How to Find Your First Commission Client (Even With No Audience!)
- ayestheticsart
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
Starting an art commission business can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t have an audience yet. You might be wondering, “How do I even find my first client?” The good news? You don’t need a huge social media following or years of experience to land your first commission. You just need the right strategy and mindset. In this post, I’ll walk you through actionable steps to help you book your first commission - even if you’re starting from zero.
1. Start With Your Existing Network
Your first client is often closer than you think. Before you worry about marketing to strangers, tap into your personal network:
✅ Friends & Family – Let them know you're offering commissions. They might be interested themselves or know someone who is!
✅ Social Media Connections – Even if you don’t have a big following, post about your commission services on your personal accounts (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.).
✅ Local Community – Consider sharing your work with local groups, hobby communities, or small businesses that might need custom art.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a simple post showcasing your work, stating that you’re open for commissions, and asking people to share if they know anyone who might be interested. Word-of-mouth is powerful!
2. Create Portfolio Pieces That Show Clients What You Can Offer
Clients need to see what they’re paying for. If you don’t have commissioned work to showcase yet, create sample pieces that represent what you’d like to offer.
🎨 Ideas for Portfolio Work:
Custom portraits (people, pets, fan art)
Illustrations in different styles
Artwork that solves a problem (e.g., a book cover, a business logo, tattoo designs)
Don’t just post random pieces - think about who you want to attract and create work that appeals to them.
3. Offer a Limited-Time Introductory Discount
Since you're just starting out, one of the fastest ways to gain traction is to offer an introductory price or bonus for your first few clients. This creates urgency and makes it easier for people to say yes.
📢 Example: “I’m taking on my first 3 commission clients at a special rate! If you’re interested, DM me!”
You don’t need to undercharge, but offering a slight discount or an extra service (like free shipping, an extra sketch, etc.) can help encourage those initial sales.
4. Join Art Communities & Freelance Marketplaces
If you don’t have an audience yet, go where potential clients are already looking for artists:
⭐️ Reddit – Subreddits like r/commissions, r/hungryartists, and r/artcommissions are full of people looking for custom work.
⭐️ Facebook Groups – Search for art-related buy/sell groups, fan communities, or niche interest groups that align with your style.
⭐️ Freelance Platforms – Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Etsy allow you to list your services and attract buyers.
The key is actively engaging - respond to posts, share your work, and build relationships rather than just spamming your services.
5. Leverage Social Media (Even With a Small Following)
Even if you don’t have many followers, you can still use social media effectively by focusing on engagement:
📌 Use Hashtags & Keywords – Research hashtags and terms potential clients might search for (e.g., #customart, #digitalportrait, #petportrait).
📌 Post Client-Centric Content – Instead of just sharing art, post things like:
“Who wants a custom pet portrait? Here’s an example!”
“DM me if you want your favourite character drawn in this style!”
📌 Engage in Comments & DMs – Instead of waiting for people to find you, be proactive. Comment on relevant posts and start conversations.
6. Ask for Testimonials & Referrals
Once you land your first commission, make sure to ask for a testimonial and encourage your client to share your work.
🔄 Follow-up message example:
“Hey [Client’s Name], I loved working on your piece! If you’re happy with it, I’d really appreciate a short testimonial I can share. Also, if you know anyone who might be interested in a commission, feel free to send them my way!”
Happy clients = more clients. This is how you build momentum over time!
Being Kind to Yourself
Remember, the creative journey is rarely a straight line. Perfectionism can be a major obstacle, so try to focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small, and don’t be afraid to adjust your goals if circumstances change. Being kind to yourself is just as important as being disciplined, and it’s what will keep you going when challenges arise.
Want More Help Getting Started?
If you're serious about launching your art commission business, my upcoming eBook & Workbook, Art Commissions 101 covers everything from pricing and marketing to finding clients and growing your business. PLUS, it includes worksheets to help you put these strategies into action.
🎉 Join the waitlist now to get a FREE starter guide + 30% off the full eBook at launch!
Click here to sign up to the waitlist! Spots are limited!
Final Thoughts
Finding your first commission client might seem daunting, but remember: every artist starts somewhere. Take action, put yourself out there, and focus on providing value. Once you land that first commission, the next ones become much easier.
💬 Which of these strategies are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments!
Happy creating! 🎨✨
Ayesha x
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