How to Commission an Elf?

[DRD1812]

I am not a visual person. However, I find myself in a position to commission character art for an elf ranger PC. So far I've got "she's tall, has a bow, and is an elf."

I'm terrified of over-complicating this character. I certainly don't want to wind up asking for some overdesigned special snowflake with Elrond's coronation hair-do.

So help me out here: For any of you guys that have commissioned character art, how do you go about describing a visually interesting character without going overboard?

[Meraki]

Usually when I'm commissioning art, I give the artist the basics: gender, race, hair color, eye color, skin color, general build, class, a weapon if the character has a particular one they favor. If they have any other notable features (scars, tattoos, etc.), I toss that in too.

Also, describing the character's personality a little can help the artist get a feel for the character. (Someone who is a very shy scholar is probably going to pose differently than a brash people person, for example.) Doesn't have to be long, just a couple sentences to a paragraph, but it can help the artist know what kind of character this is (beyond just physical details).

I typically leave clothes and details like that up to the artist, though I'll describe the sort of world the character is in if it's not a universe they're familiar with. If you try to fill in too many details yourself, you run the risk of disappointing yourself if it's not exactly what you envisioned in your head...and you might miss out on some neat things the artist would come up with that you wouldn't have thought of.

[Daw]

Yes to Meraki's post.

Look at your artists portfolio. Most artists will likely have more than one style represented.
Point out a style that you like.
(You can and should go online to get some idea of the styles you prefer.)
You might want to download a couple samples to show what you are interested in just in case the artist doesn't have a style you want in the portfolio, on the off chance that they are willing and able try something new for you.

[Decimus Drake]

I'm interested as to what people have to say as I'd love to commission some artwork of my character. I've already bought a custom mini from Hero Forge so I might as well go all the way and get some art done too.

[M1k31]

Meraki wrote:

Usually when I'm commissioning art, I give the artist the basics: gender, race, hair color, eye color, skin color, general build, class, a weapon if the character has a particular one they favor. If they have any other notable features (scars, tattoos, etc.), I toss that in too.

Also, describing the character's personality a little can help the artist get a feel for the character. (Someone who is a very shy scholar is probably going to pose differently than a brash people person, for example.) Doesn't have to be long, just a couple sentences to a paragraph, but it can help the artist know what kind of character this is (beyond just physical details).

I typically leave clothes and details like that up to the artist, though I'll describe the sort of world the character is in if it's not a universe they're familiar with. If you try to fill in too many details yourself, you run the risk of disappointing yourself if it's not exactly what you envisioned in your head...and you might miss out on some neat things the artist would come up with that you wouldn't have thought of.

I'd think it would be good to think about what your characters best achievements might be as well, in other words why would they commission a picture, just because it may help the artist come up with details or question you about details they think to add.

[Christopk-K]

If been thinking about that too.
Could anyone suggest artist or an artists directory if some sort?

[Ambrosia Slaad]

Christopk-K wrote:

Could anyone suggest artist or an artists directory if some sort?

You could flip through backissues of Wayfinder, google the artist's name, and see if they do commissions?

[Rysky]

Ambrosia Slaad wrote:

Christopk-K wrote:

Could anyone suggest artist or an artists directory if some sort?

You could flip through backissues of Wayfinder, google the artist's name, and see if they do commissions?

*nods*

That or go to Deviantart or Tumblr and look around for art you like, look and see if the artist is taking commissions, look up their prices, then contact them.

[Meraki]

DeviantArt and Tumblr are definitely your friend here. I've also seen a lot of people on Etsy who take art commissions.

[blahpers]

Quote:

How to Commission an Elf?

I want to say there's a ribbon cutting ceremony involved. but I've never actually been to one.

[Pillbug Toenibbler]

blahpers wrote:

Quote:

How to Commission an Elf?

I want to say there's a ribbon cutting ceremony involved. but I've never actually been to one.

You obviously say something like you are commissioning this new elf in the name of the ruler of your choice, and then you break a champagne bottle over the elf. Or a growler. Or a barrel. Or a water tower. Or...

[Sycophant]

Having taken art commissions myself and having had some done for me I can see Deviantart is a good place to check. Problem you may run into is the time it takes to complete your request. I've had some that were pretty prompt and then I've had others that were months too late (example ordered at the beginning of Oct for a Christmas present and not finished until almost Feb after threatening to file a fraud case with my bank).

I tend to do 3d art work but if that's not your style many of the people I follow (listed as favorites on my dev art page) are also artists accepting commissions.

https://prophetx.deviantart.com/journal/New-Journal-new-features-219185493