How to Write a Character Description for Art Commissions (Free Template + Examples)

You've spent six months developing this character. Their backstory could fill a novel. You know their favorite food, their childhood trauma, their complicated relationship with their father, and exactly how they react when someone insults their honor.

Now you need to describe them to an artist in 500 words.

Where do you even start?

Most people make one of two mistakes: they either send a five-page document that includes every detail of their character's emotional journey, or they send three vague sentences like "tall elf wizard, looks cool."

Neither approach works well.

The five-page essay overwhelms the artist with information they can't actually use for visual art. The three-sentence version leaves them guessing, which means you get a portrait that's technically fine but doesn't feel like your character.

After creating over 500 custom character portraits, I've seen every variation of character descriptions imaginable. I can tell within the first paragraph whether a commission is going to go smoothly or become a frustrating cycle of revisions.

The difference isn't about how much you write. It's about knowing what information actually translates into visual art.

This guide breaks down exactly what artists need, what they don't, and how to organize it all into a clear, useful character description. I'll show you real examples of bad descriptions versus good ones, and give you a proven template that makes the process painless.

By the end, you'll know how to communicate your vision clearly enough that the artist can bring your character to life exactly as you imagine them.

Why Character Descriptions Fail (And How to Fix It)

Let me show you the #1 problem I see in character descriptions:

"My character is a half-elf ranger named Lyra. She's cool and independent. 
She doesn't trust authority because of her backstory where she was 
betrayed by the city guard after they framed her father for a crime he 
didn't commit. She's been living in the wilderness for five years and 
has a pet wolf named Shadow. She uses a bow and is really good at 
tracking. She's the party scout and always goes ahead to check for 
danger. Make her look mysterious and tough."

What's wrong with this? It's not bad information—it's just the wrong information for visual art.

An artist reading this learns about Lyra's personality and role in the story, but gets almost zero visual details. What does she actually look like? What is she wearing? How tall is she? What color is her hair?

The artist is left guessing about everything that actually matters for drawing her.

Here's the same character, described properly:

CHARACTER: Lyra Nightwhisper

BASICS:
Race: Half-elf (subtle pointed ears, slight elven features)
Age: 24
Build: Athletic, lean from years in the wilderness
Height: 5'7"

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:
Hair: Long chestnut brown, worn in a practical braid over one shoulder
Eyes: Forest green with amber flecks
Skin: Sun-tanned, weathered from outdoor life
Notable Features: Small scar across left eyebrow (from first hunt), 
freckles across nose and cheeks

CLOTHING & ARMOR:
Top: Dark green leather armor (well-worn but maintained), fitted design
Bottom: Brown leather pants, reinforced at knees
Footwear: Tall leather boots with silent soles
Accessories: Simple leather bracers with carved runes (gift from mentor)

WEAPONS & GEAR:
Primary: Longbow (carved from yew, mother's name etched on grip)
Secondary: Two hunting daggers at hip (worn handles, clearly used)
Quiver: Brown leather, arrows with green fletching

EXPRESSION & POSE:
Expression: Alert but calm, slight confident smile
Eyes: Scanning distance (always watching)
Stance: Relaxed but ready, weight on back foot
One hand resting near bow, ready to draw

PERSONALITY FOR VIBE:**
Independent, protective of her friends, comfortable in nature, 
quiet confidence, doesn't trust easily but loyal once earned

COLOR PALETTE:**
Primary: Dark greens, browns
Secondary: Forest earth tones
Accent: Amber/gold (matches eyes)

REFERENCE IMAGES:
[Pinterest board link with pose references, clothing style, bow design]

See the difference?

The second description gives the artist everything they need to draw Lyra accurately. It's organized, specific, and focused on visual elements. The personality information is still there, but it's framed as "vibe" guidance rather than backstory.

Most importantly: an artist can read this in 2 minutes and start sketching immediately. No guessing. No assumptions. No five rounds of revisions because "she doesn't look right."

What Artists Actually Need (vs. What Players Want to Share)

Understanding the disconnect between what you want to tell an artist and what they can actually use is crucial.

The left column describes concepts. The right column describes visual elements.

Good character descriptions translate concepts into visuals. Instead of saying "she's been living in the wilderness," you say "sun-tanned skin, weathered leather, practical clothing."

Instead of "he's a veteran warrior," you say "scarred knuckles, battle-worn armor, confident stance."

