How Artists Track Client Commissions From Brief to Delivery
Art commissions are custom orders. Each one has a client brief, references, payment terms, deadlines, revision expectations, and delivery milestones. If those details live only in DMs, the work becomes harder to manage.
Artists need a simple commission tracking system.
What every commission should track
For each commission, record:
- Client name and contact
- Commission type
- Brief and reference links
- Scope and revision terms
- Start date
- Due date
- Total price
- Advance paid
- Balance due
- Current status
- Internal notes
A customer order template can work for early-stage commission tracking.
Common commission stages
You can keep statuses simple:
- Confirmed
- Sketching
- In progress
- Revision
- Final review
- Delivered
The goal is not to create a complex project management system. The goal is to know where every commission stands.
Why clients ask for updates
Clients ask because they cannot see progress. A tracking link reduces uncertainty.
With WISMO for artists, you can create commission orders, track payments, and share a customer-facing status page. Clients do not need to download an app.
Best workflow
- Confirm scope and payment terms
- Add the commission to WISMO
- Set the due date
- Share the tracking link
- Update status between milestones
This keeps client communication professional without forcing you into heavy project management software.