When you buy art, you purchase a finished piece that already exists. When you commission art, you collaborate with an artist to create a bespoke piece from scratch. The artwork is tailored to your specific subject, size, and vision. Otterkin simplifies this process by providing a secure platform to manage the collaboration from start to finish.
Commissioning a work on Otterkin is designed as a seamless collaboration. It begins with finding an artist whose work you admire. Once on their artist profile, share your requirements (subject, medium and dimensions) and vision by answering the required questions set by the artist. Once the artist accepts, you place a 50% deposit to secure the commission. Throughout the creation process, you collaborate in your private Atelier, reviewing updates and sketches. Upon completion and final approval, the remaining balance is paid, and logistics are arranged for delivery.
The cost varies significantly depending on the artist's career stage, the medium (e.g., oil vs. charcoal), and the size of the canvas. On Otterkin, commissions typically range from £3,000 to £20,000+. You can search our marketplace by price bracket to find an artist who fits your budget.
Painting is a labour of love. While timelines vary, most commissions take between 4 to 12 weeks to complete, allowing for drying time and varnishing. Your artist will provide a specific timeline estimate before you pay your deposit.
Yes. Many of our artists work from reference photographs, which is ideal for posthumous portraits, landscapes of cherished places, or surprise gifts. You can upload reference images through the initial Commission Request, and/or within your private Atelier once the commission begins.
Otterkin acts as the formal framework for your agreement. By using our platform, both Patron and Artist are protected by our Terms of Service, robust identity checks via Arcarta, and secure payment handling via Stripe, eliminating the need for you to draft a private legal contract.
The best commissions come from a balance of clear direction and creative trust. We recommend focusing your brief on atmosphere, emotion, and key elements rather than dictating every brushstroke. You can upload reference images or mood boards in the Atelier to establish a visual language. Within the Atelier, the Correspondence tab allows you to communicate with the artist through private messages and video calls, ensuring you are heard while respecting the artist's unique voice.
Your financial security is our priority. Otterkin utilises Stripe to process all transactions securely. We operate on a milestone basis: a 50% deposit is taken when the artist accepts the commission (allowing them to purchase materials and block out studio time), with the remaining 50% balance due only upon completion of the artwork. Payments are made automatically at these key stages.
For commissions valued over €10,000, we are legally required to verify the identity of the buyer in accordance with international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. This due diligence protects the artist, the integrity of the art market and ensures the legitimacy of funds.
We have partnered with Arcarta, a specialised compliance platform for the art world. If your purchase requires verification, you will receive a secure link to upload your documents. Otterkin does not store your sensitive ID documents on our servers; they are processed and secured strictly within Arcarta's banking-grade infrastructure.
We partner with Convelio for specialist fine art logistics. You can request an estimate for professional shipping (including custom crating for high-value works) directly through their website. However, the final choice of courier remains at the joint discretion of you and the artist, allowing for flexibility if you have a preferred provider, or wish to receive delivery by hand.
If you choose to ship via our partner Convelio, they offer comprehensive ad valorem insurance options that cover the full value of the commission door-to-door. We strongly recommend selecting this coverage to protect your investment during travel.
Our process is designed to eliminate surprises. You are involved at every stage via the Atelier, reviewing sketches and progress photos. You must formally approve a high-resolution image of the final piece before the final balance is paid. If the work does not align with the agreed brief, the artist will make reasonable adjustments. If a resolution cannot be reached, Otterkin's Trust & Safety team can mediate.
Because a commission is a bespoke work created specifically for you, returns are typically not accepted once the artwork has been approved and delivered, unless the work arrives damaged. We urge you to carefully review the digital proofs in the Atelier before authorising the final shipment.
The nature of the commissioning process provides a built-in installment structure. You pay 50% to start the project and the remaining 50% only upon completion, often weeks or months later. This spreads the financial commitment over the duration of the creation process.
As a UK-based platform, Otterkin is required to charge VAT (Value Added Tax) at the standard rate of 20% on our service fees. This is handled differently for Patrons and Artists:
For Patrons: The 3.5% Patron Levy is a service fee. VAT is added to this specific fee at checkout. (For example, if the levy is £35, the VAT added would be £7).
For Artists: The 17.5% Artist Service Fee is also subject to VAT. This VAT is calculated on the fee amount and is automatically deducted from your final payout alongside the commission.
Note on Import Duties: Please be aware that this covers the tax on Otterkin's services. If you are shipping an artwork internationally (e.g., from the UK to the USA), customs duties and import taxes on the artwork itself may apply upon arrival. These are calculated by the customs authority of the destination country and are typically the responsibility of the Patron (importer).
The Atelier structure ensures clarity. You agree to a detailed brief and price before work begins. If a client requests major changes that deviate significantly from the original brief, you can pause the project to renegotiate the fee. Otterkin acts as a neutral party to ensure you are fairly compensated for additional work. If a resolution cannot be reached, Otterkin's Trust & Safety team can mediate.
We recommend using our partner Convelio, who can handle professional crating and collection directly from your studio. However, logistics are ultimately agreed upon at the joint discretion of you and the patron. If you have a trusted local shipper you prefer to use, you are free to do so.
Payments are processed securely via Stripe Connect.
When a payment is made (such as the 50% deposit), Otterkin automatically deducts the 17.5% Artist Service Fee (plus VAT on that fee) from the gross amount. The remaining net funds are transferred directly to your connected Stripe account.
You receive the initial payout to cover materials and start work, and the final balance (minus fees) is released once the patron approves the final image in the Atelier. You must connect your Stripe account in your settings to receive payouts.