How To Start Art Commissions As A Minor: Is It Impossible?

Creating a portfolio of your work through art commissions is a great way to earn extra income. You might wonder how to start with art commissions as a minor if you are just starting out. Or you are parents now and see art talent in your children. Find out what you need to know about getting started with art commissions and how to ensure you get paid.

How To Start Art Commissions As A Minor?

It’s hard to start art commissions as a minor if you don’t know specifically what to do. This part will help you. First, you should concentrate on creating many art products in your own style. If you are different, more clients will come to see you.

Then, make your own social account on any social platform you like. Maybe Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and upload your projects. An account with>200 followers is perfect, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry.

Next, join an art create community. You can learn many things from others, get new friends and job opportunities. The last, create a Paypal account for transactions. 

How Old Do You Have To Be To Do Art Commissions?

Can A 13 Year Old Do Art Commissions?

13-year-olds are not allowed to do business with anyone following the law. Without your parents’ approval and the ability to get paid, it is illegal for you to enter into any business contract. As a result, I hope you follow your parents’ wishes and set up an account in their names and yours. The fact that you make money does not imply that you have mastered your craft. Using your trade tools helps. Gaining experience comes from anything you do.

Can Minors Do Art Commissions?

The same as what I mentioned above. Minors can do art and show their creativity. But if it becomes a business and earns money, you should ensure that it’s legal. And parents play a huge role in controlling and helping.

Do You Have To Pay Taxes On Art Commissions?

how to start art commissions as a minor
Be honest with yourself is a good advice (from Youtube: Nidiaxel).

Yes. Income is taxable unless specifically excluded by the Code.  Form 1040 requires you to report art sales as Other Income on line 21 of page 1. To report your art sales for 2013, you must recap your sales records. For the remainder of this year, you should keep track of all sales made (date and amount).

Does Selling Art Count As Income?

Yes. As I mentioned, form 1040 requires you to report art sales as Other Income on line 21 of page 1. Hobby expenses can be deducted as a miscellaneous deduction on Schedule A (to the extent of hobby income). You still need to report art sales as other income if you take the standard deduction and do not itemize. 

Are Digital Art Commissions Taxable?

To answer this question, you should know more about tax for digital products. According to TaxJar, each state has its own law about digital products (including digital art commissions).

For example, California does not tax digital products. Software, data, digital books (eBooks), mobile apps, and digital images are generally not taxable (though the sale may be taxable if you provide some sort of physical copy or storage medium.) (Source: California BOE Publication 109 – “Non Taxable Sales”). But in Colorado, digital art commissions are taxable.

How To Get Paid For Commissions As A Minor?

Can Minors Use Kofi?

We are afraid not. According to Kofi’s term of service, you must be at least 18 years of age to register as a ‘Supporter’ or use the Ko-fi platform in any way.

The Creator page, goal, post, message, or any other content on Ko-fi is not guaranteed to be legitimate, accurate, truthful, or lawful. A Supporter should always determine if they wish to support a Creator and should only do so after seeking appropriate financial, legal, tax, or other professional advice.    

Can I Use Paypal For Art Commissions?

Yes. Most people like to use Paypal because Ko-fi does not provide payment services. Supporters make direct payments to Creators through third-party payment providers (such as PayPal, Inc., and Stripe, Inc.). PayPal also is the most popular payment service in the world. Using Paypal can help you connect to many foreign clients. Paypal now is on top of the must-try for art commissions.

How Do Artist Commissions Work?

taking art commissions process
Suggest process of art commisions. (from Youtube: Nidiaxel).

This is where artists start. And here are the process. An artist may ask you to send several clear images of your cat if you want a portrait of him. You will also need to decide how often you will receive visual updates (drafts, progress photos, etc.). Also, you must decide what form you would like to receive them in (high-resolution images are great for two-dimensional works, but videos better show the piece from every angle).

FAQs

How Much Is A Typical Art Commission?

For portrait paintings, the price typically ranges from $0.50/square inch to $4.00/square inch. Portraits of people, pets, and objects, such as houses and vehicles, fall under this category. Similarly priced paintings include landscapes, still-lifes, and impressionistic abstracts.

Are Art Commissions Self-employed?

Generally, visual artists are considered “self-employed” when it comes to filing their taxes. As an artist, your “business” and your tax status are one and the same. Unlike corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and other legal entities, there is no legal separation. If your Federal tax liability for the year exceeds $1,000, you will have to file a Form 1040-ES as a self-employed artist.

How Do Child Artists Make Money? 

I assume it depends, among other things, on the child’s age and whether the parents have an agreement with the person who hires the child. Depending on the child’s age, it may go to a trust, to the parents, or to the child himself if he’s old enough to handle it properly.

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