I was approached by an artist who asked me what commissioners are looking for in an artist and I thought it was inspiring and thought provoking so I decided to post the letter in an open journal! Everyone be sure to check out SexyPleaxy!

I think its important that artists don’t bite off more than they can chew for starters. I don’t want to be #45 on the commission line and be notified a year later that my commission is about to start.

That being said, I don’t mind long turn arounds. Quality over quantity. If a project is gonna take a few weeks to a few months, make sure to regularly update the commissioner so they don’t think you’ve ghosted them with your money. Even if its an update to say “hey, life hit me with a ton of bricks but I’ll have a wip for you in a week or contact you again before the week/month is over” is way better that having the commissioner come and spam attack to find out whats going on.

Price appropriately. I would love to paint a million dollar painting and be out, but that’s just not realistic. I think competitively pricing your art compared to other artists with similar styles is a smart way to go. Also be flashy with one offs. Discounted YCHs with your own characters is a great way for fursonas to be featured in a sexy position with others without having to pay extra character fees.

Definitely establish a terms of service and a price sheet. I personally pass on artists I have to hound to understand the math of a price of art work I’m commissioning. I’m a kinky monkey, but it is so awkward to have an idea for a commission only to be denied for x reasons. Having a terms of service (TOS) and a price sheet really help out.

Also have examples of what certain price points can get. Ive fallen victim to ordering something and it coming out all wonky and I was very unhappy.

In an ideal world, us commissioners would get tons of wips and make sure everything is just right. In reality, that isn’t always the case. Personally I want to see rough lines, clean lines, and added color before the final project.

I think the very last piece of advice I’d offer is to make sure you’re having fun and not burning yourself out. Your art is your art and it should celebrate you rather than just be a means of income. It can be, but don’t lose the fun in it.

I’d love to field comments and questions if you made it this far be ye an artist or commissioner.