How to Commission an Artist
First and foremost, every Artist is different. But it’s easier to understand the process if some of us take the time to explain how we operate. In this instance, if you were to commission me, Aurelia Vel, this is how it would go.
Scouting out your Artist
You, as a Client would look at my Portfolio to see what sort of work I do. Not because I’m the ONLY Artist you know, but because you know what my work will ultimately look like. If I don’t clearly offer something like “Chibi Style” or “Caricature” I’m clearly going to advise you look elsewhere. Not that it isn’t okay to ask. Just don’t be disappointed when I don’t advertise for a style you want…because I don’t do that. So “OOooooo” “Ahhhhhhh” look at what I normally create.
Clearly I tend to paint Characters. Not landscapes.
I have a very distinct “Realistic” style.
Mostly seems to be Fantasy oriented.
Now these are very clear cut points. Good to know when feeling me out as an Artist.
Hiring your Artist
If they are taking commissions that’s great, but you’d better check their Website first. Some of us need breaks and will close our commissions for a time. So be sure the Artist is available before trying to contact him/her.
Another note would be to also see if they have a Commission Page for additional information that you may need to know before hand. In my case, I have clear standards and rules that may seem extreme. Most people think you can just talk to an Artist, you show them what you want, and they’ll just do it. And of course lastly you pay. That isn’t always how it works. Some Artists charge up front. I definitely do. There may also be fees for things if the Artist has dealt with difficult clients in the past. So read their Terms and Conditions before anything. Make sure you’re ready to follow them 100%.
Terms & Conditions
Your do's and don't's. Generally the rights to your work. And how you'll be invoiced.
Subject & Process
What we will and will not do. Additional things to keep in mind. And how you'll be quoted in our correspondance.
Fees & Cancellations
Rules to follow. How we charge. Price changes or increases. And cancellation dictations.
Commission Request Form
First & Last Name
Message
Contacting the Artist
In my case, I use a typical form that sends me an email with your message. So let’s talk about how to approach an Artist in a professional manner. In the example below I am both the Client and the Artist.
Example:
First Name: Aurelia Last Name: Vel Email: aurelia_vel@hotmail.com
Message:
Hello Aurelia Vel (Artist),
My name is Aurelia Vel (Client), and I’m contacting you because I would like to Commission you for some Character Art.
I play World of Warcraft, and I would very much like to have some Fan-art of “High Exarch Yrel”.
Your style looks amazing and I’d love to hire you!
Example Reply:
Message:
Hello Aurelia Vel (Client),
Thank you so much for considering me! If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to ask you some questions in order to clarify a few things.
Have you read my Important Information on my Commission page about Terms, Fees, etc? If not I suggest you do that now.
You’d like me to draw “High Exarch Yrel” from World of Warcraft, Correct?
The size of your piece will be 4000px by 2800 px and 300 dpi.
Depending on your budget, I offer a few different sizes. Is it going to be a Portrait? Full body?
Do you want it stylized which is the cheaper option? Or a full render?
Are you looking for a quick background option? Or a specific scene?
And of course are there any armor or magic effects I should know about?
It would be best for you to provide some reference pictures. Otherwise I will need to do research of my own.
(Now this is the important part, because I’m clearly asking about how complex this piece will be. For every addition there will be a higher price, always. So it’s important that your reply to this message as a client lists all pictures, descriptions, and exactly what you’re seeking.)
Client Reply:
Message:
I understand! Thank you so much. I will attach a few images, although I do not own them. I’d like to have a Full Body of Yrel mourning in Auchindoun.
(Game wise, this is a mausoleum location which I as the client would provide in the attachments. This also implies that it would be a full body piece with a full background.)
My budget isn’t what I’d like it to be, so I’m going to have to request that it be stylized and not fully rendered. (It’s also okay to ask for examples from the Artist at this point if you do not know which is which.)
The only magic effects will be from her giant hammer. (This also implies a weapon which is another addon.)
If there’s anything else you’d like to know about the piece, do not hesitate to ask!
Pharaoh Vel - Stylized with Simple Background
Sith Empress Whitemane - Rull Render with Simple Background
Artist Reply:
Message:
I have the references, thank you. Let me provide you with a quote. If you wish to continue you will need to pay the full price up front. Otherwise it’s perfectly okay to decline at this time without a charge. I will only accept PayPal.
(Yes, this is a realistic quote I would definitely give a potential client. The smaller the piece the cheaper it will be. I’ve done simple Sketches as low as $60 USD. It all depends on you, the Client.)
Full Body Yrel = $1,200 USD
Background Scene = $300 USD
Stylized, not Rendered = $0 USD
Weapon & Magic Effect = $100 USD
Provided Reference = $0 USD
Total Price = $1,600 USD
By this point should the Client agree to go ahead with the Commission, they would receive a FREE Sketch of the piece.
They would also be able to make changes on anything, composition, the way the weapon is being held, etc. My personal rules state that changes made later will enable me as the Artist to charge additional fees. This is why you read their Terms.
Things that could effect the Pricing:
Size of Subject: Full Body, Half Body, Portrait, or Headshot.
Complexity of Overall Piece: Multi-Character, Accessories, Armor, Weapons, Magic Effects, Background, etc.
Quick Turn Around: You want your piece finished in a quick time frame of your choice. (Ex: one week)
No Visual Reference: You only have a written description for me and no reference images.
Revisions After Sketch: After seeing the process and maybe half way through you change your mind on something after already approving a “final” design. This includes changing colors of something within the piece.
Kill Fee: Choosing to back out of a piece before it’s finished.
The Process
The Male example below is my personal Stylized process. First I send the Sketch to be approved. After approval and payment I do the Line Art and send an update to the Client. Then Color and send another update. After that it’s generally worked until the piece is complete.
The Female example below is my personal Rendered process. First I send the Sketch to be approved. After approval and payment I begin rendering until the piece is completed. Then I will occasionally send updates of color and rendering phases.
Project Delivery
Yaye! Your piece is complete and you get that final email with the beautiful attachment.