The artist's job is to draw what they see. Your job is to tell them what to see.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Character Description

Every solid character description has three tiers of information, organized by priority:

Tier 1: Absolutely Essential (The "Must-Haves")

CRITICAL

If the artist only gets these details, they can still create something recognizable as your character:

• Race/Species: Human, elf, dwarf, tiefling, etc. (This affects facial features, proportions, and physical traits)
• Physical Appearance Basics: Hair color/style, eye color, skin tone, build (thin/average/muscular), height
• Clothing/Armor Type: Light robes, heavy armor, leather outfit, etc.
• Primary Weapon or Signature Item: The thing they're known for carrying
• General Expression/Vibe: Confident, mysterious, fierce, gentle, etc.

If you're commissioning as a gift and can only gather limited information, focus on nailing these five elements. Everything else is bonus.

Tier 2: Very Helpful (The "Should-Haves")

IMPORTANT

These details elevate a generic portrait to a specific character:

• Distinguishing Features: Scars, tattoos, unique markings, piercings, unusual eye or hair color
• Specific Clothing Details: Color scheme, style (ornate vs. practical), condition (pristine vs. worn)
• Secondary Weapons/Gear: Daggers, shield, backpack, pouches
• Accessories: Jewelry, amulets, rings, belt buckles—anything with meaning
• Pose Preference: Standing ready, casting spell, aiming bow, relaxed stance
• Personality Traits for Expression: Helps artist choose the right facial expression and body language

Tier 3: Nice to Have (The "Polish Details")

BONUS

These add depth and storytelling but aren't essential for the initial portrait:

• Backstory Context: Brief explanation of why certain items matter (helps artist emphasize them)
• Color Symbolism: "She wears blue because of her connection to water magic"
• Environmental Context: Where they're comfortable (forest, city, dungeon) for background inspiration
• Relationships: If commissioning a group portrait, how they relate to each other
• Character Arc Position: Beginning of journey (hopeful) vs. end (weathered)
• Specific Artistic References: "Armor style similar to [example]" with image links

The key insight: you don't need all three tiers to get a great portrait. But you absolutely need Tier 1, and Tier 2 makes a massive difference.

Breaking Down the Template (Section by Section)

Let me walk through each section of an effective character description and explain why it matters.

Name: Kael Shadowbrand
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Fighter
Age: 32
Build: Heavily muscular, broad shoulders
Height: 6'3"

Hair: Black, shaved sides with long top pulled into warrior's knot
Eyes: Amber (unusual for half-orcs), intense gaze
Skin: Deep green-grey, battle-scarred
Notable: Jagged scar from left temple to jawline, twin tusks filed 
to points, ritual tattoos on both arms (geometric patterns in black ink)

Armor: Heavy plate armor (chest, shoulders, bracers, greaves)
Style: Battle-worn but well-maintained, practical not decorative
Colors: Dark steel with red fabric under-armor showing at joints
Details: Shoulder pauldrons shaped like wolf heads (clan symbol), 
multiple dents and scratches from combat, some plates mismatched 
(scavenged/replaced)

Primary: Massive two-handed greatsword (nearly 6 feet long)
- Blade is notched and scarred from use
- Leather-wrapped handle showing wear
- Pommel has red gem (family heirloom)
- Carried on back in worn leather harness

Secondary: War axe on left hip (backup weapon)
Other: Large round shield on back (clan symbol painted on front)

Expression: Confident, slight knowing smirk (he's seen battle and survived)
Eyes: Direct at viewer, challenging but not hostile
Stance: Relaxed readiness - standing with weight on one leg, hand 
resting on sword pommel, but clearly capable of moving instantly
Body Language: Shoulders back, chin up (warrior pride)

Personality: Battle-hardened but not cruel, protective of allies, 
earned his confidence through survival, treats combat as serious 
work not glory-seeking

Overall Vibe: "I've been in worse situations than this"

Pinterest Board: [link]
- Armor style similar to images 1, 3, 5 (practical heavy plate)
- Pose reference: image 7 (relaxed but ready stance)
- Color scheme: images 2, 4 (dark metals with red accents)
- Facial structure: square jaw, prominent features (images 8, 9)
- Overall vibe: warrior who's survived too much to show off (image 10)

Real Examples: Bad vs. Good (Annotated)

Let me show you three more real examples (anonymized) from actual commission requests I've received, with analysis of what works and what doesn't.

