Commissions
How do they work? What types of work do I take? How do you order one? What’s the process? Let’s talk.
Real art by a real person.
I exist in meat space. I’m a real boy. And I really want to work on your character.
Digital Artwork by Arcandio. Print versions available by special request.
Will Do
2d Artwork
Character Portrait
Landscape Paintings
Maps
3d Artwork
Miniature design & sculpting
STL Mods
3d resin printing
Bust designs
Mini/bust painting
Digital delivery (JPG/PNG) is the default. I can get pieces printed for you, but it will take extra time and money.
Won’t Do
Extreme gore/vore. Mild violence is ok.
Hardcore or illegal NSFW. Mild NSFW is ok though.
I reserve the right to refund you and cancel a commission I’m not comfortable with.
how it works
Process
Purchase of a commission product / hourly deposit
Discussion of product, character, style, references, requirements
Sketch phase, checked with you
Rough phase, checked with you
Rendering phase, checked with you
Lighting and effects phase, checked with you
Your final sign off
Work completed
Final payment calculated and billed, if the commission is hourly
Full-resolution files sent to you. PNG if transparent, JPG if opaque
Hourly Commission Notes
For hourly commissions, you’ll pay for a deposit on the website, then at the end, I’ll tally up the hours and send you an invoice for the remainder. I know that hourly commissions can be nerve wracking, so I’ll keep you in the loop with how much time the piece is taking. If you want me to wrap it up at any point, let me know and I’ll try to finish anything outstanding so we don’t go over budget.
The Backlog
When it rains, it pours. I often have periods where there will be a number of commissions in my backlog. Commissions are always first-come first-serve, but you can purchase the Urgent Commission product in the store to give me a deadline and make sure it’s prioritized.
Delivery Times
I can’t usually guarantee your commission will be done by a specific deadline. Sometimes I’m less busy and I can get it done in a few days. Sometimes I am very busy and it may take a couple weeks, especially if there are a number of other commissions in the backlog. I’ll let you know what the situation is when we get started.
I’m always more busy around the holidays, so if you want a commission as a Christmas present, make sure you order in October or November to ensure I have time to get it done.
Bonus Points
There are some things you can do to make it easier on me as an artist. If you do these things, I will literally brag about you as a client to other people.
Reference images are king. Nothing describes what something or someone looks like quite like a picture. Even if you have to elaborate to make changes to it. If you have past commissions of the same character, send them along. If you can cast them as an actor, send a photo. If it’s based on something from pop culture, send a pic; I know a lot, but I don’t know everything.
Bullet points are good. Long, rambling paragraphs are hard to parse for important points when I’m drawing and painting.
Clear, specific descriptions are best.
Try to focus on the most important facts first and foremost. If something’s not as important to getting the piece done, mention it and tell me so. I always have to make cuts in order to get things done on schedule.
Verbs are good. What does the character do? What are they doing now? Active poses are always more interesting than “standing there looking confident.”
Complex stuff is hard to draw.
Be aware that you can’t see the lower layers of multi-layered clothing.
Really small stuff may not show up well. If you want a ring on a head-to-toe character, you may not even see it.
Artists often have to cut things to keep the design cohesive and to get done in time.
Body Type is a big help, especially if you want something specific and have some reference images.
Ask questions if you’re unclear on anything. You can use the contact form to get in touch before we even start if you want.
Changes are always easier earlier in the process. It’s much easier to change the pose in the sketch phase than in the rendering phase. At worst, I may not have time to make major changes at the end of the process, as other commissions may be waiting for their turn.
The Fine Print
The license is Joint Ownership, meaning I can sell prints or posters and show the image in my portfolio, but you can also use the image wherever you want, print it, use it for a book cover, or whatever commercial purpose you want.
I reserve the right to refund you and cancel any commission I’m not comfortable with.
I’m not a telepath. If you can’t or don’t explain something, I can’t draw it.
Communication is key. This is a two-way street. If you don’t reply I’ll either shelve your commission, or refund you. If I somehow lose your commission order or get to you too late, I’ll refund you.
I try to sign all my pieces now, but if you need it unsigned, just tell me so.