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Understanding My Art Commission Process
Hey everyone, I wanted to give you a little peek into how I bring a commission to life! Here's a breakdown of my process:
My Complete Art Commission Process
This is how I create a commissioned artwork, from start to finish.
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Stage 1: Client Consultation and Idea Refinement
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It all starts with a conversation! I chat with the client to really understand their vision. We discuss:
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The subject (character, scene, etc.)
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The overall style, mood, and tone they're going for
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Any specific requirements or preferences they have in mind (like pose, composition, or colors)
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I also throw in my own creative input to help refine the idea and make sure it's something we can really make awesome.
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Stage 2: Pose Exploration and Initial Sketches
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This is where I start to get those ideas onto paper (or, you know, the tablet!). I explore different poses for the character and start thinking about the overall composition.
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Thumbnail Sketches: I create a bunch of small, quick sketches. These aren't about details; they're about capturing the feeling of the pose and the flow of the action.
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Focus on Gesture: I really focus on gesture, which is the movement and energy of the pose. I'm looking at how the character's body is positioned, the angles of their limbs, and the overall balance.
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Compositional Ideas: I also play around with different ways to position the character within the frame and how they interact with any other elements in the piece.
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Reference Use: I use reference images. This is super important for getting things accurate and for inspiration. It helps me understand the character's design and the context of the scene.
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Iterative Process: I do a lot of sketches! It's all about exploring different options and refining the idea until it clicks.
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Stage 3: Detailed Sketch
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Once we've nailed down a pose (from those thumbnails in Stage 2), I create a more refined and detailed sketch. This is where I start fleshing out the character's anatomy, clothing, and other elements with more precision.
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Stage 4: Basic Coloring
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Next, I do a quick, rough color pass to explore the color palette and see how the colors work together. This helps me establish the overall mood and feel of the piece and make sure the colors are working in harmony.
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Stage 5: Clean Line Art
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I use the detailed sketch as a base to create clean, crisp line art. This really defines the shapes and forms of the character and everything else in the artwork.
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Stage 6: Coloring and Detailing
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The final stage is where the magic happens! I add colors, shading, highlights, and textures to the line art. This is where I bring the artwork to life with depth, dimension, and all those juicy details.
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Hope you found that interesting! Let me know if you have any questions.
Video Stream Loop: ARistoRisto 2025
Commissioned by ARistoRisto, this video loop features their character donning a striking outfit inspired by Snake from Metal Gear Solid 3. Set against the intense backdrop of a burning forest, the seamless loop captures the character’s commanding presence and the dramatic atmosphere of the scene.
Illustration: STYX
A commission for Drizzelda with her friends. This art commission celebrates the camaraderie of 'STYX,' a group of adventurers in the world of Final Fantasy XIV. Each member is uniquely portrayed in their own panel, showcasing their distinct personalities and styles. Together, they embody the spirit of adventure, friendship, and unity that defines 'STYX.'
Illustrations: MadHatMattox
Over the span of five months, I had the privilege of collaborating with MadHatMattox on a series of projects that brought to life both player character designs and monster designs for his ongoing campaign as a Dungeon Master. The creative process was a team effort, involving not just the client but also his players, as we worked together to create unique visuals that perfectly captured each character’s essence and the thrilling, imaginative world they inhabit. It was an honor to have MadHatMattox’s trust and patience throughout this journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to his campaign’s storytelling with these designs.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you so much for your generosity and support! As a freelance artist, every donation truly means the world to me and helps me continue creating and pursuing my passion. Your kindness goes a long way, and I’m endlessly grateful for having you as part of this journey.
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