Illustration Commission Checklist: 14 Things to Confirm Before You Start
Before you accept an illustration commission, walk through this checklist with your client: scope, usage rights, revisions, fees and payment, cancellation and who owns what. Settling these up front prevents most revision loops and disputes. Page 1 is free to read here; page 2 and the downloadable images are for members.
Page 1 · Scope and usage
1. Client Basics
- Client name / company
- Contact details
- Project name
- Where it will be used (platform or title)
- Main point of contact for approvals
2. Scope of Work
- Type of commission (character design / character art / book cover / environment / promotional art / game art / merchandise / other)
- Characters, objects and background to include
- Number of characters
- Full background needed?
- Extra versions needed? (with/without text, other sizes, expressions, outfits, transparent background, storyboard sketches)
- Character sheets, written brief or references provided?
3. Style & Visual Direction
- Desired art style or overall feel
- Preferred colors, mood and lighting
- Reference works that are acceptable
- Elements or styles to avoid
- Brand guidelines, existing character designs or set color palettes?
- References are for direction only, not to be copied
4. Usage Rights
- Intended use (personal / social media / website / book or e-book / advertising / game / video or animation / merchandise / crowdfunding / other)
- Territory
- Usage period
- Commercial use?
- Printed or physical products?
- Paid ads or large-scale campaigns?
- Exclusive use required?
- Copyright transfer or full buyout required?
- Will the client sublicense to third parties?
5. Edits & Derivative Use
- Will the client add text, crop or resize the art themselves?
- May the client rework the finished artwork?
- Could it be animated, given effects or turned into other versions?
- Could another designer continue working on it?
- May the art be used for AI training, generation or datasets?
- May the work be released as NFTs, virtual goods or digital assets?
6. Size & Delivery Format
- Final dimensions
- Aspect ratio
- Resolution
- Color mode (RGB / CMYK / other)
- File format (JPG / PNG / PSD / TIFF / other)
- Transparent background needed?
- Original working file needed?
- Layered file needed?
- How files will be delivered
7. Workflow & Approvals
- Stages included: thumbnail sketch / line art / color comp / first render / final
- Number of feedback rounds per stage
- How many days the client has to reply
- If the client replies late, does the deadline move?
- Does anyone else (manager, editor, end client) need to sign off?
- What counts as final approval (email / chat log / signed document / project tool / other)
Page 2 · Revisions, fees, schedule and rights
8. Revisions
9. Fees & Payment
10. Schedule & Delivery
11. Cancellation
12. Credit & Portfolio Use
13. Materials & Rights
14. Final Check Before Starting
Fees and payment, cancellation, credit and rights are where commissions usually go wrong. Join a membership to see the full page and download both pages as images to share with your client.
See membership plansImportant
This checklist helps artists and clients organize requirements, agree on terms and keep a record of communication. It is not a contract and cannot replace proper legal documents.
For commercial licensing, copyright transfer or buyout, character IP development, large or long-term projects, high-risk work, international or multi-party collaborations, confidential content, animation, games or full-scale projects, sign a formal contract.
For planning and communication only — not a legal contract
FAQ
Can this checklist replace a contract?
No. It helps you organize requirements, agree on terms and keep a record, but it is not a contract. For commercial licensing, copyright transfer or buyouts, and large or long-term projects, sign a formal contract.
When should I use it?
Before you take a deposit or start sketching. Go through it in your first conversation with the client so revisions, usage and fees are settled early.
What format is the download?
Two PNG images, one per page, in the language you are browsing (English or Chinese). Print them, tick boxes on a tablet, or share them with your client. Downloads are for members.