How to Commission an Artist on DrawMarket: A Complete Guide from Order to Delivery
Commissioning artwork on an international platform for the first time? Unsure how to select the right artist? Worried about complicated cross-border payments, language barriers, or miscommunications?
Don't worry! From exploring platform features and locking in your ideal artist to sending smooth DMs and submitting requests, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire commissioning process so you can get your dream artwork easily and efficiently!
1. How to Find an Artist and Commission Artwork
1. Browse Listings to Find Artist
Open the DrawMarket website, you can switch the display language and the currency prices in the upper-right corner of the site. The price set by the artist and the settlement payment currency are in US dollars.
Click the Explore tab in the top navigation bar to view listings across different categories
- Sort and filter: Sort listings using the available sorting rules, or filter by artist region, price, and delivery time to narrow down your search quickly.
- Search by style or artist: If you already have something specific in mind, search directly using keywords for style, category, or artist name.
- Save and follow: When you find a listing you like, click the icon in the top right corner to save it. You can also visit the artist's profile and click Follow to stay updated on their new work.
2. Review Listing Details and Submit a Request
Before placing an order, be sure to carefully read the three key sections on the listing page: Price, Services, and Description.
Once you've confirmed the details, submit a commission request based on your actual needs. It's recommended to include a link to your Character link (OC reference sheet) or reference images so the artist can better understand your request. After sending your request, please wait patiently for the artist to review it and respond with a quote. If you have questions about the listing, you can also send the artist a direct message. Clarifying details upfront saves time compared to making changes later.
Note: please don't submit empty or vague requests, as this slows down the artist's ability to provide a quote and often leads to repeated back and forth communication.
3. Confirm the Quote and Complete Payment
After reviewing your request, the artist will send you a quote. You'll receive a notification, and you can view the details in My Orders.
Payment deadline: You must complete payment within 2 hours of receiving the quote. Before payment is made, the artist may still choose to revise the quote. If the deadline is exceeded, the order will be automatically cancelled and you'll need to place a new order.
Payment methods: Bank Card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Alipay, Alipay HK, KaKaoPay and Wallet Balance are all supported. If a payment fails, you can coordinate with the artist to cancel the order and place a new one using a different payment method. If the issue persists, please contact Customer Support and our team will help identify the cause.
4. Wait for the Artist to Create the Artwork
Once payment is complete, the order enters an In Progress status while the artist works on your piece.
If the artist uses milestone based delivery (for example, Sketch, Line Art, Coloring, Refinement, then Final Artwork), you'll need to confirm each milestone before the order can move to the next stage.
Reviewing each milestone promptly and providing clear, specific feedback helps ensure the final artwork stays aligned with your expectations.
5. Review the Delivered Artwork and Confirm Receipt
Once the artist delivers the final artwork, be sure to review it carefully. Files downloaded before delivery is confirmed will automatically include a watermark. Once you confirm delivery, the order is marked as completed and the watermark free files become available for download.
⚠️ Important: once delivery is confirmed, the order becomes non refundable. If you have any concerns or disputes about the artwork, please communicate with the artist before confirming delivery, or contact Customer Support for mediation.
2. How to Purchase Shop Products
If you'd like to purchase artwork the artist has already completed, the process is even simpler:
1. Browse shop listings: Filter by the "Pre-made" category on the Discover page to view finished, ready to buy artwork.
2. Click Buy: After confirming the item details and price, place your order directly. There's no quote step required.
3. Download and use the artwork file.
Note: Shop products are non refundable once purchased. Please confirm the item details match your needs before checking out.
3. FAQ
1. Can't find a listing you like, or can't find a specific artist?
If you're unable to find the type of artwork or artist you're looking for, feel free to contact Customer Support and our team will help you search further or log your feedback.
2. What should I do if my payment fails?
First, message the artist to coordinate cancelling the order and placing a new one with a different payment method. If the payment still fails, please contact Customer Support to submit a report and we'll help investigate the cause.
3. How do I request a refund?
For commission orders, if a transaction dispute requires a refund, the order can only be terminated once you and the artist reach an agreement. For details, see the Refund Policy.
For pre-made items, purchases are final and non refundable, so please confirm the item details before ordering.
4. What if the price needs to increase during a commission? How do I request a price adjustment?
If the scope of your request changes (for example, adding details, extra characters, resizing, and so on) and requires a price adjustment, first discuss the reason and amount with the artist through direct message. Once both parties agree, the buyer can submit an additional payment request on the order details page. Once the additional payment is completed, the order will proceed as normal. If an agreement can't be reached, please contact Customer Support for assistance.