Example 1: The TMI Description

"My character Seraphina is a wood elf druid. She was orphaned at age 
7 when her village was attacked by bandits. She was found and raised 
by a circle of druids in the Deepwood Forest. She learned to speak 
with animals at age 12 and bonded with a hawk named Whisper who is 
her constant companion. She's very shy around strangers because of 
her traumatic childhood but opens up to her party members. She's the 
healer of the group and always puts others before herself. She carries 
guilt about not being able to save her younger brother during the 
attack. She channels this into protecting others. Her druid powers 
focus on healing and nature magic. She's level 8 and just learned 
Transport via Plants which she's excited about. Her favorite color 
is green because it reminds her of the forest. Please make her look 
kind and gentle."

CHARACTER: Seraphina

BASICS:
Wood Elf Druid, Age 24, Slender build, 5'4"

PHYSICAL:
Hair: Auburn with natural green highlights, waist-length, often braided 
with flowers and vines woven through
Eyes: Bright green with gold flecks
Skin: Light tan with freckles
Notable: Delicate elven features, often has small woodland creatures 
nearby (hawk, squirrels, birds)

CLOTHING:
Natural earth-tone robes (moss green primary, brown accents)
Made from woven plant fibers, looks organic and flowing
Hood attached, often worn down
Simple leather sandals with vine wrappings
Carries woven hemp satchel with herbs visible

GEAR:
Wooden staff (living branch, still has small leaves growing from top)
Spell focus: Crystal wrapped in vines hanging from neck
No weapons (relies on magic)

COMPANION:**
Hawk named Whisper - perched on shoulder or staff

EXPRESSION & POSE:**
Expression: Gentle smile, kind eyes, peaceful
Pose: One hand extended with bird perched on finger, or holding staff 
with flowering vines wrapped around it
Energy: Calm, nurturing, connected to nature

VIBE:**
Think: gentle forest guardian, healer energy, Disney princess but 
realistic, approachable not intimidating

COLORS:**
Greens (multiple shades), browns, cream, touches of gold

Example 2: The Too-Vague Description

"Human rogue named Dex. He's sneaky and uses daggers. Dark clothes. 
Make him look cool."

CHARACTER: Dex

BASICS:
Human Rogue, Age 28, Lean/athletic build, 5'10"

PHYSICAL:
Hair: Black, medium length, slightly messy (functional not styled)
Eyes: Dark brown, sharp/observant
Skin: Light olive tone
Notable: Angular face, sharp features, small scar through left eyebrow

CLOTHING:**
Black leather armor (form-fitting, silent movement)
Dark grey under-shirt, high collar
Black pants with multiple pockets/pouches
Soft leather boots (made for sneaking)
Dark grey cloak with hood, can cover face
Leather gloves with reinforced knuckles

WEAPONS:**
Twin daggers (one on each hip)
- Black hilts with silver pommels
- Well-maintained blades
Hidden throwing knives (in boot, wrist sheaths)

EXPRESSION & POSE:**
Expression: Confident smirk, one eyebrow raised (knows something you don't)
Eyes: Direct at viewer but with mischief
Pose: Crouched or leaning against wall, relaxed but coiled
One hand near dagger (ready to draw)
Body language: Casual confidence

VIBE:**
Urban thief, charming but dangerous, "trust me, I'm a professional," 
quick wit, lives in shadows

COLORS:**
Blacks, dark greys, minimal color (designed to blend into darkness)

Example 3: The "Reference Overload"

"She looks kind of like Legolas but female and shorter and with darker 
hair but also has some Aragorn vibes mixed with maybe Black Widow 
from Marvel but more fantasy and less modern and her armor is sort of 
like Wonder Woman but less shiny and more realistic and her personality 
is like a mix of Arya Stark and Katniss Everdeen."

CHARACTER: Aelynn

BASICS:
High Elf Ranger, Age 140 (appears mid-20s), Athletic build, 5'8"

PHYSICAL:**
Hair: Dark brown, long and straight, worn in practical ponytail
Eyes: Steel grey
Skin: Fair with slight tan
Notable: High cheekbones, sharp elven features, several small scars 
on hands and forearms from combat

CLOTHING & ARMOR:**
Leather armor (dark brown, reinforced at vital points)
Simple but well-crafted (functional not decorative)
Forest green cloak over shoulders
Leather bracers with subtle elven knotwork
Practical pants and boots built for movement

WEAPONS:**
Longbow (elegant elven design but battle-worn)
Quiver on back with grey-feathered arrows
Long knife at hip (hunting/utility blade)

