CA Commission Work & Client Relations 5

Question 1

A client requests that an artist keep the commission details confidential. How should this be handled?

Accepted Answer

Include a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or confidentiality clause in the contract

Answer

Agree verbally and rely on trust

Answer

Decline confidential commissions entirely

Answer

Post a public disclaimer instead

Question 2

When a client requests a style that closely mimics another living artist's distinctive work, what ethical and legal concern arises?

Accepted Answer

Potential copyright infringement if specific protectable elements are copied, plus ethical issues regarding the source artist

Answer

None — styles cannot be copyrighted

Answer

Only an ethical concern, never a legal one

Answer

Only a legal concern if the source artist is commercially active

Question 3

What should an artist do when a client provides a very tight deadline that the artist knows is unrealistic?

Accepted Answer

Communicate the realistic timeline upfront and negotiate a rush fee if the deadline is urgent

Answer

Accept the deadline and sacrifice quality

Answer

Refuse the commission entirely

Answer

Promise the deadline and apologize later if missed

Question 4

A client leaves a negative public review after a commission is completed. What is the most professional response?

Accepted Answer

Privately reach out to resolve the issue and post a brief, professional public response if necessary

Answer

Respond publicly with a detailed rebuttal attacking the client's claims

Answer

Ignore the review entirely

Answer

Ask friends to post positive reviews to offset it

Question 5

In commission contracts, what does 'moral rights' refer to in the context of US copyright law?

Accepted Answer

The right to attribution and protection against distortion of the work, applicable to visual art under VARA

Answer

The right to earn a fair wage for commissioned work

Answer

The right to refuse any commission on ethical grounds

Answer

The right to set minimum prices for creative services

Question 6

A client wants to use their commissioned portrait for a commercial advertisement without additional payment. The original contract specified personal use only. What is the artist's correct action?

Accepted Answer

Inform the client that commercial use requires a separate license and negotiate additional fees

Answer

Allow it as a courtesy since the work is already delivered

Answer

Demand the client stop immediately and threaten legal action without discussion

Answer

Repost the ad with a copyright notice to establish ownership

Question 7

Which practice best helps an artist avoid chargebacks on digital commission payments?

Accepted Answer

Use payment platforms that support dispute resolution and maintain detailed records of all client approvals and deliverables

Answer

Accept only cash payments

Answer

Require clients to waive dispute rights before payment

Answer

Deliver the final file before receiving any payment