Your Art. Your Rules

Draft Art Commission Agreement Template

Understanding Your Art Commission Terms and Conditions

As an artist, it can feel daunting to set clear expectations with clients, especially when you are excited about a project and want everything to go smoothly. That is why I have prepared an Art Commission Terms and Conditions template you can adapt to help make your working relationships more transparent and professional.

This draft agreement follows our mantra:

“Abel onan, ni a wra sevel” — As One, We Rise.

We believe the playing field between artists and clients should be level and fair for both sides. When expectations are clear, respect is mutual, and integrity is protected, the best possible work can flourish. These terms are designed to help create that shared understanding so no one feels taken advantage of, overlooked, or pressured to deliver more than they can. At its heart, this is about building trust and honouring the creative process as something collaborative, not extractive.

This draft is designed to be clear and accessible, especially for artists who might be navigating contracts and licensing agreements for the first time. It sets out your rights, how your work can be used, and what both you and your client can expect from the commission process.

Below, I have outlined some of the key sections in plain language so you understand how it works and how you might adapt it to your own needs:

What the Agreement Covers

Submission Pathways

This section explains whether you will deliver a finished artwork straight away or start with a concept proposal. It allows you to set clear milestones, fees, and timeframes so everyone knows what to expect.

Artist Protection

This clause reinforces that your drafts, sketches, and final artworks remain your intellectual property until you agree otherwise. It also states that clients cannot use or share your work without your written consent.

Timeline and Communication

Here, you can agree on deadlines, deliverables, and when clients will be updated. It also acknowledges that timelines can be adapted if needed, which is particularly helpful for neurodiverse or disabled artists.

Accessibility and Inclusion

This is a reminder that you are open to working in ways that suit both you and your clients and that you value clear, respectful communication.

AI Clause

This clause is included to be transparent about whether any part of your artwork is created or assisted by artificial intelligence tools. It gives you, as the client, the option to request that the work be entirely handmade and free of AI-generated elements if you prefer.

Ethics and Values

If your work explores darker or challenging themes, this section clarifies that you will not create discriminatory or hateful content.

Work in Progress Sharing

Many artists prefer that unfinished work remains private until completion. This clause asks clients not to share drafts or behind-the-scenes material without your approval.

Legal Disclaimer

This part explains that the terms are intended only as a guide and do not replace professional legal advice.

Draft Agreement

Here is our draft Art Commission Agreement template, which you are welcome to copy and paste into whatever format you choose: Art Commission Terms and Conditions

Last updated: [Date]

These terms apply to all clients commissioning artwork from me. By confirming your commission or submitting a brief, you agree to these terms.

1. Submission Pathways

You may choose one of two submission pathways for this project:

(a) Finished Artwork Submissions

• I will deliver a completed, fully realised artwork by the stated deadline.

• Your submission will be considered for immediate selection, licensing, and exhibition or publication as agreed.

• If you accept and approve the finished artwork, you agree to pay the agreed fee and any applicable profit share as specified in our agreement.

• 
  

(b) Concept Proposal Submissions

• If you prefer, I can first provide a concept proposal, which may include:

  • A written description

  • Reference images

  • A rough sketch or mood board

• If you approve the concept, I will proceed to final artwork, with:

  • A development fee to begin creating the finished piece

  • Additional time to complete the work to an exhibition or publication standard

  • The same usage rights, payment, and profit share terms as finished artwork submissions

• If you do not approve the concept, no further work is required.

  
  

2. Artist Protection

• All concepts and artworks, whether finished or in draft form, remain my intellectual property unless otherwise agreed in writing.

• You may not use, reproduce, or share any unapproved or unselected proposals or drafts.

• No submitted materials may be shared publicly without my prior written consent.

3. Timeline and Communication

• All deadlines, progress updates, and delivery formats will be confirmed in writing before work begins.

• If you choose a concept proposal first, you will be notified whether it has been approved before the final artwork deadline.

• I am happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to timelines to accommodate accessibility needs.

4. Accessibility and Inclusion

I strive to create working relationships that respect different capacities, working styles, and needs. If you require adjustments or support during the project, please let me know at [Your Email Address].

5. Ethics and Values

My work may include dark, unsettling, or violent themes where these are integral to folklore, storytelling, or artistic expression. However, I will not create work that promotes discrimination, hatred, or incitement of violence against any group or individual.

6. Use of Artificial Intelligence

I confirm that I will clearly state whether any element of the commissioned work has been created or enhanced using artificial intelligence tools. If you prefer the work to be created entirely by hand and free of AI-generated content, please specify this in writing before the project begins so we can agree on the approach.

7. Work in Progress Sharing

To protect the integrity and impact of the final piece, no videos, images, or other documentation of works in progress may be shared publicly without my prior written permission. I am happy to discuss joint sharing of in-progress material if it is appropriate and both parties agree in writing.

8. Legal Disclaimer

These terms are provided for transparency and clarity. They are not a substitute for independent legal advice. You are encouraged to consult legal counsel before entering into any binding agreement.

If you have any questions about these terms, or if you would like to discuss your project further, please feel free to get in touch at [Your Email Address].

Conclusion

Creating art for clients can be a rewarding and inspiring experience, but it also requires clear agreements to protect everyone involved. This draft Art Commission Agreement is intended to help you feel more confident about setting boundaries, defining expectations, and making sure your work is respected and valued.

Remember, this document is only a guideline and does not replace professional legal advice. Every artist and client relationship is different, and your needs may require adjustments to these terms.

Before you start any commission, I strongly recommend taking the time to read the agreement carefully, discuss any questions openly with your client, and if possible, consult a solicitor to ensure you are fully protected.

Thank you for taking the time to explore this resource. I hope it helps you build collaborations that are fair, transparent, and grounded in mutual respect.