We asked our key commissioners for one top tip each to make sure that you leave an impression on the people that matter most...

It’s no great secret that applying for briefs can be a painful process. It’s easy to get pumped up for that great project, only to fall flat by making some basic mistakes which will automatically rule you out of contention. Creative Commission is here to help you score success and we're right behind you every step of the way.

So we asked our commissioners from major labels and management companies for their top tips to make sure that you avoid the common pitfalls and leave a lasting impression on the people that matter most...

Don’t take the easy option

We know it’s tempting to send out the same application to hundreds of different prospects with a few tweaks here and there, but trust us, commissioners know when you haven’t thoroughly understood the brief.

Firing off applications and taking shortcuts might appear to speed things up, but hard work and diligent research is the key to success. Read the brief inside out, understand the requirements and you’ll be well equipped to explain why and how you will deliver amazing results.

Best foot forward

You might have an incredible body of work in your portfolio which is sure to impress the commissioner on a project, but if they can’t find it quickly and easily it will never see the light of day. A simple URL to your website or blog could make or break your chances of winning the commission.

Remember, your application is your opportunity to show off your creative skills, investing some time in devising some clever visuals and references to your tone, style and colour will leave a lasting impression.

Respect the budget

Nobody likes going over budget, so always take into consideration the size of the job before committing to a commission. If you’re expecting £10,000 on a £5000 brief, it’s probably a good time to look elsewhere.

Likewise, if you oversell your capacity to deliver the project, then it could come back on you further down the line. Know what you can legitimately deliver, and make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Know your artist

It’s easy to fall into the trap of getting sidetracked by a single piece of work by an artist and not appreciating the full picture.

Taking the time to get to know the artist in-depth by digging into their wider body of work - finding out who they have worked with in the past, what their tastes and preferences are - will ultimately pay dividends in the long run.

Simple details make a big difference; referring to a female artist as ‘he’ in your application, or comparing them to someone that doesn’t fit the bill is a sure-fire way to lose a commission.

You’ll quickly find that with a broader knowledge of the artist, the task of convincing the commissioner that you are the right person to lead their project becomes a whole lot easier.

Don’t delay

When you’ve found that perfect project, don’t hesitate to respond. Competition is fierce, so chances are there are plenty of others in the same boat as you desperate to win the work.

Getting in there early puts you ahead of the competition and shows the commissioner that you’re serious. Take too long, and they might lose interest.

The commissioner is your friend

You, the commissioner and the artist will eventually be a team when you start work on the project. The application is your chance to build good relationships, so take the opportunity to work collaboratively with the commissioner from the get-go.

Don’t be tempted to go around the commissioner and straight to the artist with your application, and if winning the commission means building up a dialogue, then don’t be shy!