Some character owners and artists can get really sensitive about this kind of thing, which is why the "surprise" part may be so rare.

Oh yeah, I totally know why it's rare. I've had some awkward gift art in the past which has really -not- been my kind of thing... :x

I asked you if I could commission fan art of Talash and you said no. :(

Would it help change your mind if I ran any ideas I had past you first?

My general rule of thumb is I don't mind artists drawing the gift art themselves (as I can't really stop them!) but I'd rather people not commission stuff from other artists of my characters themselves. I've had some awkward moments before which didn't end well, so as "a rule" I ask people not to use my characters in a commission unless they've discussed it with me first (and generally only if those people know me and my preferences really well).

OK I'll keep that in mind in the future. I'm very fond of the character Talash is all. ^_^

I can understand why you liked that gift art, because that does indeed look really good!

damn *Insta-Boner* thats awesome Plus h-0-t too

Fancy af