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Art Commission Form Template

Most commission disputes are about one of four things: scope ('I thought you'd include a background'), revisions ('this is the fifth round and I still don't love it'), payment ('when do I send the deposit again?'), and usage rights ('can I print this on shirts to sell?'). This template captures all four upfront, in writing, before the first sketch happens. Pick the commission tier (sketch, lineart, flat color, full render, character + background), set the deposit (typical range 30-50% of the total), define the included revision rounds (commonly 2-3, with $X per extra round), and name the usage rights (personal use, social media, commercial print, NFT). The client fills the brief in their words, uploads reference images, and signs the agreement; you collect the deposit through Stripe or PayPal on the same form. Customize tiers and pricing in the drag-and-drop builder, attach file uploads for reference images, and use conditional logic to show the right fields for the chosen tier (a sketch commission doesn't need a usage-rights section; a commercial commission absolutely does).

Art Forms

About this template

An art commission form is the intake document that turns a 'hey can you draw my OC?' DM into a workable project. It captures the brief (what the client wants), the constraints (deadline, budget, references), the commercial terms (tier, price, deposit, revisions, usage), and the agreement (signed acknowledgment of the terms by both parties).

The Formester template ships with editable commission tiers (sketch, lineart, flat color, full render, character + background), deposit and payment fields, a revision policy section, usage-rights options (personal vs commercial), reference image uploads, the brief itself, and an e-signature field for both artist and client. Customize the pricing and terms in the form builder, embed the form on your Carrd or website, and the commission queue builds itself.

The Art Commission Template by Formester is a ready-to-use form designed for artists to manage commission requests easily and professionally. It helps you collect essential details like the client’s name, preferred style, project description, deadlines, and budget. Whether you’re a freelance artist or running a design studio, this template simplifies the process of accepting commissions. You can find this and other Free Form Templates to meet your specific needs.

This template is fully customizable, making it ideal for any art style or medium. Using the Drag-and-Drop Form Builder, you can tailor the form to add fields for file uploads or detailed instructions. The Electronic Signature feature allows clients to sign agreements directly, making the process smooth and legally sound.

Artists can use this template for digital art, graphic design, handmade crafts, or any creative commission project. Adding Conditional Logic ensures that the form adjusts based on client preferences, showing only relevant sections and keeping it user-friendly.

Using this template saves you time, improves communication with clients, and ensures all project details are captured upfront. With Autoresponder Emails, clients get instant confirmation after submitting the form, creating a professional impression. The File Upload Forms feature lets clients share references or ideas directly through the form.

You can embed this template on your website or share it via a direct link. Visit Formester’s Form Builder to start customizing your Art Commission Template and manage your creative projects with ease!

Art commission use cases

Seven creator scenarios this commission template handles. From portrait commissions to commercial illustration.

Character art

OC portraits, fan art, character design. Reference uploads + style notes + tier selection.

Illustration work

Book covers, editorial, magazine spreads, album art. Often commercial scope; capture usage rights.

Pet portraits

Custom pet art commissions. Reference photo upload + sizing + medium (digital, traditional, framed print).

Logo + brand work

Small-business logo design + brand mark. Commercial license required; higher tier.

Gift commissions

Surprise commissions for a friend or partner. Captures the gift recipient + delivery timing.

NSFW commissions

Conditional NSFW path with separate pricing, terms, and platform-share restrictions.

Recurring commissions

Webcomic, manga, or series work. Multi-page commission with milestone payments.

What this commission form captures

Every field that turns a 'hey can you draw my OC?' DM into a workable, paid project.

  • Commission tier Dropdown

    Sketch / Lineart / Flat color / Full render / Character + background. Price and revisions update automatically.

  • Client contact Short text + Email

    Name, preferred pronoun, email. Twitter/Discord handle optional but useful for ongoing comms.

  • Project brief Long text

    What the client wants in their own words. Character, pose, mood, style, references. Long enough that the artist has actionable direction.

  • Reference images File upload (multiple)

    Up to 10 reference images. Drag-and-drop accepted. JPEG, PNG, PDF, GIF supported.

  • Deadline Date

    Client's desired delivery date. Triggers rush-fee field if shorter than the artist's standard turnaround.

  • Deposit amount Auto-calculated

    30-50% of the tier price. Collected via Stripe or PayPal on form submission.

  • Revision rounds Number (default 2-3)

    Included revisions with the tier. Additional rounds priced separately.

  • Usage rights Radio + Conditional

    Personal use (default) / Commercial use (triggers license upcharge) / Both.

  • NSFW path Conditional

    If selected, triggers NSFW-specific pricing, terms, and platform-share restrictions.

  • Delivery format Multi-select

    High-res PNG / JPG / PSD source file / Physical print. PSD and prints priced separately.

  • Artist + client signatures Signature x 2

    Both parties acknowledge the commission terms. Audit trail for the agreement.

Art commission form FAQ

Common questions from independent illustrators, character artists, and freelance creators.

How much should I charge as a deposit?
30-50% of the total is the standard range. 30% for shorter commissions, 50% for full-render character + background work. Some artists structure as 50/50, others as 30/40/30 across milestones.
How many revision rounds should I include?
Two to three rounds is standard. Define what counts as a revision explicitly on the form: small color tweaks usually free, redraws of poses count as a round.
Can I decline a commission after the client submits the form?
Yes. The form is an intake, not a binding contract until you accept. Most artists confirm acceptance within 24-48 hours. If you decline, refund any deposit immediately.
How do I handle NSFW commissions?
Add a conditional NSFW field with definitions for explicit, suggestive, etc. It triggers your NSFW pricing tier and terms. Some artists keep a separate form for NSFW intake.
What about copyright on commissioned work?
Default in most jurisdictions: the artist retains copyright unless explicitly assigned in writing. The client gets a license for the specified use. Commercial use requires a separate commercial license at a premium.
Can the form collect the deposit through Stripe or PayPal directly?
Yes. Formester payment forms integrate with Stripe and PayPal. The deposit triggers on form submission, payment confirms instantly, and the commission goes into your queue.
How do I handle rush requests?
Add a rush-fee field that triggers when the client selects a delivery date under your standard turnaround. Common rush fee is 25-50% of the base tier price for delivery in half the standard time.
What's the typical turnaround time for an art commission?
Sketches: 1-2 weeks. Lineart: 2-3 weeks. Flat color: 3-4 weeks. Full render: 4-6 weeks. Character + background: 6-8 weeks. Surface your queue length on the form so clients have realistic expectations.
Can the client use the artwork commercially?
Personal use (display, social media share) is included by default. Commercial use (printing on products, branding, NFTs) requires a separate commercial license at a premium price.
What happens if I can't finish a commission?
Communicate immediately. Deliver what's complete + refund the unearned portion of the deposit. If you haven't started, full refund. State your withdrawal policy on the form.