Commissions and Clients

Commissions and Clients: How to Deal with People Who Want a Masterpiece for $5

Hi there — it’s your artist, Punny.

It seems like commissions and freelancing have become a painfully hot topic for artists these days. Ouch! It even hurts to write about it… The internet feels cold, haunted by the ghostly absence of orders.

Clients — let me ask you: if you had to choose between generating an AI illustration or paying $250 for a custom one, what would you pick?

There’s a battle brewing on social media. Creators with no formal art education are loudly claiming how hard it is to make AI art. They call themselves AI artists and grab attention with flashy, tech-magic videos that look like real spells in action.

And what’s left for us? Either no clients at all, or… our prices sink to the depths where a creepy anglerfish with a little glowing lantern lives.

Today, I want to talk about what to do when client expectations are sky-high but their budget is $10. I’m writing boldly here — so buckle up, this article isn’t for the faint of heart!

Why Do Clients Want a Masterpiece for $5?

As an artist, this hurts. I can’t pay my bills if I draw 100 frames a month for $3 each… and honestly, my hand would probably fall off first.
But hey — who cares about our problems, right?

Most comic clients or small YouTubers are young entrepreneurs working with tight budgets. Meanwhile, plenty of other artists can afford to work for those prices because they have other sources of income.

The world isn’t fair.

Recently, a studio rejected me because I asked for $1,500 instead of $600 for a job. They didn’t even continue the conversation. Their art lead claimed the reason was “low skill, we don’t need anime.”
Okay — no problem, I’ll draw non-anime stuff. If you’ve seen my game art, you’ll know it’s about staying flexible… or fighting for your place as a pro.

The Main Reasons Clients Undervalue Creative Work:

• Lack of experience. New freelancers don’t realize how long it takes to create good design, text, or code. Clients expect results based on their limited knowledge, without consulting the person they’ve hired.
  
  

• Cheap alternatives. Website templates, stock images, free tools, and AI art create the illusion that custom work should be dirt-cheap.
  
  

• Market dumping. Some beginners take on projects for almost nothing, just to fill their portfolio — lowering market expectations because they can afford to.
  
  

How Should Freelancers Respond to Tiny Budgets?

Yeah, it’s frustrating — but you’ve got to handle client objections.

Why should a client pay you $25 instead of spending $5 elsewhere? Explain why you’re worth it when they have other desires and options.

• Show the value. Break down what’s included: research, concept, uniqueness.
  Example: “A $5 logo is a template — but for $50 you’ll get a design that makes your brand stand out.”
  
  

• Offer alternatives. If their budget’s small, suggest a simplified option that still works for them.
  
  

• Set boundaries. Don’t be afraid to turn down projects that aren’t worth your time. Sometimes it’s better to pass and keep looking.
  
  

Handling Feedback Like “Can You Just Make It… Different?”

Ah yes — the classic “This isn’t what I wanted, but I don’t know what I do want” situation. Every freelancer knows it. These vague revisions can drag projects out and pile on the stress.

Why does this happen?

• Unclear briefs. The client didn’t settle on a clear vision before starting. Their thoughts are chaotic, chasing something “cool” in their head — with no clue if it’ll actually work online.
  
  

• Subjectivity. The client’s taste can shift halfway through. Their perfectionism might push them to chase an Apple-level design for a budget that won’t cover it.
  
  

• Bad communication. Without regular feedback and checkpoints, clients expect something completely different from what you’re making.
  
  

“I keep failing video calls — it’s like I’m cursed. People don’t see the superhero who can save their project (sob). And of course… no money comes in.”

One guy thought I was just offering to help draw his comic for free — and was genuinely surprised when I asked for payment. Like, starve for someone else’s dream? Who came up with that idea?

         How to Avoid Chaotic Revisions

Stick to these steps:

• Get a solid brief. Write a clear technical assignment and get it approved.
  Example: “We agreed on a minimalist logo in blue tones. Revisions within this style are included in the price.”
  
  

• Limit revisions. State how many rounds of changes are included (like two). Extra edits cost extra.
  
  

• Ask smart questions. If a client says “Make it different,” ask things like:
  “What style do you have in mind? Any examples?”
  This keeps the conversation productive. Always prepare reference images.

Tips for Building Long-Term Client Relationships

If you want your client work to be productive:

• Always stay friendly.
  
  

• Don’t pressure clients or try to ‘fix’ their ideas — it’s their personal project.
  
  

• Ask thoughtful questions and show examples of what you can do.
  
  

• A higher price increases your value — but to charge more, you’ll need popularity. (Not easy, right?)
  If you don’t have a big name yet, your politeness and attention to detail are your strongest assets.
  And remember — art is subjective.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Working with clients who want a masterpiece for $5 or give vague revision requests is tough — but it’s manageable.
Clear briefs, limited revisions, and open communication will help you build fair, balanced relationships.

Over time, you’ll learn to filter out bad-fit projects and find clients who truly value your work.

Read more articles about the art business in the “Posts” section and check out our project “Witch’s Pie.”