not making them wait for answers or redrawing whole images. If you like a past piece they have done it's okay to show them that and say what parts you liked about it. "I love the way you did the face in this pic, if you could incorporate an expression like that, it would be fantastic"
"

If you have any questions or helpful tips you would like me to add, please let me know!