7 Essential Steps to Commission DnD Art (Without Getting Scammed)

7 Essential Steps to Commission D&D Art (Without Getting Scammed)

You've spent countless hours crafting the perfect D&D character. Their backstory is rich, their personality vivid, and their adventures legendary. But there's just one problem – nobody can actually see them the way you do.

That's where commissioning character art comes in. But here's what nobody tells you: the world of art commissions can be a minefield of scammers, ghosting artists, and disappointing results that look nothing like your vision.

I've been creating character art for years, and I've seen it all. Players who've been burned by fake artists, left with unfinished work, or received artwork that completely missed the mark. That's why I'm sharing these 7 essential steps that will protect you and ensure you get the stunning character art you deserve.

What You'll Learn in This Guide:

  • Where to safely find legitimate artists (and massive red flags to avoid)
  • How to protect yourself from common scams that cost hundreds of dollars
  • The secret to getting artwork that actually matches your vision
  • What fair pricing looks like in 2025 (so you don't overpay)
  • Professional communication strategies that artists love
  • How to handle revisions without drama or extra costs
  • Legal protections most people ignore (that could save your project)

Step 1: Choose Your Hunting Grounds (Where to Find Legit Artists)

The first step to a successful commission is knowing where to look. Not all platforms are created equal, and some are absolute minefields for scammers.

The Safest Places to Find Artists:

Instagram and Twitter/X are goldmines for discovering artists. Search hashtags like #dndart, #characterartist, #commissionsopen, or #fantasyart. You can instantly see their style and recent work, plus most legitimate artists have years of posted content.

ArtStation is where professional artists showcase their portfolios. The quality bar is higher here, and you can easily browse through extensive galleries of work.

Etsy offers built-in buyer protection and review systems. Look for artists with dozens of positive reviews and clear commission processes.

Red Flag Alert: Be extremely cautious with Reddit (r/HungryArtists, r/artcommissions). While there are legitimate artists there, it's also crawling with scammers who create fake portfolios and disappear with your money. If you do use Reddit, demand proof of identity and verify their work elsewhere.

What to Look for in an Artist's Profile:

  • Consistent posting history - Real artists share work regularly over months or years
  • Process videos or progress shots - These are hard to fake
  • Client testimonials or tagged commissioners - Social proof that they actually deliver
  • Clear pricing and process information - Professional artists are upfront about their services

Step 2: Spot the Scammers Before They Strike

Here's the harsh truth: art commission scams are everywhere, and they're getting more sophisticated. I've seen too many players lose $200-500 to fake artists who vanish after receiving payment.

Massive Red Flags That Scream "SCAM":

  • Prices that seem too good to be true - If someone offers a full character illustration for $20, run
  • Demanding full payment upfront - Legitimate artists typically ask for 50% down payment at most
  • No clear revision policy - Professional artists outline exactly what changes are included
  • Stolen portfolio work - Do a reverse Google image search on their samples
  • Pressure tactics - "This price is only good for today!" is a classic scammer move
  • No social media presence - Real artists live online and have extensive posting histories
Pro Tip: Ask the artist to send you a quick sketch or rough concept before any money changes hands. A legitimate artist can usually provide this, but scammers often make excuses or refuse.

Step 3: Master the Art of Character Communication

This is where 90% of disappointing commissions fail. You might have a crystal-clear vision in your head, but if you can't communicate it effectively, you're setting both yourself and the artist up for frustration.

The Essential Information Every Artist Needs:

Physical Appearance Details:

  • Race/species and any unique traits (horn shape for tieflings, ear style for elves)
  • Build, height, and general physique
  • Hair color, style, and texture
  • Eye color and expression
  • Skin tone and any markings (scars, tattoos, birthmarks)

Gear and Clothing:

  • Primary outfit style and key garments
  • Armor type and materials
  • Weapons and how they're carried
  • Important accessories or magical items

Personality and Mood:

  • The specific expression you want captured
  • Their typical personality traits
  • The overall atmosphere (epic, mysterious, cheerful)
Game-Changer: Create a Pinterest board or image collection with reference photos. Don't expect to find one perfect reference – instead, gather images that show elements you like. A photo of someone with the right hairstyle, another with the armor style you want, and a third with the pose or expression you're envisioning.

Step 4: Navigate Pricing Like a Pro (Without Getting Ripped Off)

Art pricing can seem like a complete mystery, but there's actually a method to it. Understanding how artists price their work will help you budget appropriately and spot unfair deals.

Pricing Reality Check:

  • Sketch/Line Art: $30-80
  • Colored Headshot: $80-200
  • Half-Body Illustration: $150-400
  • Full-Body Character: $250-600+
  • Complex Backgrounds: Add $100-300

These ranges vary based on the artist's skill level, style complexity, and experience. A newer artist might charge on the lower end, while an established professional with a waitlist will command premium prices.

