🖼️ 1. Create (or update) a dedicated Commissions Page

Make it feel like a mini experience — warm, inviting, and easy to navigate.

Include:

  • Headline: Make it friendly and festive, e.g.

    “Gift a one-of-a-kind illustration this Christmas 🎁”
    or
    “Custom Illustrations — Personal, Colourful, and Made with Heart”

  • Intro paragraph:

    “Looking for something unique to gift (or treat yourself with)? I create custom illustrations that capture special people, places, or moments — bold, joyful, and full of personality.”

  • What you can commission:
    e.g.

    • Portraits of couples, families, or pets

    • Custom home or venue illustrations

    • Celebration or travel scenes

  • Visual examples:
    Show 4–6 past commissions in a clean grid — bright, consistent, and varied in subject.

💸 2. Clarify Process & Pricing

People hesitate when it feels vague — transparency builds trust and helps conversions.

  • How it works:

    1. Submit your request (simple form or email link)

    2. We discuss your idea + quote

    3. You approve, pay deposit

    4. I illustrate and send your custom piece!

  • Pricing options:
    You could frame them by type or complexity:

    • Simple portrait (1 person/object): from AU$XXX

    • Couple/family scene: from AU$XXX

    • Custom scene / business art: from AU$XXX

    (Or if you prefer to quote per project, at least give a “starting from” price.)

  • Add a note like:

    “Limited spots available before Christmas — book early to secure yours!”

🧾 3. Add a Simple Commission Inquiry Form

Make it super easy to enquire — ideally a short form or “Start your commission” button.

Example fields:

  • Name

  • Email

  • What you’d like illustrated (short description)

  • Deadline (if any)

  • Reference photos (optional upload)

👉 If you use Squarespace or Wix, you can connect this form directly to your email or use a third-party form (like Typeform or Google Form) for smoother file uploads.

🎁 4. Add a Gift Option

  • Offer digital gift vouchers (for a set dollar amount or “Custom illustration gift card”).

  • Create a short section or product page for it with a visual:

    “Give them a custom illustration — even if you can’t pick the photo yet!”

🌟 5. Add Calls-to-Action Across Your Site

Make sure your commissions page isn’t buried!

  • Add a “Commissions” button to your main menu.

  • Add a banner or announcement bar on your homepage:

    “Now taking Christmas commissions 🎄 — limited spots available!”

  • Link to it in your Shop section or footer.

  • Use a few strong CTA buttons:

    “Book your spot” / “Let’s create something special” / “Start your commission”

🗣️ 6. Add a few Client Testimonials (if you have them)

Just 1–3 short ones about the experience or emotional impact work wonders.

“Marie captured us perfectly — it’s now our favourite piece in the house!”
“Best gift I’ve ever given. It made my partner cry (in a good way).”

📧 7. Check your contact & follow-up flow

Once someone enquires:

  • Make sure they get an automatic confirmation email (“Thanks for your request!”).

  • Have a pre-drafted reply template ready to send quotes quickly.

  • Optionally, set up a simple contract/invoice template to streamline the process.

✨ Bonus ideas

  • Add a FAQ section (“Can I get it printed?” / “Do you ship internationally?” / “What’s your turnaround?”).

  • Add a countdown or note like:

    “Christmas commissions close December 5th 🎅”