How do I get commissions?

[Sprutnums]

Hi guys I've recently decided to take a chance on commissions. But how do I get commissions? I've wrote a post on a quite a few rpg forums on Facebook and discord got a few interested but nothing definite yet. My question is how did you get the sweet commission sauwse?

[Wired]

Build up a portfolio. Concentrate on a style that's comfortable for you. Present what you have in an easily accessible format like a DeviantArt gallery. Start with low prices. That's what little wisdom I have to offer. *shrugs*

[Mouse]

That's probably the straightest answer I've heard so far - thanks Wired

Do you have a blank contract template you can offer the client, or do the clients usually have one of their own? Do you even use contracts?

(Yes - the Mouse is broke, and the Mouse is THINKING of doing commissions - every little bit helps)

Sorry for the disgraceful hijack, Sprutnums!

[Wired]

That's probably the straightest answer I've heard so far - thanks Wired

Do you have a blank contract template you can offer the client, or do the clients usually have one of their own? Do you even use contracts?

I tend to use contracts for commercial commissions. It's a pretty standard template, I think. Not sure if I can attach PDFs to PMs, so if you want I can send it to you if you PM me your email, Sue.

[Voolf]

Build up a portfolio. Concentrate on a style that's comfortable for you. Present what you have in an easily accessible format like a DeviantArt gallery. Start with low prices. That's what little wisdom I have to offer. *shrugs*

+1, completaly agree.
When i started drawing maps, i was thinking "maybe i can do some commisions in the future", but i was sure that future is still far away. My first commission was unexpected and much faster than i anticipated. I was just drawing maps as usuall and uploading them here and on deviant. One day a new member here saw my latest work and asked me to draw a map for him. That's how it started for me.

So yeah, Wired pretty much said it all. I will add this:
Don't be pushy toward potentional clients. Don't advertise youself in a manner "Does anyone need a map? I can make it", "Who is looking for a cartographer?, I do commisions" on different social platforms, because this way the effect is quite opposite making people don't even want to talk to you.
Instead write a short bio with info what you do and can do for others.
Build your portfolio (like Wired said) all the time. Don't be idle and just wait for client. Make your own personal maps. Perfect one style or learn many.
instead of pushy advertising, look for clients who are offering commissions (like this forum).
If you know your maps are not top-noch quality don't ask for a high price, but never do map for free (unless its a friend request). Your time and skills are always worth a payment.

Mouse if it comes to me, clients never have any contract. I don't have one either, but i am starting to think that some agreement has to be written down for certain copyright or license. For example, if a client wants a map for a board game, and want a license to sell that map as a part of his boardgame, you can license the map for example for a one year. In this case i think a contract is needed to have the exact dates on paper. If the game is a hit and he want's to sell or reproduce more after the licensed date, he would need to extend the licence paying again. It is still rather grey area for me.

[Voolf]

I tend to use contracts for commercial commissions. It's a pretty standard template, I think. Not sure if I can attach PDFs to PMs, so if you want I can send it to you if you PM me your email, Sue.

I would like to see one too if that's no problem

[Wired]

I would like to see one too if that's no problem

Sure thing.

[Mouse]

Excellent!

Thank you - PMing now...

Sorry again, Sprutnums!

[AdventureDepot]

Be clear with the licence it seems.

Removed & Edited previous text here:
There are clients that will offer tens of dollars and after think they have all rights for the work even after they said they wont use your work for commercial use as an attempt to haggle down a price. Meaning they will insist that you need permission in even showcasing your own work and they should be credited along with it.

If someone here have a template for a contract I can send future clients I would happily receive it as a PM

[Wired]

I'll see if I can send it you as well. I'm not at my home PC at the Moment but rather at work.

One thing you - everybody, for that matter - should clarify to every client, either specifically or in your commission guidelines, is that a non-commercial commission pretty much means that you, as the artist, own the majority of the rights for that piece. A private commission means you do something for someone so that this someone can use it, in a non-commercial manner, for their own enjoyment. In such a contract, the right of display and of possible commercial use (sale as prints, re-use in a different capacity, etc.) usually remain with you, the artist.