Factors That Affect Pricing:

  • Artist's experience and reputation
  • Complexity of your character - Intricate armor or multiple weapons cost more
  • Timeline - Rush jobs cost extra
  • Usage rights - Commercial use typically costs more than personal use
  • Revisions included - More changes allowed = higher price
Warning: Be wary of artists who won't provide clear upfront pricing or who keep adding mysterious "fees" during the process. Professional artists quote the full price before starting work.

Step 5: Secure Your Commission (The Smart Way)

How you handle the business side of your commission can make or break the entire experience. Here's how to protect yourself while being fair to the artist.

Payment Best Practices:

  • Never pay 100% upfront - 50% down payment is standard
  • Use payment methods with buyer protection - PayPal Goods & Services, not Friends & Family
  • Get everything in writing - Email confirmations with all details
  • Establish clear milestones - When you'll see progress and make final payment

What Should Be in Your Commission Agreement:

  • Detailed description of what you're commissioning
  • Final price and payment schedule
  • Expected timeline and delivery date
  • Number of revisions included
  • What happens if either party needs to cancel
  • Usage rights and file formats you'll receive
Pro Tip: Most professional artists have a standard commission agreement or terms of service. Read these carefully before committing. If an artist doesn't have clear terms, that's a potential red flag.

Step 6: Handle the Process Like a Professional Client

The commissioning process doesn't end once you've paid your deposit. How you handle communication, feedback, and revisions will determine whether you get amazing results or a frustrating experience.

Communication Do's and Don'ts:

DO:

  • Respond promptly when the artist asks for feedback
  • Be specific about what you'd like changed
  • Show appreciation for their work and effort
  • Ask questions if something isn't clear

DON'T:

  • Micromanage every tiny detail
  • Request major changes after approving the sketch phase
  • Compare their work unfavorably to other artists
  • Rush them constantly about timeline

The Typical Commission Process:

  1. Initial concept/sketch - This is your chance for major changes
  2. Refined sketch - Final approval on pose, composition, and details
  3. Base colors - Approve color choices and overall mood
  4. Final artwork - Minor tweaks only at this stage
Important: Major changes get exponentially more expensive as the artwork progresses. If you want to completely change the pose or add new elements, it's better to catch this in the sketch phase rather than when the piece is nearly finished.

Step 7: Protect Your Investment and Plan for the Future

You've invested time, money, and emotional energy into this commission. Here's how to protect that investment and ensure you can use your artwork however you want.

File Formats and Quality:

Make sure you receive high-resolution files suitable for your intended use. Ask for:

  • High-resolution PNG or JPEG - For printing and sharing
  • Web-optimized version - For social media and online use
  • PSD file (if possible) - For future edits or modifications

Understanding Usage Rights:

Most personal commissions include rights to:

  • Use the artwork for your character in campaigns
  • Share on social media with credit to the artist
  • Print for personal use (character sheets, etc.)

You typically cannot use the artwork for:

  • Commercial purposes without additional licensing
  • Selling products featuring the artwork
  • Claiming you created the artwork

After Your Commission is Complete:

  • Leave a review or testimonial - Help other commissioners find great artists
  • Share the artwork - Always credit the artist when posting
  • Keep their contact info - For future commissions or if you need the original files again
  • Back up your files - Save copies in multiple places

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical commission take?

Most character commissions take 2-6 weeks, depending on the artist's queue and the complexity of your piece. Always ask for an estimated timeline upfront, and remember that quality work takes time.

What if I'm not happy with the final result?

This is why the sketch approval phase is so critical. Most artists will work with you to make reasonable adjustments, but major changes after final approval may cost extra. Communication is key throughout the process.

Can I commission artwork of copyrighted characters?

Many artists will create fan art commissions for personal use, but policies vary. Always ask upfront, and be aware that you won't be able to use copyrighted character artwork commercially.

Should I tip my artist?

Tips aren't expected but are always appreciated, especially if the artist went above and beyond or delivered exceptional work. Even a glowing review and social media share means a lot to artists.

Your Next Steps to Amazing Character Art

Commissioning character art doesn't have to be scary or risky. By following these 7 essential steps, you're setting yourself up for a positive experience and artwork that truly brings your character to life.

Remember: the key to a successful commission is clear communication, realistic expectations, and working with reputable artists who respect both their craft and their clients.

The most important takeaway? Take your time choosing the right artist. It's better to wait for someone whose style truly speaks to you than to rush into a commission you might regret.

Ready to turn your character concept into a stunning work of art? The secret to getting exactly what you envision lies in how well you communicate your character's details.

I've created "The Ultimate Character Blueprint" – a comprehensive template that helps you organize every important detail about your character. It ensures nothing gets lost in translation and helps any artist capture your vision perfectly.

Download your FREE "Ultimate Character Blueprint" template and take the first step toward commissioning the character art of your dreams!

 

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