Artist invoice template

As an artist, you have a unique talent to nurture; you shouldn’t have to waste your creative energy on administrative tasks like invoicing. You deserve to be paid promptly and property for your artistic work, so why not get a little help with the office chores by using one of our easy-to-use, fully customizable artist invoice templates in Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs, and Google Sheets? Spend your time and energy on your next masterpiece instead of invoicing!

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Choose the best invoice template as an artist

Artist

By using your great talent, skill, and imagination, you create truly original works of art. This invoice template can be used to bill for all your work, no matter what type of art you produce. Just add lines to include all the details.

Illustrator

Don’t waste your energy on an invoice. Use it for creating amazing illustrations instead. You use your artistic talent to portray your unique interpretation of the world, so use this free customizable template to make sure you are adequately paid for your talent.

Musician

Download, customize, and send this invoice to clients who hire you for your musical artistry. Whether you are performing live, or your music is being recorded, this invoice will make sure you get paid properly and promptly for your great work.

Download, customize, and send this invoice to clients who hire you for your musical artistry. Whether you are performing live or recording in the studio, our musician invoice will make sure you get paid properly and promptly for your great work.

Performer

As an actor, dancer, or singer, your artistic talent knows no bounds. This free invoice template is perfect for capturing the special skill, knowledge, and talent you bring to each performance.

Agency

Advertising and marketing agencies rely on you for your amazing work to bring their campaigns alive. Whether you are a graphic artist, animator, or copywriter, rely on this invoice template to tailor your invoices for each agency client.

Take the next step

You’ve made your life easier with a great invoice template. Now find out how much more Wave can do for you and your business by trying our 100% free invoicing and accounting software.

Alternatives to using artist invoice templates

Make your art career a success by finding out more about what Wave can offer you. Save time and take even more work off your hands by trying our free automated invoicing and powerful accounting.

Why artists should send professional invoices

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but the right words on an invoice can be truly invaluable. No one else sees the world in the way you do, and can create the same piece of art.

That’s why you need a flexible template that will detail what went into creating the original work, as well as charge for the final product. It also needs to be clear and simple enough so your clients know exactly what you should be compensated for.

An orderly, well-designed invoice also instills confidence and credibility in your reputation and personal brand as an artist.

How to fill out your artist invoice

Once you've downloaded your free invoice template, you'll need to customize it to fit your specific business. Here are the 10 key things to include on your invoice:

1. Title and Description: Name the project and briefly describe what type of work your client is being invoiced for.
2. Company Details: Add your company name, address, phone number, and logo to the top-right corner.
3. Customer Details: Under "Bill To", add your customer's name, address, and contact information.
4. Invoice Number: Include a unique invoice number to help you track down this invoice in the future. You can format this based on sequence and customer. For example, if you're sending your very first customer their first invoice, the invoice number could be 001-001.
5. Dates: Include the date when your invoice has been issued and the date when payment is due.
6. Line Item: Add individual line items for each unique good or service you provided. For each line item, include a brief description, quantity, individual unit price, and total price.
7. Subtotal: Add up the subtotal of your goods or services, before tax has been applied.
8. Tax: Indicate the tax rate applied to the subtotal. This is legally required to provide on invoices, and your rate may differ depending on where you run your business.
9. Total: Outline the total amount due from the customer, after tax.
10. Notes: Include any additional info your customer should know, including terms of service and payment terms (for example, payments are due 30 days after the invoice has been issued).

What should be included on an invoice for artists?

You create amazing work as an artist, no matter what artistic area you work in – so make sure your invoice clearly details how much you deserve to be paid by following these steps.

• Look through our attractive selection of invoice templates in different designs and colors, and pick the one you like best in the format you usually use – such as Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs, or Google Sheets
• Download the invoice template. It’s fast and it’s FREE!
• Add your name, address, phone number, and email address
• Insert your beautifully designed logo, along with your website, and any original graphics that showcase your work
• Add your client’s name and their address, phone number, and email address
• Generate a unique invoice number and add it to the template
• Include the date of the invoice and the payment due date

• List the works of art, or artistic services you’ve provided, and the price for each
• Add lines to customize the invoice format to include any extra charges, such as for travel, research, or for any other special requests
• If you are giving your client a lower price – add a line explaining why so your client knows they are getting special price for your art
• Calculate the price, including applicable tax, and enter the total
• Include your payment terms, such as the methods of payment you accept
• Make sure you add a note at the end, such as a thank you. A personal touch shows you would be excited to work with them again!
• Save a copy of the invoice, and send it to your client!

Ready to send professional invoices?

When is the right time to send an invoice to your clients as an artist?

The right time to send an invoice varies with the type of art you have created. If the client has selected your artwork at a gallery or art show, full payment is usually asked for at the time of purchase.

If you are working on a commissioned piece of art that will take many days, or weeks to complete, and requires materials or supplies, you can ask for payment up front, or for a percentage of the estimated cost up front.

Whatever payment cadence you choose, make sure it’s clearly noted on each invoice, and clarify what portion of the final ‘cost’ has been paid to date.

Invoicing tips for artists

Include a little promotion

Include information on your upcoming art gallery engagements or art shows. Let your invoice do double duty as a great way to promote your career.

Follow-up on outstanding invoices

If a payment is late, follow up immediately. Be friendly and polite, and your clients should appreciate the reminder. After all, even though you are an artist, you still have bills to pay!

Keep a record with numbered invoices

As an artist you may not like working with numbers – but numbering your invoices will help you keep track of your finances. It also shows clients you have a professional, organized system in place.

Always include a ‘payment due’ date