Artist Payment Made Simple: What Every Creative Should Know

Getting paid shouldn’t feel like a mystery. Whether you’re a portrait painter, sculptor, or digital illustrator, the basics of artist payment are the same: set clear terms, ask for a deposit, and keep good records. In this guide we’ll walk through the steps that keep money moving straight to your bank, not into a black hole.

Set Your Fees Up Front

The first thing to nail down is how much you charge. Look at the size of the project, the time it will take, and any special materials you need. Most artists use a flat rate for commissions plus a per‑hour surcharge for extra revisions. Write the fee in a simple sentence – “£800 for a 24×30 in portrait, £50 per extra hour” – and stick it in the email or contract.

Don’t forget to add a small margin for taxes and fees. A quick rule is to increase your quoted price by 10‑15 % if you’re self‑employed. That way you won’t have a nasty surprise when the tax bill arrives.

Use a Contract and Ask for a Deposit

A short contract protects both you and the client. It should cover the scope, deadline, payment schedule, and what happens if either side cancels. You don’t need a lawyer‑level document; a 5‑paragraph PDF works fine.

Ask for a 30‑50 % deposit before you start. The deposit shows the client is serious and gives you cash to buy supplies. When the work is done, invoice the rest. Most artists find that splitting the payment into two parts cuts down on late payments.

Invoice Like a Pro

Every time you bill a client, use a consistent invoice template. Include your name, address, VAT number (if you have one), the client’s details, a description of the work, the amount due, and the payment deadline (usually 14 days). Adding a line that says “Late payments may incur a 5 % fee” often nudges people to pay on time.

Send the invoice by email and attach a PDF. If the client prefers PayPal, Stripe, or bank transfer, list the links or account details right under the amount. The easier you make it, the faster the money comes in.

Keep Track of Payments and Taxes

Use a simple spreadsheet or a free accounting app to record every invoice, payment received, and expense. Mark each entry with the date, client name, and project title. At the end of the month, total everything up – you’ll see whether you’re meeting your income goals.

When tax season rolls around, having that spreadsheet saves you hours of digging. Set aside a portion of each payment into a separate savings account so you have the tax money ready.

What to Do If a Payment Gets Delayed

First, send a polite reminder. Often a simple “Just checking on invoice #12 – let me know if you need anything” works. If the client still doesn’t pay, follow up with a second reminder that mentions the late‑fee clause.

For stubborn cases, you can send a formal notice or use a small‑claims court service. Most artists never need to go that far, but having the clause in the contract gives you legal backing.

Remember, clear communication from the start is the best defense against late payments. Keep the tone friendly but firm, and you’ll build a reputation as a professional who respects both art and business.

With these steps – set fees, use contracts, ask for deposits, invoice cleanly, and track everything – artist payment becomes just another part of the creative process. Focus on making great art, and let the money flow smoothly behind it.