Art Commission Price Calculator
Turn a vague “how much for a commission?” into a clear quote — base rate, complexity, subjects, revisions, commercial rights, and rush, all accounted for.
Quote the scope, not just the picture
Most commission disputes come from a fuzzy quote, not a bad one. When a client agrees to a single number without knowing what it includes, every extra character, revision, or “can you also…” becomes an argument. Breaking the price into named factors makes the scope visible: the client sees what drives the cost, and you have a clean basis for charging more when they ask for more.
Send the breakdown with your quote, confirm the number of revisions and the usage rights in writing, and take a deposit before you start. The calculator gives you the figure; the paperwork makes sure you actually get paid it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I price a commission?
Start with a base rate for one simple subject, then scale it for the things that actually change your workload: how detailed the rendering is, how many subjects or characters are involved, how many revision rounds the client wants, whether they'll use the work commercially, and how tight the deadline is. This calculator layers those factors in the order most artists apply them so the final quote maps to the real scope.
What is a complexity multiplier?
It's a simple way to price effort without a separate rate for every style. Flat colour or a quick sketch might be ×1, a detailed rendering ×1.5, and a fully rendered, background-heavy piece ×2 or more. The multiplier scales your base rate so a harder piece is priced as a harder piece, not billed at the same flat number.
Should I charge extra for commercial use?
Usually, yes. When a client will use your work to promote or sell something — packaging, a book cover, merchandise, advertising — they are buying more than a personal keepsake, and the licence has commercial value. A percentage uplift on the artwork subtotal is the common approach. Spell out exactly what rights are included, because 'commercial use' can mean anything from one print run to unlimited worldwide use.
How should I handle revisions?
Include a set number of revision rounds in your base price and charge a flat fee for each round beyond that. This protects you from endless tweaks while still feeling fair to the client. Put the included number in your agreement up front — 'two rounds included, extra rounds billed at X' — so nobody is surprised.
When is a rush fee justified?
When meeting the client's deadline means reordering your schedule, working evenings or weekends, or turning down other work. A rush fee — commonly a percentage on top of the quote — prices that disruption. If the timeline is comfortable, leave it at zero; a rush fee should reflect real pressure, not be a default surcharge.
Educational estimate only. The quote reflects the factors you enter; final pricing and terms are between you and your client.