Custom Art Commission and Craft Project Quotation

What a good one includes

• A detailed description of the creative concept, including medium, dimensions, colors, and specific design requests to ensure both parties share the same visual expectations.
• An itemized breakdown of costs, clearly separating physical materials, specialized equipment, studio fees, and your professional labor rate.
• A realistic project schedule that outlines key phases like initial sketches, production time, drying or curing periods, and the final delivery date.
• A specific clause detailing how many rounds of feedback or minor design revisions are included in the price, along with the hourly rate for any additional changes.
• Clear payment terms, specifying the required non-refundable deposit to start work, milestone payments for larger projects, and accepted payment methods.
• Information on how the final piece will be packaged, shipped, or installed, including who covers the cost of shipping insurance and tracking.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating the time required for prep work, clean-up, and client communication, which effectively lowers your hourly earnings.
• Failing to secure a non-refundable upfront deposit before purchasing materials or beginning any design drafts.
• Leaving the revision policy open-ended, allowing clients to request endless changes that delay the project and eat into your profits.
• Omitting an expiration date on the quote, which can force you to honor outdated pricing months later when material costs have risen.

Frequently asked questions