Getting your first commission is something you’ll never forget. In this episode of Thriving Women Artists, Sarah, Ping, and Dorien will talk about their first commissions, what they learned from it, and what they would do differently now. Listen in to find out what the trio would recommend you add to your first commission check-list.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Your first work might not pay very much but a little exposure can be good. It’s bad to undersell yourself but for the first few commissions most artists will make that sacrifice.
• It can be good to meet a client face to face and get a feel for what they are looking for. The more you know someone the easier you will find it to get on the same page.
• Make sure you agree what your work will be used for and have your terms of use agreed. Make it clear that the art you make for a client can only be used for that stated purpose. If those terms aren’t adhered to, then don’t be afraid to bring it up with the client.
• One-size-fits-all isn’t the best approach to commissioned art. That goes both for your work and how you work with the client.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It was nice to be chosen to do this work’

‘I was a little angry about it and should have said something’

‘If someone pays a lot then I always feel like I have to give it all’

‘It’s up to me to say yes or no’

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://makeartthatsells.com/

https://theaoi.com/

https://lillarogers.com/

https://www.bno.nl/

https://www.behance.net/search

ABOUT THE PODCAST

A serious and fun podcast for female creatives hosted by Ping, Dorien and Sarah, three happy artists from Amsterdam.  This podcast will inspire you to make a living out of your art. We welcome you to be part of this community of like-minded people.

www.thrivingwomenartists.com

www.instagram.com/twapodcast

 ABOUT THE HOSTS

Ping He

Ping is a watercolor artist. Her work is inspired by nature and her motherhood experience. She develops her greeting cards brand and teachers Botanical Illustration courses online and offline.

www.pinghe.art

info@pinghe.art

www.instagram.com/pinghe.art

Sarah van Dongen

Sarah is a children’s book illustrator and visual artist. She takes her sketchbooks and art supplies everywhere, which results in illustrations based on observation and daily life.

www.sarahvandongen.com

sarahvandongenillustration@gmail.com

www.instagram.com/sarahvandongenillustrations

Dorien Bellaar:

Dorien is an illustration artist. Her work is mainly focused on illustration for children, editorial/food illustration, hand lettering, and she likes to combine those into both traditional and digital art.

www.dorienbellaar.nl

hello@dorienbellaar.nl

www.instagram.com/dorienbellaar