Does anyone in this group buy commissions? If so, how has your experience been? Since this group is about both Sketch Cards and Commissions, let's talk about commissions some. The commissions don't have to be sketch card related.

1) Buyers - how was your experience? How well did the artist draw what you wanted? How well did they communicate with you? Did they complete in a timely manner?

2) Artists - if you offer commissions, give us some information about what to expect from you. How long do you take to complete something? How much communication do you give the buyer? Did the buyer give you all the information you needed?

We can post this in the journal section.

An example from me, as an artist: I do a lot of sketch card commissions. The buyer usually pays for it up-front, unless they are getting a lot of cards done. If that's the case, I am willing to work out a payment schedule with them. Once I'm told what to draw, I ask any questions I may have. I then draw the pencil sketch of the card, scan it, and email it to the buyer. I let the buyer know this is the best time to make changes. Once I get the okay, I ink the card. I scan it, and email it to the buyer. Once they okay it, I colour the card. Scan it, and email it to the buyer. Once they let me know that they're happy with it, I mail the card to them. The card is mailed securely, with a hard plastic card holder and heavy cardboard inserts in the mailer. Most buyers seem happy with my work. I have only had one real problem with a buyer. After his card was done, he decided it wasn't "good enough". I redid it, and he still complained. After seeing my style, he wanted something more realistic. Now, he was planning to shrink the art down a little further, and I was working small anyway. I had informed him that while I can try for a little more realistic, but there was only so much I could do - especially at sketch card size. I reminded him of this, and he was finally okay.I've made plenty of changes for other buyers, but they usually let me know when the work is in the pencil stage. Not too long ago, I drew cards of a woman's grand-children for her. She requested a couple of changes when the cards were penciled, and I made them. She was happy with how the cards turned out.

So, the above is what I mean when talking about experiences. As an artist, I don't want to name names of my buyers, but as a buyer, I don't mind naming the artist. Anyway, both buyers and artists, talk about your experiences some.