The professional platform
for working artists
Canvas gives artists the infrastructure to run their creative practice — portfolio hosting, commission management, secure payments, and direct collector relationships. All in one platform.
Why Canvas
The infrastructure artists have been missing
Existing platforms treat artists as content creators — optimizing for engagement metrics, ad revenue, and algorithmic virality. Canvas inverts that model entirely. We provide the tools for artists to operate as independent professionals.
No Algorithmic Feed
Content is displayed chronologically. Visibility is not gated behind engagement thresholds or pay-to-promote mechanics. Your audience sees your work when you publish it.
No Advertising
Canvas is funded by a transparent 5% commission fee. There are no ads, no promoted posts, and no data monetization. Your collectors see your work — nothing else.
Direct Revenue
Artists retain 95% of every commission. Payments are processed through Stripe with built-in escrow protection. No invoicing, no chasing payments, no middlemen.
Professional Control
Set your own rates, define your availability, choose your mediums. Canvas provides the infrastructure — you define the terms of your practice.
Core Capabilities
Everything an artist needs to operate professionally
A complete suite of tools purpose-built for creative professionals — from first portfolio post to paid commission.
Portfolio Hosting
A dedicated, gallery-quality portfolio for every artist. High-resolution media support with automatic optimization across devices.
Commission Management
End-to-end commission workflow with inquiry tracking, scope definition, milestone management, and automated status updates.
Escrow Payments
Every commission is secured with Stripe-powered escrow. Funds are held until project milestones are met, protecting both artist and collector.
Revenue Analytics
Comprehensive earnings dashboard with payout tracking, commission history, revenue trends, and exportable financial reports.
Direct Messaging
Integrated messaging between artists and collectors. Discuss project details, share references, and manage relationships without leaving the platform.
Collector Network
A curated discovery experience for collectors to find artists by medium, style, and availability. Collections, saves, and follow-based feeds.
Multi-Discipline
Support for every medium
Canvas is purpose-built for the full spectrum of artistic practice. Profiles, discovery, and commission workflows are tailored to the specific needs of each discipline.
How It Works
A streamlined workflow for both sides
From portfolio to payment, Canvas provides a structured process that protects both parties and eliminates the friction of informal commission workflows.
For Artists
Create your profile
Build a gallery-quality portfolio with high-resolution media, categorized by medium and style.
Define your terms
Set commission rates, accepted mediums, turnaround expectations, and availability status.
Accept commissions
Review incoming inquiries with budget ranges and project descriptions. Accept or decline on your terms.
Deliver and get paid
Complete the project and receive payment directly. 95% of the commission goes to your connected Stripe account.
For Collectors
Discover artists
Search and filter across 20+ mediums, browse curated portfolios, and follow artists whose work resonates.
Submit a commission inquiry
Describe your vision, select your desired medium, and specify your budget range. Artists review and respond directly.
Place a secure deposit
Upon acceptance, place a deposit that is held in Stripe-powered escrow until the project is delivered.
Receive your work
Receive a one-of-a-kind commissioned piece. Funds are released to the artist upon delivery confirmation.
Pricing
Simple, transparent pricing
No subscriptions, no monthly fees, no hidden costs. Canvas charges a single flat commission only when you get paid.
You keep 95% of every commission. No subscription fees. No listing fees. No fees on tips or direct payments.
- Unlimited portfolio uploads
- Commission management tools
- Escrow payment protection
- Revenue analytics dashboard
- Direct messaging with collectors
- Stripe Connect payouts
Browse portfolios, follow artists, build collections, and commission work at no cost. Deposits go directly toward your commission.
- Full artist discovery and search
- Save and organize collections
- Commission request system
- Secure deposit escrow
- Direct messaging with artists
- Follow and notification feeds
Security & Trust
Built on infrastructure you can trust
Stripe-Powered Payments
All transactions are processed through Stripe, the same payment infrastructure used by Amazon, Google, and Shopify. PCI DSS Level 1 compliant.
Escrow Protection
Commission deposits are held in escrow until project milestones are met. Both artist and collector are protected against non-delivery and non-payment.
No Data Monetization
Canvas does not sell user data, serve targeted ads, or share information with third-party advertisers. Your data is used solely to operate the platform.
From Our Community
Trusted by artists and collectors
“I was spending more time fighting the algorithm than creating. Canvas lets me focus on the work and connect directly with people who actually want to commission pieces.”
“The escrow system changed everything for me. No more awkward payment conversations, no more ghosted invoices. The commission comes in, the deposit is secured, and I can focus on creating.”
“As a collector, I was tired of DMing artists on Instagram and hoping for a reply. Canvas gives me a proper way to browse portfolios, see pricing, and submit a commission request professionally.”
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who is Canvas for?
Canvas is built for professional and emerging artists across all mediums — oil painters, digital illustrators, tattoo artists, sculptors, photographers, and more. It is also for collectors and art enthusiasts who want a direct relationship with the artists they commission.
How does the commission system work?
Collectors submit a commission inquiry specifying their desired medium, description, and budget range. The artist can accept or decline. Upon acceptance, the collector places a deposit that is held in escrow via Stripe. Once the project is complete and delivered, funds are released to the artist.
What does the 5% platform fee cover?
The 5% fee is deducted only when an artist receives payment through a commission. It covers payment processing, escrow management, platform infrastructure, and ongoing development. There are no subscription fees, listing fees, or hidden charges.
How are payments processed?
All payments are processed through Stripe Connect. Artists connect their bank account or debit card through Stripe onboarding. Payouts are automatic and follow standard Stripe payout schedules for your region.
Is there an algorithmic feed?
No. Canvas uses a chronological feed. Content is displayed in the order it was published. There is no engagement-based ranking, no pay-to-promote, and no algorithmic suppression of content.
When will Canvas launch?
Canvas is currently in early access. Sign up for the waitlist to be notified when we open to new users. Early access members will receive priority onboarding and direct input on platform development.
Request early access
Canvas is currently onboarding artists and collectors in batches. Enter your email to join the waitlist and receive priority access.
No spam. No mailing lists. You will only be contacted with access details.