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Art commission contract template

What every commission agreement should cover, and a free template you can copy.

By Larry Jones, founder of ArtistOS · Updated September 24, 2026

A commission contract should state: what you'll make (size, medium, subject), how many sketches and revisions are included, the total price and a deposit (commonly 50%, non-refundable, due before work starts), the timeline, delivery and shipping, what happens if either side cancels, and that you keep the copyright and reproduction rights. Both parties sign before work begins.

Commission contract checklist

  1. Parties: your name or studio and the client's name and contact details.
  2. Description of the work: subject, size, medium, materials, framing, and any reference images.
  3. Creative control and approvals: how many preliminary sketches, how many rounds of revisions, and what counts as a change that costs extra.
  4. Price and payment schedule: total price, deposit amount, when the balance is due (usually before delivery), accepted payment methods.
  5. Timeline: estimated completion date that starts when the deposit is received, and how delays on either side are handled.
  6. Delivery, shipping and installation: who pays, who insures the work in transit, and when ownership transfers.
  7. Cancellation (kill fee): what the client owes if they cancel at each stage, and what you refund if you can't complete the work.
  8. Copyright and reproduction: the client owns the physical work; you keep the copyright and the right to photograph and show it in your portfolio.
  9. Signatures and date.

Free commission contract template

A general template, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and country; have an attorney review agreements for large commissions.

ART COMMISSION AGREEMENT This agreement is made on [DATE] between [ARTIST NAME / STUDIO] ("Artist") and [CLIENT NAME] ("Client"). 1. THE WORK The Artist will create an original artwork: [SUBJECT], [MEDIUM], approximately [WIDTH × HEIGHT] inches, [FRAMED / UNFRAMED]. 2. APPROVALS The Artist will provide [2] preliminary sketches. The price includes [2] rounds of revisions at the sketch stage. Changes after the sketch is approved may be billed at [$ / hour or flat fee]. 3. PRICE AND PAYMENT Total price: $[AMOUNT]. A non-refundable deposit of $[50% OF TOTAL] is due on signing, and work begins when it is received. The balance of $[AMOUNT] is due before delivery. 4. TIMELINE Estimated completion: [DATE or NUMBER OF WEEKS] after the deposit is received. The Artist will notify the Client of any delay. 5. DELIVERY [Pickup / shipping / installation] on or about [DATE]. Shipping and insurance are paid by [CLIENT / ARTIST]. Ownership of the physical artwork transfers to the Client when payment is complete. 6. CANCELLATION If the Client cancels after the sketch is approved, the deposit is kept and [__%] of the balance is due. If the Artist cannot complete the work, the Artist refunds [all payments beyond the deposit / the full amount]. 7. COPYRIGHT The Artist retains all copyright and reproduction rights. The Client may not reproduce the artwork commercially without written permission. The Artist may photograph and exhibit images of the work. Artist signature: __________________ Date: ________ Client signature: __________________ Date: ________

ArtistOS generates commission, sales and consignment agreements with these sections filled in from your client and artwork records, with a live preview you can download or print. It also tracks the deposit and the balance as invoices.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much deposit should I take for an art commission?

A 50% deposit due before you start is the most common practice, usually stated as non-refundable once work begins, with the balance due before delivery.

Who owns the copyright to a commissioned painting?

Unless the contract says otherwise, the artist generally keeps the copyright and the client owns the physical artwork. State this plainly in the contract, including your right to photograph and show the work.

What if the client wants changes?

Specify how many sketches and revision rounds are included, and charge for changes beyond that or after the sketch is approved.

Do I need a contract for a small commission?

Yes. Even a one-page agreement that covers the work, price, deposit, timeline and cancellation prevents most disputes.

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