How to Write An Intentional Art Brief for Commissions ?

An Art Brief for Commissions

After working on numerous commissions, I’ve noticed that many clients find it challenging to articulate their ideas or provide clear briefs for artists. And that’s completely normal—transforming a vision into words isn’t always easy! That’s why I’ve put together this guide, covering everything from the character to the atmosphere and colors. Whether you’re a client commissioning art or an artist guiding your client, this article will help you create a brief that inspires collaboration.

 

How to Write an Art Brief for Commissions

Commissioning artwork is a special collaboration. Clients bring their ideas and trust, while artists pour in their time, creativity, and care. It’s a process built on communication and understanding, and a good brief is the foundation for making something amazing together.

The last thing anyone wants is for a project to fall flat because of unclear expectations or miscommunication. That’s why starting with a solid, thoughtful brief can make all the difference—it keeps things clear and helps ensure everyone is happy with the final piece.

Whether you’re commissioning art or helping a client express their vision, this guide will help you create a brief that’s clear, creative, and inspiring.

 

Why a Brief Matters

Think of a brief as a roadmap. It helps the client articulate their ideas and gives the artist room to bring their creative magic to life. The more details and clarity in the brief, the easier it becomes to align the vision with the final result.

For artists, a well-prepared brief is also a tool to guide clients who might not know exactly what they want. Sometimes people need help putting their ideas into words—and that’s where collaboration and thoughtful questions can make all the difference. Using a form to book and guide the client through their commission might be a good way to start the collaboration.

 

The Technical Details

Before diving into the content of the artwork, there are key technical details the artist needs to know. These will help with scheduling and pricing the commission effectively:

• • Size and Use: The size is often tied to how the artwork will be used. For example, standard sizes like A4 are ideal for printing, while others may be better suited for digital platforms. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the artist for guidance.

• • Orientation (Portrait or Landscape): This decision depends on the content and purpose of the piece. For example, a landscape orientation works well for cinematic scenes, while portrait orientation might be better for phone wallpapers or character-focused artwork.

• • Deadline: Artists often juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Providing a clear deadline helps them allocate their time and attention effectively to ensure your commission is completed on schedule.

• • File Requirements: Some clients may need additional file variations beyond the main illustration. For instance, writers often request characters with transparent backgrounds for use in social media posts. Let the artist know upfront if you’ll need specific file types or formats so they can plan accordingly.

The 5 Questions Every Brief Should Answer

Whether you’re a client writing the brief or an artist helping shape one, these five questions are key to crafting a clear vision:

• • Who? (→ character designs)

• • Where? (→ environment design)

• • When? (→ atmosphere —light and color)

• • What are they doing? (action)

• • Why are they doing it? (the most crucial answer: depth and storytelling)

When you’re commissioning a Fanart, those questions will help the artist to see your vision. For example, if it’s a book character, the way you imagine it might be different than the artist’s view.

If you want a character without background, the “What” and “Why” are even more important to help grounding them.

These questions lay the foundation for a strong concept. Let’s explore them together!

 

1. Who? (Characters Design and Depth)

This is all about the people, creatures, or objects the artwork will focus on.

• • For clients:
    • Provide as much detail as you can, think adjectives. If it’s fan art, link to wiki pages or share the description in the book.
    • For original characters (OCs), share a character sheet if you have one, or describe their appearance and personality. To help you, you will find a character sheet at the end to help you.
    • It doesn’t need to be tedious, some of the best character guides I had was 3 sentences long. —It was so specific that I didn’t need more details. For example, instead of saying “brown hair,” try “long, wavy, cinnamon-colored hair.” Don’t forget personality—someone shy will carry themselves differently than someone bold.

    Pro tip: Give them a name, even if it’s temporary. Saying “Kate” instead of “Character A” helps make them feel real to both you and the artist. It also makes discussions so much smoother. Talking about “Kate’s expression” feels far more natural than saying “the character A’s expression.” It might seem a bit silly, but I even name my project files after the characters. It adds a personal touch and helps me connect with the project, giving it its own tone and personality right from the start.

• • For artists:
    • • Ask clients thoughtful questions to uncover details they might not think to share. What makes this character unique? How do they move, stand, or express themselves?
    • • Encourage clients to provide visuals where possible, but be ready to help fill in gaps with your own creativity and research.

2-3. Where and When? (Setting and Atmosphere)

The setting shapes the genre and the world of the artwork while the time places the mood and the atmosphere.

