SketchroundWhere unpaid commissions come from
Most lost money follows the same pattern. The job starts in DMs, the price is agreed loosely, work begins before money moves, and the scope grows one “small change” at a time. When the client goes quiet, there is nothing in writing and nothing held.
Five rules worth keeping, wherever you work
- No money, no line. Take full payment, or at least a deposit, before you sketch. A client who won't pay anything up front is telling you something.
- Write the scope down. Size, use (cover, print, merch, web), file types, and the deadline. One paragraph is enough, as long as you both have it.
- Count the sketch rounds. Say how many rounds are included, usually two or three. Anything after that is new work with a new price.
- Keep it in one place. Briefs, sketches and approvals scattered across DMs, email and chat apps are easy to dispute. One thread is not.
- Set a release date. Agree what happens if the client stops replying after you deliver. Otherwise “I haven't looked yet” can last forever.
How Sketchround builds these in
- The client pays your full quote when they award you the job. We hold it, and you start when you get the “funded” email.
- Your proposal states the price, the date and the number of sketch rounds. That is the agreement.
- Brief, messages, sketches and final files all live on one project page.
- If a client doesn't respond within 14 days of your final delivery, the files are released and you are paid automatically.
- Already have clients in your DMs? Once approved, you get your own commission link. Send it, and they brief and pay you through us with the same protection.
What it costs
12% of your price, taken from your payout. The client pays exactly what you quote. There are no listing fees and no paid boosts.
Who we accept
We review every portfolio by hand. Hand-made work only: no traced, stolen or AI-generated art. Send your portfolio link and three to six pieces you'd want to be hired for.