Douglas Olsen
Art commissions can be a great way for artists to make money doing what they love, but it can be challenging to navigate the business side of things. This is especially true when it comes to convincing students to pay for art commissions, as students often have limited budgets and may be unsure about the value of investing in art. To attract student clients, artists should consider offering flexible payment options, such as payment plans or discounts, and clearly communicating their terms and conditions to avoid misunderstandings. Building a professional relationship with students and managing their expectations is crucial, as most art purchases are impulse buys. Artists should also be mindful of their own creative license while being open to client input to ensure a positive experience for both parties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, bank transfer, crypto, Ko-fi |
| Getting paid | Get paid upfront, ideally 30-50% in advance |
| Negotiating | Ask for a "kill fee" in case the project is cancelled midway; this can be 50-100% of the project cost |
| Client management | Educate your client on your process and what you do and don't need from them |
| Artistic license | Take creative license, but don't check in too often or seem unsure of yourself |
| Marketing | Change your commissions if a product isn't working; offer special prices during seasonal periods |
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What You'll Learn
- Offer flexible payment options, such as instalments or monthly plans, to accommodate student budgets
- Highlight the benefits of investing in art, such as supporting emerging artists and owning unique pieces
- Provide student discounts or special offers to make commissions more affordable and appealing
- Utilise student networks and platforms to advertise your services and reach a wider student audience
- Build relationships with students to understand their preferences and tailor your offerings to their interests
Offer flexible payment options, such as instalments or monthly plans, to accommodate student budgets
Offering flexible payment options can be a great way to accommodate student budgets and make your art commissions more accessible. Here are some ways to do this:
Installment Plans: Consider offering your clients the option to pay in instalments. You can request a deposit upfront, typically ranging from 30% to 50% of the total price, and then establish a payment plan for the remaining amount. This can help make your commissions more affordable for students who may not have the full amount readily available.
Monthly Payment Plans: For larger commissions, you can suggest a monthly payment plan. This involves sending your client monthly progress updates and charging them accordingly. This option can provide students with a more manageable and predictable payment schedule that aligns with their monthly budget.
Negotiate Payment Milestones: For complex or time-consuming commissions, you can set payment milestones. For example, you can request an initial payment upon starting the project, followed by subsequent payments at different stages of completion. This approach ensures that you receive compensation throughout the creative process and provides students with a sense of progress and control over their budget.
Seasonal Offers: From time to time, you can introduce seasonal offers or discounts to make your commissions more appealing to students. For example, you could offer a limited-time discount for commissions during the summer or winter holidays. Just remember to return your prices to their original rates after the promotional period ends.
It is important to remember that while offering flexible payment options can attract more students, you should also ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your time and materials. Clearly communicate your payment terms and conditions, and don't be afraid to negotiate to find a balance that works for both you and your clients.
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Highlight the benefits of investing in art, such as supporting emerging artists and owning unique pieces
Investing in art has a multitude of benefits, from supporting emerging artists to owning unique pieces.
Firstly, investing in art is a great way to support emerging artists. By investing in art, you are directly contributing to the growth and development of artists who are just starting out in their careers. This support can be life-changing for artists, providing them with the financial means to continue creating and pursuing their passion. It also helps to foster creativity and innovation in the art world, as emerging artists bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the forefront. Additionally, investing in emerging artists can be a strategic financial decision, as their works often have a higher potential for growth and appreciation over time.
Secondly, investing in art allows you to own unique pieces that cannot be found anywhere else. Art is a tangible asset that offers intellectual, cultural, and emotional stimulation. Each piece of art is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the unique perspective and style of the artist. By investing in art, you are not just acquiring a financial asset but also a piece of human experience and expression that can provide you with joy and fulfilment. Owning prestigious, high-value art pieces can also enhance your reputation and social status, showcasing your refined taste and cultural sophistication to your peers.
Furthermore, investing in art provides financial benefits and diversification to your investment portfolio. Art is not directly linked to traditional financial markets, making it less susceptible to market volatility. This means that art can retain its value even when stocks and bonds are fluctuating, offering a hedge against inflation and a safe haven for your capital. Investing in art also allows you to choose your level of risk and potential reward. Emerging artists may offer higher growth potential but with greater risk, while established artists provide slower but more consistent growth.
Lastly, investing in art can be a means of supporting cultural institutions and promoting arts education. Billionaire collectors, for example, have the influence and financial capacity to support artists and cultural institutions, thereby preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that arts education remains accessible to future generations. Investing in art also contributes to the overall growth and development of the art world, creating demand for certain artists and artworks, and fostering a community that values and appreciates creative endeavours.
In conclusion, investing in art offers a range of benefits beyond financial gains. From supporting emerging artists to owning unique and culturally stimulating pieces, investing in art has the power to transform lives, enhance cultural experiences, and provide intellectual and emotional fulfilment.
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Provide student discounts or special offers to make commissions more affordable and appealing
Offering student discounts or special deals is a great way to attract students and make your art commissions more affordable and appealing to them. Students often have limited budgets, so providing discounts can make your services more accessible and enticing. Here are some ideas to consider:
Student Discount Programs
Sign up for student discount programs like Student Advantage, Student Beans, or UNiDAYS, which are popular among students and allow them to easily find and access various student discounts. These programs can help you reach a wider student audience and promote your art commissions effectively.
Percentage-Based Discounts
Offer a percentage-based discount on your art commissions exclusively for students. For example, you could provide a 10% or 15% discount when students present a valid student ID or verify their student status through platforms like ID.me or UNiDAYS. This makes your commissions more affordable and attractive to students.
