A short, plain-language agreement prevents different memories of the same conversation.

A practical framework

  1. 01

    Artwork specification

    Record subject, medium, surface, exact dimensions and orientation.

  2. 02

    Money

    State total price, currency, taxes, deposit, payment dates and refund terms.

  3. 03

    Process

    Define reference responsibilities, checkpoints, included revisions and final approval.

  4. 04

    Timing and delivery

    Set a realistic completion window and identify who handles framing, shipping and insurance.

  5. 05

    Rights

    Clarify ownership of the physical artwork, copyright, promotional use and any confidentiality.

Questions to ask before paying a deposit

  • What event changes the timeline?
  • Can the artist decline unsuitable reference material?
  • What counts as a revision?
  • Who bears transit risk?
  • May either party share progress images?