Guide
How to commission an artwork: a practical guide.
Published 2026-11-09 by Artigo
Commissioning an artist is simpler than it looks once you know what to decide up front. This guide covers how to choose an artist, what to put in a brief, how pricing and timelines work, and what you are allowed to do with the finished piece — with notes on how each step works on Artigo.
1. Decide what the artwork is for
Start with the purpose. A portrait for your home, a wedding gift, a book cover and a packaging illustration are all commissions, but they differ in size, format, deadline and — most importantly — how the artwork may be used. Personal display and commercial use are licensed differently, so knowing the purpose early avoids surprises later.
2. Choose an artist whose existing work fits
Look for an artist whose existing portfolio already resembles what you want, rather than hoping someone will work in a style they rarely use. Pay attention to medium (digital, watercolour, acrylic, printmaking), subject matter and consistency across pieces.
On Artigo you can browse the roster by style or medium and open each artist's profile to see their selected work before you get in touch.
3. Write a clear brief
- Subject — what or who the artwork shows, and the mood you are after.
- Format — physical or digital, approximate size or aspect ratio, and orientation.
- Medium and style — with two or three reference images if you have them.
- Use — where the artwork will appear and whether it is personal or commercial.
- Timing — the date you need it by, and any fixed events it is for.
- Budget — a range helps the artist suggest what is realistic.
4. Understand how pricing works
Commission prices depend on size, medium, the amount of detail, the deadline and the rights you need. A digital illustration for personal use and a large painting for a hotel lobby are priced very differently, and commercial use generally costs more than personal use.
On Artigo, you start with a 30-minute Idea Exploration Call (₹300, credited towards your commission advance if you proceed). You then receive a proposal with the price, timeline and milestones before any work begins.
5. Agree timelines, milestones and revisions
Most commissions move through stages: an initial sketch or concept, approval, then the finished work. Agree in advance how many rounds of revisions are included and at which stage changes can still be made — major changes after the final stage usually mean extra time and cost.
On Artigo, your proposal sets out the timeline and milestones, and you review iterative previews as the work develops.
6. Know who owns the artwork
Owning the physical piece or the file is not the same as owning the copyright. Always get the usage terms in writing: what you may do with the artwork, where, and for how long. If you need full ownership — for example for a logo — ask for a written copyright assignment.
On Artigo, the artist keeps the copyright unless a separate written agreement transfers it, and you receive the right to use the work for the purpose agreed in your brief. Wider commercial use needs a licensing agreement. Artigo's terms also prohibit using commissioned artwork to train AI models.
7. Pay securely and keep everything on record
Avoid paying the full amount up front to someone you have not worked with, and keep your agreement, invoices and approvals in one place. On Artigo, payments are made through Razorpay's secure checkout, and the contract, milestones and delivery are managed through the platform.
Commissioning checklist
- I know what the artwork is for and whether the use is personal or commercial.
- I have shortlisted artists whose existing work matches what I want.
- My brief covers subject, format, medium, use, deadline and budget.
- I have a written proposal with price, timeline and milestones.
- I know how many revisions are included.
- The usage rights are written down.