Ideal terms for a commission: Thoughts?

[risingstar]

Let's throw the question out there. As many of you are clients of original art, what terms would you hope for when asking an artist for a commission?

If possible, also consider the possibility of having to later deal with an artist who presented you with artwork you were unhappy with as well.

All around thoughts and ideas.
No artists names need to be given.

[Scottsdale Saint]

2 trains of thought.

1ST
if artist is cool with payment after piece (i.e. artist is confident enough in their skill to sell piece if client bails), you put request in, you get it, when you get it. client needs to realize that commissions come last for many artists, so unclench, relax, and you will get an awesome piece of art at some point...most of the time.

2ND
if artist wants payment first, there should be a contract stating when piece will be finished, artist should allow themselves a buffer for their own schedule, and if at least prelims are not done by a certain date, client retains the right to request a return of said funds. this will never happen, but it would be nice to have in my ideal art collecting world.

[GerryT]

option 2 is a winner for me

[Mr.Fantastic]

I think the artist should take the commission without payment up front. I remeber there was a artist that would do that and only ask for money once the person oked the final piece.

[ratchet]

Option 2 makes the most sense. But I can't see it ever happening

[punisher129]

For me it would go like this:
1)Client & artist discuss concept, price & time frame
2) Half the total fee upfront
3) Artist sends the client a scan of prelim
4) Client suggests changes or oks prelim
5)A scan of the final piece is sent to client
6)If clients is happy, final payment is made. If not happy changes are made.
7)Client gets artwork, artist gets money

End of story


---PUNISHER KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE---

[Scottsdale Saint]

good luck with getting any artwork before artist gets his money. that I would like to see.

[snappahead]

Originally Posted by punisher129

For me it would go like this:
1)Client & artist discuss concept, price & time frame
2) Half the total fee upfront
3) Artist sends the client a scan of prelim
4) Client suggests changes or oks prelim
5)A scan of the final piece is sent to client
6)If clients is happy, final payment is made. If not happy changes are made.
7)Client gets artwork, artist gets money

End of story


---PUNISHER KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE---

This is the way I conduct a commission. It's worked pretty well so far.

[JadeGiant]

Originally Posted by snappahead

This is the way I conduct a commission. It's worked pretty well so far.

I can vouch for that

[GerryT]

Originally Posted by Mr.Fantastic

I think the artist should take the commission without payment up front. I remeber there was a artist that would do that and only ask for money once the person oked the final piece.

John Byrne only takes money when work is completed and your happy with it.
Paul Smith doesnt take money till work is done and your happy with it