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For you artists out there who do commission work for people, have you ever been burned by doing a piece of art for someone and they never showed up to pay? If you got stuck with that piece were you able to sell it to someone anyway? I have some portraits of people that I can never sell because they are of specific people (nobody famous) and the people that ordered them never came by to pay for it. I require people to do that now. I just wanted to know what some of you had to say on the subject. Thanks and have a nice day!

2007-10-31 16:39:35 · 13 answers · asked by ndn_ronhoward 5 in Arts & Humanities Visual Arts Drawing & Illustration

13 answers

That sucks. I'd draw a picture of the person who screwed you and make flyer's saying they are wanted by the police for lewd and mischievous behavior.

2007-10-31 16:53:34 · answer #1 · answered by FiveAlarmFreddy 2 · 4 2

I ALWAYS work under a contract. This contract will specify the kind of work expected, including size and format, client approvals (sign offs, in writing. I don't take the next step until the previous sketches have been approved), expected date of delivery, number of reworks, etc.

I also will specify payment details, like deposits (if required) due dates and forms.

The contracts allow me some leverage when it comes time to dun the client for payment. I have not yet needed to take someone to court for non-payment, but, if I did, the contract makes any argument pointless.

I learned my lesson, early on with a few clients that, either "changed their mind," or simply refused to pay. One more piece of advice: Never work "on spec." This is a practice where a client "commissions" a work, and will only pay if he likes it. Too many artists put in the work, with only a "hope" that they will get paid for their time and efforts.

As for the portraits you have, you can always include the best in your portfolio.

2007-11-01 09:34:20 · answer #2 · answered by Vince M 7 · 1 0

On a commission I always get half down and have an agreement for the client and myself to sign, make a copy for both of you. Quality portraits take a lot of time and effort. Do a good job and charge for it. You could make preliminary sketches before you do the final piece to make sure you are going in a direction the client is happy with, in a case where you're charging a lot of money and doing a highly detailed piece in oils, for instance.

2007-10-31 18:36:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

I've seen many business models that requires a sum to be paid to get things started. I think artists should do that too. I think it is understood as in any fair business deal. My brother is a freelance architectural impresssionist, he always collect a deposit for an order. If the client shows up to collect it, he pays the balance, if the did not turn up you keep the deposit.

2007-10-31 17:04:51 · answer #4 · answered by an 4 · 1 0

Seems odd that they would commission work and then not show up to obtain it. At any rate, I require a flat down-payment on commissions that go along with a short contract, ensuring they don't default on payment because of the outcome.

2007-11-01 07:58:32 · answer #5 · answered by MannPower 4 · 1 0

thanks for the tip ~ I've thought about possibly doing the same some someday, so it's good to be forewarned...

Why not ask for a percentage of the payment up front to cover your materials and time (don't need to disclose this is what the payment includes) with the balance owing on delivery? It sounds fair and reasonable, and at least you won't be out of pocket.

Good luck in future... hope you get a better clientelle.

ps: why not put their portraits up in a public place where they're bound to come across them.... ?

2007-10-31 16:47:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

i havent come across that problem yet but im sure i will, ive only done a few. i would stick with it i mean if someone wanted there is a chance that someone else will like it and buy it. but yours is different, they are portraits, i mean ive seen people sell unknown portraits before after they got known and just had them in their portfolio, keep it man its your talent, sucks what happened though, but yeah i would definatly make em pay up front.

2007-10-31 16:43:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

different artists make different policies for payment. At the very least ask for a deposit of payment before you begin. Make the outline for payment very clear and in writting before you begin. I would not think, it was concrete to expect full payment until the art was finished. boh sides need to feel not taken.

2007-11-01 09:41:44 · answer #8 · answered by Cathykaiser 2 · 1 0

Yeah, I also charge half (non-refundable) up front. This is for the effort involved in making the portrait, and if the client doesn't like it, then at least they paid for my time.

2007-10-31 16:49:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

i'm not an artist, but i would expect to pay at least half of the money up front for whatever i had commissioned, then pay the rest when they get it.

2007-10-31 16:43:17 · answer #10 · answered by lime.i.am 3 · 2 0

Hi, Good answer from Doc. Kind regards, José

2016-05-26 05:58:01 · answer #11 · answered by angelena 3 · 0 0

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