• • For clients:
    • • Be specific about where the scene takes place. Is it a magical forest, a bustling city, or a cozy living room? What details stand out—are there ancient ruins in the background, or cherry blossoms floating in the air?
    • • If you’re not sure about the exact location, describe the vibe—is it peaceful, eerie, action-packed?
    • • Think about whether the scene happens at sunrise, golden hour, or midnight. If you’re unsure, focus on the feeling—soft and serene, vibrant and lively, or dark and dramatic?

• • For artists:
    • • Help clients refine their ideas by asking questions about the setting. What kind of lighting or weather fits the story? What small details could add depth to the scene? Offer examples or suggest options if the client feels stuck.

4. What Are They Doing? (Action and Pose)

Action is the heart of the composition. It drives the pose, the angle, and the energy of the artwork.

• • For Clients: Be as clear as possible about what’s happening in the scene. Use action verbs to bring your vision to life—even for a portrait. A character isn’t just “looking”; perhaps they’re observing something intently, watching a bird in the sky, or smiling softly as they get lost in a cherished memory.

• • For artists: Use the action to boost your creativity. Suggest poses, angles, or compositions that fit the story, and confirm with the client to make sure you’re aligned.

Before I even start sketching, I spend at least half an hour studying pose references. There are so many possibilities to convey the right feeling, and I want to ensure the pose truly captures the essence of the scene. Once I’ve narrowed down the options, I sketch very rough concept to explore different ideas.

When I’ve found the most fitting ones, I refine them —just enough to clarify my intentions. Then, I select one to three options to share with my client and ask for their feedback.

 

5. Why? (Storytelling)

The action leads everything, the pose, the angle, the composition. But the pose in action can only be chosen well if the artist understand why they’re doing it

This doesn’t need to be a complex explanation—it could be as simple as a character holding a sword and glaring at the sky because the dragon they were battling flew away before the fight was over. From that small detail, countless ideas can emerge: perhaps the dragon’s silhouette is reflected in the character’s eyes, or its shadow looms over them, adding tension to the scene.

Information fuels creativity. When the client and artist collaborate on these narrative details, the vision becomes clearer, and the artwork comes to life in meaningful ways.

• • For clients: Share the story behind the scene. Why is this moment important? What emotions or themes do you want the artwork to convey?

• • For artists: Dig into the story behind the brief. Are there symbolic elements (flowers, objects, animals) that could add richness to the piece? Suggest ways to weave these into the artwork.

The Magic of Visual References

Whether you’re a client or an artist, visuals speak louder than words. They help clarify ideas, inspire creativity, and make sure everyone’s on the same page.

• • Clients: Share any references you can—Pinterest boards, images, or even just a photo of something that “feels right.” These can show the colors, mood, or style you’re imagining.

• • Artists: Use references as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to add your own research to enhance the project. Pose references, color studies, and market research can all bring extra polish to the final piece.

I always ask for picture references, or moodboard. Many of my clients send me their Pinterest boards, and they’re an endless source of inspiration. They help me understand the vibe of their project, from colors to atmosphere.

If you’re unsure of exactly what you want, no worries! Just gather images that resonate with you—whether it’s the lighting, mood, setting, or character details. The more references you provide, the better! This could include ideas for the environment, clothing, color palettes, or even skin tones. These visuals bridge the gap between imagination and execution, making the process smoother and more creative for both of us.

 

Bringing It All Together

A commission is never just about one person—it’s a collaboration. Clients and artists work together to create something unique and meaningful. A thoughtful brief lays the foundation, but open communication and trust are what truly bring a vision to life.

Whether you’re a client shaping your ideas or an artist helping guide the process, remember: the goal is always the same—to create something beautiful that tells the client’s story.

 

My Final Tip

One of my go-to tips for clients is to have them summarize their illustration in one sentence. It’s a bit of a challenge, but it really helps clarify and capture the core of their vision. One of the best summaries I’ve received was, “A couple making out in a steamy lake in front of a volcano, at sunset.” It made me laugh, but it also gave me a clear mental picture of the scene, and it became my guide throughout the entire process.

For fellow artists, I recommend doing the same. After you’ve received the brief, try to sum up the client’s vision in one sentence and share it with them. This simple step ensures that you’re both on the same page and helps avoid any miscommunication along the way.

 

And there we go, friend! I hope this little guide makes the process of writing a commission brief feel a little less daunting and a lot more exciting. Whether you’re an artist or a client, clear communication is where the magic happens, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

If you ever have questions, need a hand, or just want to chat about your next creative adventure, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here to help.

Sending you all the cozy vibes and creativity in the world. Can’t wait to see what you create! ✦

Take care and stay inspired! 

Emeline