Commissioning Art: Get Your OC Drawn!

Hey guys! So, I'm looking to commission some art of my Original Character (OC), and I wanted to walk you through the process. It's a pretty fun way to get exactly what you want, and I figure, why not share the experience? This guide covers everything, from finding an artist to understanding pricing and delivering the perfect artwork of your OC. Whether you're a seasoned commissioner or completely new to the world of art commissions, this is for you. Let's dive in!

Finding the Right Artist for Your OC

Finding the right artist for your OC commission is the most crucial step. It's like finding the perfect spice for your favorite dish; it can make or break the whole experience. You want someone whose style aligns with your vision and who can bring your character to life in a way you'll love. Where do you even begin, right? Don't worry, I've got you covered.

First off, scout the usual suspects: DeviantArt, ArtStation, Twitter (X), and Instagram are goldmines. These platforms are packed with artists showcasing their work. Look for artists whose style resonates with you. Do you like vibrant, anime-style art? Or maybe you're into something more realistic or painterly? The key is to find someone whose portfolio demonstrates the skills you're looking for. Pay close attention to how they draw faces, anatomy, clothing, and backgrounds. Do they have a consistent quality in their work? Do they draw characters in a style that would suit your OC?

Secondly, consider the artist's specialties: Some artists excel in specific areas. Some might be fantastic with character design, while others are amazing at drawing detailed backgrounds or dynamic action poses. Does your OC have intricate armor or a unique weapon? If so, you'll want an artist who is comfortable with those types of details. Check out their previous commissions and see if they have experience drawing characters similar to yours. Don't be afraid to ask the artist if they're comfortable with the specific details of your OC. A good artist will be transparent and honest about their capabilities.

Next, read reviews and check references: Before committing to a commission, see what other people say about the artist. Do they have a good reputation for communication, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality artwork? Look for reviews on their profile or ask for references. If you can, reach out to previous commissioners and ask about their experience. Did the artist listen to their ideas? Were they easy to work with? Were they happy with the final product?

Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions: Once you've found a few artists you like, reach out to them. Most artists are happy to answer questions about their process, pricing, and availability. This is your chance to discuss your OC, your vision, and the details of the commission. Ask them if they're comfortable with the type of commission you're requesting and if they have any questions or suggestions. Clear communication from the start will make the whole process smoother and ensure you get the artwork you want.

Understanding Commission Types and Pricing

Okay, so you've found an artist whose work you love, but now you need to understand the different types of commissions and how they're priced. This can seem overwhelming at first, but it's important to grasp the basics to ensure you get the art you're looking for within your budget. Let's break it down.

Commission Types: Commissions come in various forms, each with its own specifications and price range. Here are a few common types:

• Sketch: This is the most basic and usually the most affordable option. It's a quick, rough drawing, often in pencil or digital. Great for a quick concept or a simple pose.
• Lineart: This involves a clean outline of your character. It's the next step up from a sketch and forms the foundation for the final artwork. You can opt for just the lineart or have it colored.
• Flat Color: The lineart is filled with solid colors. It's a step up from lineart and is often a more budget-friendly option.
• Cell Shading: This adds basic shading using distinct, flat colors. It's a common style for anime and cartoon-inspired art.
• Full Render/Fully Rendered: This is the most detailed and time-consuming type of commission. It includes complex shading, highlights, and often detailed backgrounds. These commissions usually cost the most.
• Reference Sheet: A reference sheet is a comprehensive guide to your character's design. It usually includes multiple views of the character, color palettes, and notes on their clothing and accessories. These are super useful for other artists if you want more art of your OC later.
• Chibi: A cute and stylized version of your character with exaggerated features.

Pricing: Artist's pricing can vary widely depending on several factors, so it's essential to understand what influences the cost.

• Complexity: The more complex your OC's design, pose, and background, the more it will cost. Detailed characters, intricate clothing, and complex backgrounds take more time and effort.
• Size and Resolution: Larger canvas sizes and higher resolutions will usually increase the price. This is because they require more work and detail.
• Artist's Skill and Experience: More experienced artists or those with a higher demand for their work often charge more. Their price reflects their skill level and the time it takes them to complete a commission.
• Commercial Use: If you plan to use the artwork for commercial purposes (e.g., selling merchandise or using it in a game), the price will be higher. This is because the artist is giving up rights to their work for your commercial gain.
• Additional Characters: Adding more characters to the artwork will increase the price.
• Revisions: Some artists include a certain number of revisions in their price, while others charge extra for them. Ask about the revision policy before commissioning.

Getting a Quote: Before commissioning, always ask the artist for a quote. Describe your commission in detail: the type of commission, the character's design, the pose, the background (if any), and any other relevant details. The artist will then provide you with a price estimate. Be prepared to discuss the price and negotiate if necessary. Remember, the price is not set in stone, and some artists may be willing to work within your budget.

