One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn as an artist and small business owner is this:
you can’t do everything — not all the time, and not without consequences.
Commission work is a core part of what we do. Clients come to us because they want their ideas brought to life, and there’s something incredibly rewarding about creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Commissions matter. They always will.
But during the busy season — especially around the holidays — commissions can quietly take over everything else.
When Commissions Take the Wheel
This year, I didn’t have the time I wanted to dedicate to product development. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I was already backed up with commissions and preparing for upcoming markets. Once a commission is on the books, it needs to take priority.
The challenge becomes clear quickly:
if I don’t make product, I don’t have anything to sell at markets.
Markets are a major part of our business. They allow us to connect with new customers, serve returning ones, and create strong first impressions. Showing up understocked — or rushing pieces just to fill tables — isn’t an option.
Product Sells — But Commissions Are What Clients Love
I know from experience that if I make product, it will sell.
At the same time, many clients prefer commissions. They want their own concepts, stories, and ideas brought to life, and that personalized experience is a big reason they seek us out.
During the holiday season, commissions typically make up about one-third of our business, while the majority of sales come from ready-to-sell work at markets. That means inventory has to be planned and prioritized — even when commission requests are coming in steadily.
At some point, a decision has to be made.
Making the Hard Call
Sometimes that decision means:
- Declining commission requests
- Asking clients if they’re open to a later timeline
- Referring clients to another artist
These conversations are rarely easy. Turning down work can feel counterintuitive, especially when you’re building or maintaining a small business. But taking on too much often leads to rushed work and compromised quality.
Referring a client to another artist may feel uncomfortable, but it can also build strong, lasting relationships within your creative community. Those connections often come full circle.
Quality Comes First — Always
Returning customers know what quality to expect from you.
New customers are forming their first impression.
Overcommitting puts both at risk. One rushed or subpar piece can damage trust and undo years of relationship-building. No single commission or sale is worth sacrificing the standard you’ve set for your work.
Building Trust Comes First
Every decision ultimately comes back to trust. Customers trust you to deliver consistent quality, honest timelines, and clear communication. Protecting that trust means knowing your limits, managing expectations, and not saying yes at the expense of your work.
Sometimes that means deferring a commission, sometimes referring a client elsewhere, and sometimes saying no altogether. Those choices aren’t failures — they’re part of building a sustainable business.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
Every artist finds this balance differently. If you’ve had to juggle commissions, inventory, deadlines, or tough decisions about when to say no, you’re not alone.
I’d love to hear your experience. Share what’s worked for you, what hasn’t, and what you’ve learned along the way in the comments.
