7 Fatal D&D Art Commission Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
You’ve spent countless hours crafting the perfect Dungeons & Dragons character. You know their story, their flaws, and the look in their eyes when they’re ready for battle. Now, you’re ready to bring them to life with a custom piece of art. But the path from a brilliant idea to a stunning character portrait is filled with potential pitfalls. What if the artist gets it wrong? What if you spend your hard-earned gold on something that just doesn’t feel like *your* character?
I get it. As a character artist myself, I’ve seen where things can go sideways. The good news is that most commissioning disasters are completely avoidable. This guide will walk you through the seven most common mistakes people make when commissioning D&D art and give you the tools to ensure your experience is a critical success.
What We'll Cover:
Mistake #1: The Vague Vision – "Just Make Them Look Cool!"
This is single-handedly the most common quest-killer in character commissions. You have this incredibly vivid picture in your head, but you tell the artist, "I want a tough-looking half-orc barbarian." The problem? "Tough" can mean a dozen different things. Is it a quiet, stoic strength? Or a feral, battle-hardened rage?
How to Fix It: Be Beautifully Specific
The more detail you provide, the better. Don't worry about writing a novel, but give the artist the key ingredients that make your character unique. Think about breaking down your description into clear categories.
- Physicality: Go beyond "tall and muscular." Mention their build, height, skin tone, hair style and color, and any distinguishing marks like scars or tattoos.
- Gear & Armor: "Leather armor" is a start, but "worn, dark brown studded leather with wolf-fur trim" paints a much clearer picture. Mention the materials and any important symbols or colors.
- Expression & Pose: The character's personality should shine through! Do you want a confident smirk, a look of fierce determination, or quiet contemplation? The pose sets the entire mood.
Mistake #2: The Reference Void – A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words
Words are essential, but artists are visual storytellers. Relying only on a text description, no matter how detailed, can lead to misinterpretations. Something you describe might conjure a completely different image in the artist's mind.
How to Fix It: Build a Mood Board
Gathering visual references is a game-changer. You don't need to find one perfect image, but rather a collection of pictures that capture different elements of your character. Think of it as creating a Pinterest board for your hero.
- Collect images for hairstyles, armor styles, weapon designs, and color palettes.
- Find examples of poses or expressions that capture your character's vibe.
- Pro-tip from me, Jan: Never ask an artist to copy another artist's work directly. Instead, use references for inspiration, saying things like, "I love the lighting in this piece," or "This is the kind of intricate armor I'm imagining."
Mistake #3: The Budget Ambush & Scope Creep
Art is an investment in a skilled professional's time and talent. Two big financial mistakes can sour the experience: not being clear about your budget upfront, and "scope creep"—asking for major additions halfway through the process.
How to Fix It: Clear Communication on Coin
Being transparent about your budget from the start is crucial. Many artists offer different levels of work (like sketches, flat colors, or fully rendered pieces) at different price points.
- Discuss Your Budget Early: Be honest about what you're comfortable spending. This allows the artist to suggest the best option for you.
- Clearly Define the Scope: Before payment, make sure you both agree on what's included. Is it a portrait or full-body? Simple or detailed background?
- Expect to Pay for Extras: If you decide you want to add a magical aura or an animal companion later, understand that this will likely add to the cost and timeline.
Mistake #4: Picking the Wrong Adventurer (for the Job)
You wouldn't hire a rogue to do a barbarian's job. Similarly, every artist has a unique style. If you commission an artist known for their bright, anime-inspired characters to create a gritty, hyper-realistic portrait, you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
How to Fix It: Do Your Research
Spend some time exploring an artist's portfolio before you reach out. This is the best way to know if their style aligns with your vision.
- Look for Consistency: Do they maintain a high quality across all their pieces?
- Style Alignment is Key: Find an artist whose work already resonates with what you want. Don't try to force them into a style that isn't theirs.
- Check for Experience: An artist familiar with fantasy or D&D might grasp your concepts more quickly, though this isn't always a requirement if their style is perfect.
Mistake #5: Ghosting Your Artist
The commission process is a collaboration. Artists will typically send you works-in-progress for approval at key stages, like the initial sketch and color phase. If you disappear for weeks without providing feedback, you bring the entire process to a halt.
How to Fix It: Stay Engaged & Be Prompt
Timely and constructive feedback is the fuel that powers a successful commission.
- Check Your Messages: An artist can't move forward without your approval. A quick response keeps the momentum going.
- Give Clear Feedback: If something isn't quite right, explain what needs to change and why. Refer back to your initial brief and references. For example, "The scar should be over his left eye, as mentioned in the description."
Mistake #6: Ignoring the Fine Print (Terms of Service)
This is a big one. An artist's Terms of Service (ToS) is your contract. It outlines everything from payment schedules and revision limits to your usage rights for the final image. Ignoring it can lead to serious misunderstandings.
How to Fix It: Read the Dang Contract!
If an artist doesn't have their ToS readily available, ask for it. It’s there to protect both you and the artist.
- Usage Rights: Most standard commissions are for personal use only. If you plan to use the art commercially (e.g., for a stream, book, or product), you must discuss this with the artist, as it will affect the price.
- Revision Policy: Understand how many rounds of changes are included in the price. This will help you avoid extra charges.
Mistake #7: The Last-Minute Overhaul
You’ve approved the sketch and the line art. The artist has spent hours rendering and adding color. Then you ask: "Can you change his pose completely?" This is one of the most frustrating things for an artist. Major changes late in the game are costly and time-consuming.
How to Fix It: Trust the Process & Speak Up Early
The best time to ask for changes is during the sketch phase. This is the foundation of the artwork. Moving a limb or changing an expression is easy at this stage. Once rendering begins, it becomes a much bigger task.
- Focus on the Sketch: Scrutinize the initial sketch. This is your best opportunity to make sure the pose, composition, and core details are correct.
- Trust Your Artist: You chose them for their skill. While your feedback is crucial, also trust their artistic judgment. They often see compositions and details that can elevate the final piece.
Your Epic Artwork Awaits
Commissioning a piece of D&D art should be an exciting and rewarding experience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you're not just buying a product; you're entering a creative partnership to bring your character to life. Clear communication and a little preparation are your best spells for success.
Crafting a detailed character brief is the single most powerful step you can take. It’s the bridge between your incredible imagination and a tangible piece of art you can treasure forever. To help you with this, I've put together a free, fillable template based on my experience with hundreds of commissions.
I call it "The Ultimate Character Blueprint." It’s designed to help you organize your ideas and communicate your vision effectively to any artist. Ready to get started? Download your free blueprint below and take the first step towards the character art of your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the most important thing to give an artist?
A: A clear, organized description paired with visual references! The combination of your words and inspirational images gives an artist the best possible toolkit to bring your vision to life accurately.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for D&D art?
A: Prices vary wildly based on the artist's experience, style, and the complexity of the piece (e.g., a sketch vs. a fully rendered illustration with a background). It's always best to check an artist's specific commission price list.