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How to Land More Commissioned Work: 6 Tips for Artists

Inês Pereira

How to Land More Commissioned Work: 6 Tips for Artists

Commissioned work can be a rewarding and profitable aspect of an artist’s career. It offers not only financial benefits but also the opportunity to expand your portfolio, develop new skills, and build lasting relationships with clients.

However, landing commissions requires a strategic approach to marketing, networking, and presenting your work.

This article provides six practical tips for artists to secure more commissioned projects and grow their art careers.

  1. Build a Strong Portfolio

    A well-curated portfolio is essential for attracting potential clients. Your portfolio should showcase your best work, highlight your versatility, and demonstrate your ability to meet client expectations.

    SHOWCASE VARIETY:
    Include examples of different styles, mediums, and subjects to appeal a wider audience. For example, if you’re a painter, display portraits, landscapes, and abstract pieces.

    HIGHLIGHT PAST COMMISSIONS:
    If you have previous commissioned work, feature these prominently to show your experience. Include a brief description of each project, client requirements, and your approach.

    QUALITY OVER QUANTITY:
    Select your best work rather than including everything you’ve ever created. Aim for a portfolio of 10 - 20 pieces.

  2. Create a Professional Online Presence

    In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial. A professional website and active social media profiles can help you reach a broader audience and attract potential clients.

    BUILD A WEBSITE:
    Create a clean, easy-to-navigate website that includes your portfolio, an About page, contact information, and a section for commission inquiries.

    OPTIMISE FOR SEO:
    Use keywords related to commissioned art (e.g. “custom portraits”, “commissioned landscapes”) to improve your search engine rankings.

    LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA:
    Regularly post your work on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Use relevant hashtags (#ArtCommission, #CustomArt, #ArtistForHire) to increase visibility.

  3. Network and Build Relationships

    Networking is key to landing commissioned work. Building relationships with fellow artists, galleries, and potential clients can lead to referrals and new opportunities.

    ATTEND ART EVENTS:
    Participate in local art fairs, gallery openings, and exhibitions. These events are great for meeting potential clients and networking with other artists.

    JOIN ONLINE COMMUNITIES:
    Engage with online art communities and forums. Websites like DeviantArt, Reddit, and Facebook Groups are a good place to start.

    COLLABORATE WITH OTHER ARTISTS:
    Partner with other artists on joint projects or exhibitions. This can expand your network and expose your work to new audiences.

  4. Offer Exceptional Customer Service

    Providing excellent customer service can set you apart from other artists and lead to repeat business and referrals.

    CLEAR COMMUNICATION:
    Respond to inquiries promptly and clearly. Set expectations regarding timelines, pricing, and the creative process.

    PROVIDE PROGRESS UPDATES:
    Keep clients informed about the progress of their commission with regular updates and photos. This not only reassures them but also keeps them engaged and excited.

    DELIVER ON TIME:
    Meet your deadlines. If delays are unavoidable, communicate them early and explain the reasons.

  5. Promote Your Commission Services

    Actively promote that you are available for commissions to attract potential clients.

    SOCIAL MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENTS:
    Regularly post about your availability for commissions. Share examples of past commissions and customer testimonials.

    EMAIL NEWSLETTERS:
    If you have an email list, send out periodic newsletters highlighting your commission services, recent projects, and any special offers.

    ONLINE MARKETPLACES:
    List your services on online marketplaces like Etsy, Fiverr, and UpWork. These platforms can help you reach clients looking for custom artwork.

  6. Offer Unique and Customisable Options

    Offering unique, customisable options can make your commission services more attractive to potential clients.

    CUSTOMISATION OPTIONS:
    Provide different sizes, mediums, and styles that clients can choose from. For example, offer both digital and traditional mediums, or a choice between realistic and abstract styles.

    LIMITED EDITIONS:
    Offer limited edition prints of commissioned work, making them more exclusive and valuable.

    SPECIAL PACKAGES:
    Create special commission packages for occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or birthdays, which can appeal to clients looking for personalised gifts.

Securing commissioned work involves a combination of showcasing your talent, maintaining a professional presence, networking, and providing exceptional customer service. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of landing more commissions and building a successful art career.

Remember, the key is to be proactive, professional, and passionate about your work. Every commission is an opportunity to not only earn income but also to create meaningful, personalised art that resonates with your clients.

By integrating these strategies into your approach, you’ll be well on your way to attracting more commissioned work and growing your art business. Good luck!