Commission Contract

How the process works

Commissioning a painting with me is a collaborative, relaxed, and clearly guided experience. You share your ideas, mood, and preferred colours, and I translate that into a unique artwork in my signature style. We’ll agree on size, price, and timeline up front, and you’ll see a concept sketch or mock-up before I begin the final piece. Throughout the process, I’ll keep you updated at key stages so you feel involved, excited, and confident about your custom artwork.

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Commission agreement

This Commission Agreement (“Agreement”) is between:

• Artist: [Your Name], (“Artist”)

• Client: [Client Name], (“Client”)

Together referred to as “the Parties.”

Project: Creation of a one-of-a-kind original artwork in the Artist’s style.

1. Artwork description

• Title/Working Title: [Working title]

• Medium: Acrylic on [canvas/panel/etc.]

• Style: In the Artist’s signature style, with agreed mood/atmosphere.

• Colour palette: [Describe general palette or “inspired by Artist’s existing work X”]

• Size: [Dimensions]

• Orientation: [Portrait/Landscape]

Note: Client understands the artwork will reflect the Artist’s creative interpretation, not a photographic copy.

2. Concept and approvals

1. Initial consultation:

   • Purpose: Discuss ideas, colours, mood, subject, and size.

   • Format: In person/online/email.

2. Concept proposal:

   • Artist provides one concept (sketch, digital mock-up, or written description).

   • Client may request one round of minor adjustments at this stage (e.g., general colour shift, composition tweak).

3. Final concept approval:

   • Client approves the concept in writing (email/message).

   • Once approved, major changes are no longer included and may incur additional fees.

3. Timeline

• Estimated start date: [Date]

• Estimated completion date: [Date]

• Artist will make reasonable efforts to meet the timeline and will notify Client of any significant delays.

• Timeline may shift if Client delays approvals or payments.

4. Pricing and payment terms

1. Total fee: $[Amount] CAD (before applicable taxes).

2. Deposit:

   • Non-refundable deposit of [30–50]% due upon signing this Agreement.

   • Work begins only after deposit is received.

3. Balance:

   • Remaining balance due before delivery or pickup of the artwork.

4. Additional costs (if applicable):

   • Framing, shipping, insurance, or rush fees will be quoted separately and approved by Client in advance.

5. Revisions

• Included:

  • One round of minor adjustments at the concept stage.

• Not included:

  • Major changes after painting has begun (e.g., changing subject, composition, or overall style).

• Additional revisions:

  • May be possible at Artist’s discretion and will be billed at $[rate]/hour or a flat fee agreed in writing.

6. Artistic freedom

• Client commissions the Artist for their unique style and creative judgment.

• Artist retains the right to make artistic decisions during the process to best serve the piece.

• Client understands the final artwork may differ slightly from digital images due to colour and texture variations.

7. Ownership and copyright

1. Physical artwork:

   • Upon full payment, Client owns the physical painting.

2. Copyright:

   • Artist retains all copyright and reproduction rights.

   • Artist may photograph and use images of the artwork for portfolios, social media, prints, marketing, and exhibitions.

3. Client usage:

   • Client may display the artwork in personal or professional spaces and share photos of it (crediting the Artist when possible).

   • Client may not reproduce the artwork for commercial products or prints without a separate written license.

8. Cancellation

1. Client cancellation:

   • If Client cancels after deposit is paid, the deposit is non-refundable and covers Artist’s time and planning.

   • If significant work has already been completed, Artist may retain the artwork and any additional payments made.

2. Artist cancellation:

   • If Artist must cancel for unforeseen reasons, all payments (including deposit) will be refunded, and no artwork will be delivered.

9. Delivery or pickup

• Method: [Local pickup / delivery / shipping]

• Costs:

  • Shipping, packaging, and insurance (if chosen) are paid by Client.

• Artist is not responsible for damage caused by shipping carriers, but will package the artwork carefully.

10. Acceptance of artwork

• Client will receive photos of the completed artwork before final payment.

• Once the balance is paid and the artwork is picked up or shipped, the commission is considered accepted and final.

• No further changes will be made to the original piece.

11. Governing law

• This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.

12. Signatures

By signing below, both Parties agree to the terms of this Commission Agreement.

Artist: Name: __________________________ Signature: ______________________ Date: __________________________

Client: Name: __________________________ Signature: ______________________ Date:__________________________

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