Important note: At the moment (January 2008) I am not actively taking new commissions, as I'm getting caught up on freelance and former obligations, and preparing for a move. I should begin taking on new commissions again later this spring, depending on other projects coming in.

Before requesting a commission, please read through all the notes below on pricing, the process, and terms. If you are still interested, or have any questions, feel free to contact me and start the ball rolling. Remember, these notes and prices are subject to revision.

Here's a typical example of how a commission will go.

Step 1. Initial contact. It's best to send me a short email to make sure I'm available. Please describe briefly what you are interested in (i.e. 2-character color commission, sequence of 5 pencil sketches, etc.) so I know if I'll have time to budget for your commission.

Step 2. Commission details. If I'm available, I'll ask for more details on your commission. Send me an email describing what you want, keeping in mind these points:

• Clearly state how many characters you want, and what type of commission you want (sketch, ink, quick color, or full color). If you're requesting a sequence, also state how many total images in the sequence.
• If requesting a sketch or full color, let me know if you have a preference for digital or real media.
• Generally, I will choose the media I think is best suited for a particular commission -- for example, marker vs. colored pencil for real media, or digital airbrush vs. digital marker for digital media. Many commissions will include a combination of media in the finished product. However, if you have a specific preference, let me know.
• Describe as clearly as you can what you want to see in the final commission. It's up to you how much detail you want to go into, and how much you want to trust me to interpret the scene for you.
• Include a text description and/or reference material for the characters in the commission. Again, it's up to you how much detail you want to give, or how much you want to leave open to my interpretation. Don't forget to describe or provide reference for clothes, props, etc. as appropriate.
• Make sure your e-mail address is valid, and one you check regularly! Also, a valid mailing address, if you'll want original artwork shipped to you.

Step 3. Down payment. Assuming your request is acceptable, I will verify the final price for you and officially take on the commission. At this time I will require one-half the total cost of the commission as a down-payment. See payment terms below. Please don't send payment until I've acknowledged that I've accepted your commission! (If I have a previous working relationship with you, I may waive the down-payment, at my own discretion.)

Step 4. Production. Timing will depend on my schedule, but I will try to turn around commissions within a few weeks if possible. I will let you know if there will be any delays or if the commission is large enough that it will take extra time.

During this time, depending upon your commission, you may at one or more points receive via e-mail thumbnail sketches, rough pencil sketches, or other works-in-progress for approval. Minor change can usually be accomodated at these points; however, extensive changes (especially changes for things that were not clearly outlined in the original descriptions) or late changes (for example, changes to a finished pencil sketch that could have been corrected in an early thumbnail sketch) may incur extra costs.

Step 5. Final payment. Once the commission is finished and digital files or scans are delivered, the balance of the payment (plus shipping, if applicable) is due. Physical artwork or sketches will be mailed once final payment is received. See payment terms below. Also, if originals are to be shipped, make sure you've given me a current address you can receive packages at.

Payment. I accept payments through Paypal, or I'll receive checks or money orders through my business address. Personal checks may need time to clear at the bank before I'll send original artwork out.

Content. Generally speaking, I will only do paid commissions with a G or PG-13 rating. Basically, if it would be okay on prime-time broadcast television, it's probably okay for a commission. I may do tasteful nudity, if it's appropriate, and at my own discretion. Romantic or playful scenes are okay, but no explicit sexual or extremely violent situations.

Your Characters. Generally, you should be asking for commissions of your own characters. If you are requesting other people's characters in your commission, you should obtain their permission first. Ideally, have them get in touch with me to let me know it's okay.

My Characters. I will draw characters from any of my own projects (Buffalo Wings, Serious Fitness, etc.) as long as they are not doing something out-of-character or behaving in a way they would generally not behave. In other words, I won't violate character personalities. Final decisions on such matters are at my own discretion.

Copyrights. With a commission, you are purchasing the right to own a physical piece of art (in the case of real media) or an image file (in the case of digital media). You have the right to view digital image on your computer or portable electronic device, or print copies of the image, for your own personal use only. You can probably have the right to share the image with friends or post it to your personal web site or to certain art forums, as long as my copyright information remains on the work; but please ask me first, just to be certain.

You do not automatically get the right to publish the image in a printed publication, or to post the image to any web site whose purpose is to make money (for example, through subscriptions) or to promote some other business or service. You do not get the right to sell prints or copies of the image, or to print the image on or sell any kind of merchandise, such as clothing or mousepads. You do not get the right to edit or alter the image in any way, including the removal of any copyright information.* If you want these or any other rights, you'll need to ask my permission for them, and there's a good chance they'll cost extra.

I retain the right to post a copy of any commission to my web site and/or to certain art forums for the purpose of self-promotion, although I don't post every commission I do. If you prefer not to have your commission posted, please make that clear beforehand.

*One exception: If you ask politely, you'll be allowed to crop the image to make one (1) icon for use on LiveJournal, bulletin boards, forums, etc.

Thanks for reading thru these notes. If you're still interested or have any further questions, please don't hesitate to drop me a line and I'll get back to you as quickly as I can.

Last updated: 9/13/2007