Briefing Your Artist: Providing Clear References

Once you've chosen your artist and agreed on a price, it's time to brief them on your OC and your vision for the artwork. Providing clear and detailed references is key to ensuring you get the perfect piece. Let's explore how to create a great brief.

Character References: The most important part of your brief is a comprehensive character reference. Here's what you should include:

• Visual References: Provide as many visual references as possible. Include full-body shots, different angles, and close-ups of specific details. If you have existing art of your OC, use it. If not, gather reference images that show the character's appearance, clothing, and accessories.
• Written Descriptions: Alongside visual references, provide detailed written descriptions. Describe your OC's hair color, eye color, skin tone, clothing style, and any unique features. Include any important details that might not be immediately apparent from the visual references.
• Personality and Backstory: Include information about your OC's personality, backstory, and motivations. This will help the artist understand your character and capture their essence in the artwork. Is your OC brave? Shy? Mischievous? The more information you provide, the better.
• Pose and Expression Ideas: If you have specific ideas for the pose or expression, include them in your brief. Provide reference images or describe what you want the character to be doing. Be as clear as possible to avoid any misunderstandings.

Background and Composition: If you want a background, specify what you want. Describe the setting, any objects or props, and the overall mood or atmosphere. If you don't have a specific idea, you can give the artist some creative freedom, but it's essential to communicate your general preferences.

Communication is Key: During the briefing process, it's crucial to communicate clearly and effectively. Ask the artist if they have any questions or need clarification on anything. Respond to their questions promptly and provide any additional information they need. Remember, the more information you provide, the better the final artwork will reflect your vision.

The Commission Process: From Sketch to Final Art

Alright, so you've found your artist, worked out the details, and submitted your brief. Now, let's look at the actual commission process. Understanding the stages will help you stay informed and manage your expectations.

The Sketch Stage: This is usually the first step, where the artist creates a rough draft of the artwork. They'll work on the composition, pose, and overall layout. The sketch stage is essential because it's the time to make major changes to the artwork. The artist will typically send you the sketch for approval.

• Feedback: Provide your feedback on the sketch. Is the pose right? Are the proportions correct? Does the composition work? Be specific with your comments. If you don't like something, explain why and what you would like to see changed.
• Revisions: Most artists include a certain number of revisions in their price. Use them wisely! Don't be afraid to request changes, but try to keep your feedback focused and constructive. The sketch stage is where you should make major adjustments. Once the lineart is done, significant changes are harder to make.

The Lineart Stage: Once the sketch is approved, the artist will create the lineart (the clean outline) of your character. This stage refines the details and sets the foundation for the colors and shading. This is also your last chance to make minor adjustments to the character's design. If the lineart is colored, then you might also be able to make changes to the base colors.

The Coloring and Shading Stage: This is where the artist adds color, shading, and highlights to bring the artwork to life. Depending on the commission type, the level of detail will vary. This is when the character truly comes to life. At this stage, you'll be able to see the finished look. If they include this stage you can ask for some minor revision about details.

Final Review and Delivery: After the coloring and shading are complete, the artist will send you the final artwork for review. Check the artwork carefully for any errors or issues. Once you're happy with the final result, the artist will deliver the artwork to you. You'll usually receive a high-resolution version of the artwork, which you can use for your personal use. Some artists may also include a web-resolution version for online use.

Payment and Usage Rights

Let's wrap things up by discussing payment and usage rights. These are important aspects of any commission.

Payment: Artists usually require payment in advance or in installments. Be sure to clarify the payment method, schedule, and currency. Popular payment methods include PayPal, Venmo, or direct bank transfers. The artist will usually give you the artwork only after receiving the full payment.

Usage Rights: Before commissioning, you should understand the usage rights. What can you do with the artwork once you receive it? This depends on the artist's terms and the agreed-upon price.

• Personal Use: Usually, the artwork is for personal use only. This means you can use it for your profile pictures, wallpapers, or sharing it on social media. You cannot use it to make money or sell it without the artist's permission.
• Commercial Use: If you want to use the artwork for commercial purposes (e.g., creating merchandise or using it in a game), you'll need to pay extra for the commercial rights. This allows you to use the artwork to make a profit. Be sure to discuss this with the artist before commissioning.
• Artist's Rights: Artists usually retain the right to display the artwork in their portfolio and social media. You can also agree to restrict how the artist can use your commissioned work.

Protecting Your Rights: Before commissioning, ensure you fully understand the artist's terms of service and usage rights. If something isn't clear, ask the artist to clarify. Keep all communication and payment records for your records.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your New Artwork!

Commissioning art is an exciting process! It allows you to bring your OC to life in a unique way. By following these steps – finding the right artist, understanding the commission types, providing detailed references, and navigating the process with clear communication – you'll be well on your way to getting the perfect artwork. So, go out there, find an artist whose style you love, and commission some art of your OC. You won't regret it! Happy commissioning!