Bulk Order Discounts
If you offer package deals or bulk orders for multiple art commissions, consider providing a special discount for students who purchase these packages. For instance, you could offer a set of five commissions for the price of four, or provide a discounted rate for each additional commission added to the order. This encourages students to purchase more while also benefiting from a lower price.
Seasonal or Time-Based Offers
Introduce special offers during specific times of the year, such as back-to-school seasons or graduation periods. For example, you could promote a limited-time discount for students who commission your art services during the summer before starting college. Alternatively, offer seasonal discounts during holidays like Christmas or Spring Break, when students may have more free time to consider art commissions.
Student Referral Programs
Implement a student referral program where students who refer your art commission services to their peers receive a discount or reward. For instance, offer a loyalty bonus where students get a free commission or a significant discount after their fifth referral. This encourages word-of-mouth marketing and creates a network of student clients.
By incorporating these strategies, you can make your art commissions more affordable and appealing to students, potentially increasing your client base and building long-term relationships with students who value your artistic skills.
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Utilise student networks and platforms to advertise your services and reach a wider student audience
To advertise your art commission services to students and reach a wider student audience, it is essential to utilise student networks and platforms effectively. Here are some strategies to consider:
Student Social Media Groups and Pages:
Create a dedicated Instagram page or utilise other social media platforms to showcase your artwork and reach students. Post your artwork regularly to highlight your unique style, designs, and talent. Use relevant hashtags and join student groups or communities on these platforms to connect with your target audience. Engage with students by responding to their comments and messages, and provide clear information on how they can commission your work.
Collaborate with Student Media:
Reach out to student-run media outlets, such as university newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. Offer to contribute artwork for their publications or collaborate on specific themes or issues. This will not only give you exposure within the student community but also showcase your versatility and willingness to work on diverse projects.
Student Art Exhibitions and Events:
Participate in student art exhibitions, fairs, or markets, either physically on campuses or through virtual galleries. These events provide excellent opportunities to display your artwork and engage directly with students. You can also consider organising your own art event, collaborating with other student artists to create a diverse and appealing showcase.
Student Networks and Societies:
Tap into existing student networks by joining or collaborating with relevant societies or clubs, such as art, design, or creative writing groups. Offer discounts or promotions exclusively to members of these groups, fostering a sense of exclusivity and community. Attend networking events or social gatherings organised by these societies to build personal connections and spread awareness of your art commission services.
Student Influencer Partnerships:
Identify student influencers or popular content creators within the student community who have a substantial online following. Collaborate with them to promote your art commissions. This could involve creating personalised artwork for them, which they can showcase to their followers, or partnering on collaborative projects that will expose your artwork to a wider student audience.
By strategically utilising these student networks and platforms, you can effectively advertise your art commission services to students and increase your visibility within this target market. Remember to tailor your message and style to resonate with students, and always provide clear information on how they can contact you and commission your artwork.
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Build relationships with students to understand their preferences and tailor your offerings to their interests
Building relationships with students is key to understanding their preferences and tailoring your offerings to their interests. Here are some strategies to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to create a positive and safe classroom climate. This means establishing meaningful relationships with students so that they feel a sense of belonging and are more likely to engage and perform well. Teachers should aim to create an environment where students feel "seen and known" by them and develop bonds with their peers. This can be facilitated through activities that foster community and connection.
One way to build relationships and understanding with students is to incorporate their preferences and ideas into the classroom environment and instructional activities. For example, music can be a great connector. Asking students about their favourite songs or artists and creating a classroom playlist can spark conversations and help you learn more about their interests. Additionally, activities like "Four Square," where students share personal information in categories like "family," "favourite hobbies," and "places I've lived or visited," can provide valuable insights into their passions and preferences.
Another strategy is to interact with students during supervised activities. Ask them how they are doing, inquire about their interests, and show genuine interest in their responses. This demonstrates care and helps build trust. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about each student, enabling you to tailor your offerings to their specific interests.
Furthermore, consider implementing daily dedications. This activity involves each student presenting a short dedication of their day's learning to someone they admire. It builds trust, community, and understanding while also providing insight into the students' role models and values.
By utilising these strategies, you can build strong relationships with students, gain a deeper understanding of their preferences, and ultimately tailor your art commission offerings to align with their interests.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use payment methods such as PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, bank transfer, or crypto. However, some platforms are better suited for specific transactions. For example, PayPal has a fee for international transactions and currency conversion, while Venmo does not support goods and service trades.
When setting your prices, consider the time, resources, fixed costs, and transaction fees involved in producing the artwork. You can also offer special discounts or promotions during certain times, such as holidays, and adjust your prices as you gain more experience and improve your skills.
Students may be more price-sensitive, so you can consider offering discounts or payment plans to make your services more accessible. Highlight the value and benefits of commissioning artwork, such as supporting a fellow student or having personalized art that reflects their interests or personality.
It is standard practice to request a deposit or upfront payment before beginning the commission. You can also set milestones and establish a payment plan with the client, such as requesting a percentage of the total price (typically 30% to 50%) as an advance payment and the remaining amount upon completion or at specific intervals.
Clear communication and managing expectations are crucial for maintaining good client relationships. Provide descriptions, updates, and check-ins at appropriate intervals without overwhelming the client. Educate your clients about your creative process and set boundaries to ensure they respect your artistic license and trust your expertise.
