Custom Painting Commission Agreement & Policies

Last Updated: February 16, 2025

Thank you for your interest in commissioning a custom painting! This document outlines the policies, procedures, and terms for commissioned artwork to ensure a smooth and transparent process for both the artist and the client. By placing a commission, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.

These policies cover everything from payment terms and commission availability to the revision process and shipping details. Please review the following carefully before submitting a commission request. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out before proceeding.

Table of Contents

  1. Commission Availability & Booking

    1. Commission Cycles

    2. Waitlist & First-Come, First-Served Policy

  2. Payment Terms and Shipping

    1. Deposit Requirements

    2. Final Payment  

    3. Payment Methods

    4. Shipping &Handling

  3. Expedited Commissions

    1. Eligibility & Timeframe

    2. Expedited Fee Structure

    3. Availability and Process

  4. Complex Commissions

    1. Definition of Complexity

    2. Pricing Adjustments

  5. Refund Policy

    1. Artist-Initiated Refunds

    2. Client-Initiated Cancellations

  6. Aligning on the Vision

    1. Inquiry & Initial Consultation

    2. Sketch Approval 

    3. Painting Progress Updates

    4. Final Preview 

  7. Revisions & Changes

    1. Revision Process at Different Stages

    2. Fees for Late-Stage Adjustments

  8. Bundling Discounts & Pricing

    1. Discount Tiers for Multiple Commissions

    2. Eligibility & Payment Terms

  9. Ownership & Rights

    1. Ownership of the Original Painting

    2. Digital Copy Provided

    3. Artist’s Rights and Reproduction

    4. Credit & Sharing

By proceeding with a commission, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these policies. These guidelines are designed to provide clarity and ensure that both the artist and the client have a positive and successful experience.

If you’re ready to commission a painting, I’m excited to work with you to bring your vision to life!

1. Commission Availability & Booking

1a. Commission Cycles

I will be accepting commissions during specific windows throughout the year. These windows will last one week and occur on:

  • May 16, 2025

  • September 1, 2025

During these periods, I will accept 10-15 commission requests on a first-come, first-served basis.

1b. Waitlist & First-Come, First-Served Policy

  • Clients can learn how to join the waitlist before commission windows open by signing up for my email list.

    • If you are on the waitlist for a commission period and I am unable to accommodate your request during that period, your request will move to the next available commission cycle.

  • No commissions will be accepted outside of these windows.

  • Prices will be provided once a commission has been accepted. Amount will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to size and complexity of the piece and does not include shipping. Shipping charges are determined separately.

  • Commissions will be completed in the order in which they are received.

2. Payment Terms and Shipping

2a. Deposit Requirements

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time your commission is accepted. This deposit secures your spot and allows me to begin the creative process.

2b. Final Payment 

  • The remaining 50% is due upon completion of the painting, prior to shipment or delivery and will include all shipping expenses.

2c. Payment Methods 

  • Payments can be made securely via Venmo or Zelle.

  • Payment plans are available in some cases and are to be mutually agreed upon. 

2d. Shipping & Handling

  • Shipping Fees: Shipping and handling costs (if applicable) will be added to the final payment. Expedited shipping is available upon request at an additional cost.

  • Shipping Options: I typically use the USPS for shipping; however, I will use UPS or FedEx upon request. Each carrier provides a base level of insurance in their fee structure. Depending on the value of your commission, you may wish to include additional insurance on your artwork. 

  • Damaged Paintings: I take great care in packaging and shipping your commissioned painting to ensure it arrives safely. However, in rare cases, artwork may be damaged during transit. Below is my policy for handling such situations:  

  1. Inspect Upon Arrival

    1. Please inspect your painting as soon as it arrives.  

    2. If you notice any visible damage to the packaging upon delivery, take photos before opening the package.  

  2. Reporting Damage 

    1. If the painting itself is damaged, contact me within 48 hours of delivery.  

    2. Provide clear photos of the damage, including both the painting and the packaging.  

    3. Email or message me with the images and a brief description of the issue.  

  3. Resolution Options

    1. Depending on the extent of the damage, I offer the following solutions:  

      1. Minor Damage (e.g., small bends): I may be able to guide you on simple fixes or offer minor touch-ups if feasible.  

      2. Significant Damage (e.g., torn canvas, severe bends, spills on the painting): If the damage is beyond minor repair, I will work with you to determine the best course of action. Options include:  

        1. Repainting a new version of the original commission at a discounted rate.

        2. Ordering a high-quality print replacement at no cost

        3. Filing a claim with the shipping carrier for reimbursement.  

  4. Exceptions 

    1. If you report damage after the 48-hour window, I will do my best, but I may not be able to offer a replacement/repair option.  

