Not by me, but a post by "AKA Rick" at Collector's Society about how to go about getting art commissions. The advice is so invaluable I thought I'd repost so more people can see it:
I would always say with art and artists, yes, have patience, be prepared to wait, and empower yourself if at all possible by not doing a full cash in advance payment, so an aritst has actual incentive to complete your commission, as opposed to providing a full cash in advance payment and getting the typical run-around (i.e., no responses via email, an ongoing "i'm working on it next" status, etc.) and even up front know what the expectations are in terms of a rough delivery date, whether it's to be picked-up at a show, or mailed (and if mailed, who is to to pay for insurance and proper packaging and related postage costs).
It's not uncommon to put down a deposit either, but I think that should be about 20% to motivate the piece to be done with quality craftsmanship (since you can always decline the piece and not pay the 80% balance if the artist truly fell asleep at the wheel) as well as the all-important timing of completion (as opposed these horror stories of people waiting years and years).
The relevant questions to ask are:
1) HOW MUCH (cost) is it?
2) What are the payment terms? Cash, Check or Credit Card? Remember, even if you pay by Pay Pal, there's a statute of limitations to how long you can wait to reclaim your money if fraud comes into the picture. Is there a refund policy? (Some artists are gracious enough to say, if you don't like it, you don't have to pay for it, or can get it redone, where others avoid that situation and work with the fan along the process to ensure the piece is going to be of satisfaction)
Is it Cash in Advance or Payment upon Delivery? Payment Plans or Deposits?
Always ALWAYS Always get a receipt. Then there's no question to whether you paid or not. Also, for insurance purposes, ownership statement, as well as eventual taxation purposes should you sell the piece, you have record.
3) HOW LONG? What is the timeline for completion. Get a commitment you're comfortable with. Some are willing to go to the back of a 3+ year waiting list, other fans are not. Know the situation before you enter the room.
4) Is the artist interactive in terms of providing layouts as it is a work in progress? Is the artist open for any amout of "art direction" to guide the piece to what you envision? Some like creative freedom and not being told what to do. Others enjoy sharing in the creative process and ultimately feel they're being hired and contracted to do a job, so ask "so, what exactly do you want?"
5) Details of the rendering. Is it pencil only? Is it inked? Is there marker tonals or color? Will it include any backgrounds? Is it full body? What size paper is being used?
6) Ask to see "examples" of typical work produced at the rate given. Most artists should have samples to show you what you'll get in terms of the size and details in the rendering.
He or she who holds the money, weilds the power, so don't so easily surrender those rights and that empowerment and have to then meekly say "yes sir, no sir" and accept being a doormat fan who has to essentially beg for their piece, sometimes to deaf ears and other times to repeated frustration. You are the customer. The customer is not always right, but they should always be treated fairly and with professional respect. Vice versa too with the artists, so if an artist is too busy, accept that as the answer. If you don't like the artists terms, it's your option to walk away as well, there's always another artist who may be more compatible to your needs who can appreciate your patronage.
