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What to Expect with a Commission
4 years ago
I don't see many artists giving a detailed breakdown of what to expect when commissioning them, but I suspect that might be useful information to have, especially for new commissioners! I know I always feel nervous commissioning an artist I've never worked with before, because I don't know what to expect. So, without further ado, here's a detailed breakdown of my own workflow.
1. Contact
-For commissions, you obviously have to be the first person to reach out. This doesn't have to be lengthy, but should ideally include at least a general idea of what you want made; ie, "Hi, are you open for commissions right now? I'm interested in getting a reference sheet." Of course, if I'm actively advertising that I'm open for commissions, you can jump straight into the details of what you want, or simple fill out an application. If I'm not publicly open for commissions, you can still ask! Sometimes I make exceptions!
-For auctions, I'll reach out to you when the auction closes and let you know that you won. I'll ask for your references, any special requests you might have, and your PayPal email address to send you an invoice.
2. Information
-This is where you tell me exactly what you're looking for. If you have references, send them now. This can be a visual reference sheet, a written description, previous artwork, etc. The more detail you give me, the more easily I'll be able to draw exactly what you're imagining. Pose, expression, clothes/accessories, even a description of the character's personality can be helpful. That said, I don't require a ton of detail to work. If you only have a vague outline of an idea and you want to see where I can run with it, that's totally fine too! This is also a good time to give me your budget, especially if you're having something made that isn't explicitly covered in my commission prices. I'll also give you an estimated time frame here, based on the piece and my work queue.
3. Payment
-Once I have a clear understanding of what you want, I'll give you a quote. If the price doesn't work for you, I'll do my best to meet your budget and needs if I'm able. We can also discuss payment plans, if needed. Once the payment details are worked out, I'll send you an invoice through PayPal. If you're on a payment plan, this will be a deposit so that I can start working- but you will not receive the finished piece until it is paid in full.
4. Progress Shots
-This is the fun part! Once you've paid your invoice or deposit, I'll start working on your piece. Typically, you can expect to receive your first sketch about 1 week after payment. If any changes are required, I'll revise the piece and send you another update. Once the sketch is approved, it's on to inking and coloring. I no longer send inks/flat color WIPs unless specifically asked. I find that they slow down my workflow and rarely improve the quality of the piece. After inking and coloring is done, you'll have another chance to review the piece for any corrections needed.
5. Finished!
-Once you're happy with the final piece, I'll send over the final full resolution image and a smaller version for uploading online. I no longer provide my work files. For commissioned pieces, the client has permission to crop or edit the piece- just don't remove my signature, and credit me (via link to my FurAffinity or Twitter) for the base on any altered versions you post online.
1. Contact
-For commissions, you obviously have to be the first person to reach out. This doesn't have to be lengthy, but should ideally include at least a general idea of what you want made; ie, "Hi, are you open for commissions right now? I'm interested in getting a reference sheet." Of course, if I'm actively advertising that I'm open for commissions, you can jump straight into the details of what you want, or simple fill out an application. If I'm not publicly open for commissions, you can still ask! Sometimes I make exceptions!
-For auctions, I'll reach out to you when the auction closes and let you know that you won. I'll ask for your references, any special requests you might have, and your PayPal email address to send you an invoice.
2. Information
-This is where you tell me exactly what you're looking for. If you have references, send them now. This can be a visual reference sheet, a written description, previous artwork, etc. The more detail you give me, the more easily I'll be able to draw exactly what you're imagining. Pose, expression, clothes/accessories, even a description of the character's personality can be helpful. That said, I don't require a ton of detail to work. If you only have a vague outline of an idea and you want to see where I can run with it, that's totally fine too! This is also a good time to give me your budget, especially if you're having something made that isn't explicitly covered in my commission prices. I'll also give you an estimated time frame here, based on the piece and my work queue.
3. Payment
-Once I have a clear understanding of what you want, I'll give you a quote. If the price doesn't work for you, I'll do my best to meet your budget and needs if I'm able. We can also discuss payment plans, if needed. Once the payment details are worked out, I'll send you an invoice through PayPal. If you're on a payment plan, this will be a deposit so that I can start working- but you will not receive the finished piece until it is paid in full.
4. Progress Shots
-This is the fun part! Once you've paid your invoice or deposit, I'll start working on your piece. Typically, you can expect to receive your first sketch about 1 week after payment. If any changes are required, I'll revise the piece and send you another update. Once the sketch is approved, it's on to inking and coloring. I no longer send inks/flat color WIPs unless specifically asked. I find that they slow down my workflow and rarely improve the quality of the piece. After inking and coloring is done, you'll have another chance to review the piece for any corrections needed.
5. Finished!
-Once you're happy with the final piece, I'll send over the final full resolution image and a smaller version for uploading online. I no longer provide my work files. For commissioned pieces, the client has permission to crop or edit the piece- just don't remove my signature, and credit me (via link to my FurAffinity or Twitter) for the base on any altered versions you post online.