    2. This policy does not cover damage that occurs after delivery, such as accidents, improper handling, or exposure to elements. 

3. Expedited Commissions

3a. Eligibility & Timeframe

A commission qualifies as expedited if:

  • It needs to be completed and shipped within 3 weeks from the time the commission is confirmed.

  • Qualification of expedited commissions is up to the artist’s discretion. 

3b. Expedited Fee Structure

  • A 25% expedited fee will be added to the total commission price.

  • Expedited shipping costs will be calculated separately.

3c. Availability & Process

  • Expedited commissions are subject to artist's availability.

  • If I can accommodate your request, I will confirm pricing and a firm deadline before proceeding.

  • If, due to unforeseen circumstances, I cannot fulfill the order before the previously agreed upon expedited deadline, I will:

    • Communicate this in as soon as possible.

    • Refund the 25% expedited fee.

4. Complex Commissions

4a. Definition of Complexity

A complex commission is up to my discretion and can be considered as such if the painting includes any of the following:

  • It includes multiple detailed people (e.g., facial expressions, clothing details, movement).

  • It includes multiple animals in pet portraits, requiring extra precision in fur textures, expressions, and positioning.

  • It involves extensive customization outside of the original reference photo (e.g., adding multiple different elements to the painting).

4b. Pricing Adjustments

  • Complex commissions will incur an additional 10% fee.

5. Refund Policy

5a. Artist-Initiated Refunds

  • If I am unable to complete your painting due to unforeseen circumstances, your deposit will be refunded in full.

5b. Client-Initiated Cancellations

  • If work has not started, your deposit will be refunded, minus a processing fee (2%-5%).

  • If work has begun, the deposit is non-refundable as it covers materials, time, and preparation.

6. Aligning on the Vision

6a. Inquiry and Initial Consultation 

  • I’ll discuss your vision, review reference photos, and confirm pricing and timelines.

6b. Sketch Approval

  • You’ll receive a rough sketch or mock-up to review before painting begins.

6c. Painting Progress Updates 

  • I’ll share progress updates periodically as I am working on your piece.

6d. Final Preview 

  • Before sealing and shipping, I’ll electronically send a final image of your commission.

7. Revisions & Changes

7a. Revision Process at Different Stages

  • Before Painting Begins – All adjustments should be made during the sketch phase.

  • During the Painting Process – Minor tweaks can be accommodated, but significant changes may incur an additional fee.

  • After Completion – Small touch-ups can be made, but major changes may require an additional charge or may not be possible.

7b. Fees for Late-Stage Adjustments

  • Any adjustments to the price of the commission due to late-stage change requests will be discussed with the client prior to implementation.

8. Bundling Discounts & Pricing

8a. Discount Tiers for Multiple Commissions

  • 2 Paintings: 10% off the total price

  • 3+ Paintings: 15% off the total price

  • 5+ Paintings: Custom pricing available (reach out to discuss)

8b. Eligibility & Payment Terms

  • All paintings must be commissioned at the same time within the same commission cycle.

  • Paintings can vary in size and subject (e.g., home portraits, pet portraits, engagement pieces).

  • Additional fees for expedited and complex paintings apply for each painting that fits the criteria.

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at booking.

  • Standard turnaround times apply unless expedited.

  • If additional changes are requested after the initial vision is confirmed, revision fees may apply.

9. Ownership & Rights Policy

When you commission a painting from me, you are investing in a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted piece of art. Below is an outline of the ownership and rights associated with your commissioned painting:

9a. Ownership of the Original Painting

  • Upon full payment, you (the client) own the physical painting and may display, gift, or resell it as you wish.

  • The painting is for personal use only and may not be used for commercial purposes (e.g., reproduced for sale, used in branding, or promotional materials) without prior written agreement.

9b. Digital Copy Provided

  • Each client will receive a high-resolution digital copy of their painting for personal use.

  • This digital copy may be used for personal printing, sharing on social media, or creating keepsakes, but may not be sold, altered, or used for commercial purposes.

9c. Artist’s Rights & Reproduction

  • As the artist, I retain the copyright to the artwork, including the right to create and sell prints of the digital file.

  • I may use images of the painting for my portfolio, website, social media, promotional materials, and future print sales.

  • If you would like to request exclusivity (i.e., ensuring I do not sell prints of your painting), this must be discussed and agreed upon before the commission is accepted and may be subject to additional fees.

9d. Credit & Sharing

  • If you share your painting online (which I encourage!), please tag or credit me as the artist.

  • I love seeing my work in its new home, and I always appreciate when clients share how their painting has brought meaning to their space! I encourage you to share these stories with me personally or on social media.