FeaturesPricingBlogLog In / Sign Up

The Procreate Artist's Shield: Protecting Your Work with Contracts & Deposits

For a digital artist, there are few things more demoralizing than a client who ghosts you after you've sent the final, high-resolution file. You're left with a custom piece you can't resell and an unpaid invoice. Many artists, especially those starting out, are afraid to use contracts or ask for deposits because they fear it will scare clients away. In reality, these tools do the opposite: they signal your professionalism and protect you from the very clients you don't want to work with.

A Contract Isn't About Mistrust; It's About Clarity

The Mistake: You agree to a commission in a series of informal Instagram DMs. The scope is vague ("a character portrait"), the number of revisions is undefined, and the payment schedule is just "when it's done." This is a recipe for disaster.

The Fix: Use a simple, one-page agreement for every commission. It's not a complex legal document; it's a "Statement of Work" that clearly outlines the rules. It should define the **Scope** ("one full-body character with a simple background"), the **Deliverables** ("one high-res PNG file"), a **Revision Policy** ("includes two rounds of minor revisions"), and the **Payment Terms**.

The 50% Deposit: Your "Serious Client" Filter

The Mistake: You start sketching immediately after a client says "yes" in the DMs. You spend 10 hours on a detailed sketch, only to have the client disappear or change their mind. You have now worked 10 hours for free.

The Fix: Require a **50% non-refundable deposit** before you open Procreate. This is the single most effective way to filter out non-serious clients and protect yourself from scams. A client who is willing to invest a deposit is a client who is committed to the project. This payment covers your initial time, ensuring you are never left completely empty-handed if a project goes south.

The Ultimate Fix: An Invoicing System That Enforces Your Policy

Your business policies are only as strong as the system you use to enforce them. A professional invoicing tool is the key to making this workflow seamless.

Continue Your Journey: The Artpreneur's Playbook

You've now learned how to protect your art business upfront with a solid contract and a 50% deposit. This professional shield sets the stage for a smooth project, but what happens when the work is underway?

Step 1: The Foundation. Make sure you've mastered the Artist to Artpreneur Mindset.

Step 2: The Pricing. Ensure your pricing is profitable by learning why you should Ditch the Commission Sheet.

You Are Here - Step 3: The Protection. You've learned how to secure your projects before they begin.

Next Up - Step 4: The Process. Even the best contract can't prevent the dreaded "scope creep." The next skill to master is managing client revisions and billing for every tweak.

Step 5: The Polish. After the final revision, professional delivery is key. Master the Procreate to Print workflow to ensure client satisfaction.

FocusFlow helps you implement this professional workflow effortlessly. After your client approves the quote, create a new invoice. Add one line item for "Project Deposit (50%)" and send it. Once that's paid, you can begin work with confidence. It's a simple, professional system that protects your time, secures your income, and builds unbreakable trust with your clients.

Learn to Manage Your Invoices Like a Pro