EXPRESSION & POSE:**
Expression: Serious, focused, calm determination
Eyes: Scanning distance (always alert)
Pose: Ready stance with bow in hand, arrow nocked but not drawn
Body language: Controlled readiness, years of combat training evident

VIBE:**
Experienced warrior who's earned skills through hard work, practical 
not flashy, quiet confidence, more interested in mission than glory

REFERENCES FOR STYLE:**
- Combat-ready stance similar to: [specific image link]
- Armor style (practical leather): [specific image link]  
- Facial features/expression: [specific image link]

(Using references to show STYLE, but described the character directly first)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

After reviewing hundreds of character descriptions, here are the mistakes I see most often:

Mistake #1: Conflicting Information

Example: "She's a stealthy rogue who stays hidden" + "She wears bright red armor with gold trim"

The concept and visuals contradict each other. Stealth rogues wear dark, muted colors.

Fix: Make sure your visual choices support the character concept. If she's stealthy, describe dark, practical gear. If she wears flashy armor, she's probably not a stealth specialist.

Mistake #2: Assuming Universal Knowledge

Example: "He looks like a typical paladin" or "Standard wizard robes"

What's "typical" to you might be different from what the artist envisions. There's no universal "standard."

Fix: Describe specifics. "Polished plate armor with holy symbols" instead of "typical paladin gear."

Mistake #3: Over-Explaining Mechanics

Example: "She's a level 12 Gloomstalker Ranger with the Sharpshooter feat and Hunter's Mark as her signature spell"

The artist doesn't play D&D and has no idea what any of that means visually.

Fix: Translate game mechanics to visual elements. "Expert archer who specializes in fighting in darkness" + describe dark-colored gear and a longbow.

Mistake #4: Novel-Length Backstory

Example: Three paragraphs about their childhood trauma, relationship with their mentor, and character arc

Backstory is important to YOU, but an artist can't draw "had a complicated relationship with their father."

Fix: Include 2-3 sentences of backstory only if it affects visual elements. "Years of wilderness survival" explains why gear is weathered. "Recently knighted" explains why armor is pristine.

Mistake #5: No Prioritization

Example: Listing 30 details with equal emphasis

The artist doesn't know what's most important versus nice-to-have.

Fix: Organize with clear sections. Essential info first (physical appearance, main gear), then supplementary details, then bonus information. Or explicitly say "most important: the scar and the red cloak."

Mistake #6: Color Vagueness

Example: "Blue armor"

Navy? Sky blue? Teal? Cobalt? Royal blue?

Fix: Be specific with color names. Better yet, provide a reference image or hex code if you're particular about it.

Mistake #7: Forgetting the Face

Example: Detailed description of armor and weapons, but "brown hair" is the only facial detail

Many descriptions spend 80% on gear and 20% on the actual person. The face is usually most important!

Fix: Spend time on facial features, expression, and personality shown through the face. That's what makes the character recognizable.

The Communication Process: Working with Your Artist

Providing a great character description is only half the battle. The other half is how you communicate during the process.

Initial Contact: Setting Expectations

When you first reach out to an artist, include:

• Brief intro: "I'd like to commission a [type] portrait of my D&D character"
• Character name and one-sentence concept: "Half-orc fighter who's battle-scarred but honorable"
• Desired portrait type: Bust, half-body, or full-body (see my guide to portrait types)
• Timeline: When you need it by
• Question: "Does this sound like something you'd be interested in?"

Don't send your entire character description in the first message. Wait for the artist to confirm they can take the commission, then provide the full details.

Providing Your Description: Best Practices

Format matters:

• Use a Google Doc, Word doc, or organized text (not a wall of text in an Instagram DM)
• Include section headers for easy navigation
• Put most critical info at the top
• Attach or link reference images separately

Be available for questions: The artist will almost certainly have clarifying questions. Respond promptly. Delays here slow down your entire commission.

Don't assume they know D&D: Many talented artists don't play D&D. Explain terms if needed. "Tiefling (demon-like heritage, has horns and tail)" is clearer than just "tiefling."

During the Process: Giving Good Feedback

When you receive sketch previews or work-in-progress updates, your feedback matters enormously.

Bad feedback:

• "I don't like it"
• "It's not right"
• "Can you make it better?"
• "Just fix it"

Good feedback:

• "The armor looks great! Can the shoulder pauldrons be slightly smaller?"
• "Love the expression. The hair should be a bit longer, about to the shoulders"
• "The pose is perfect. Can you adjust the scar so it goes from eyebrow to cheek instead of across the nose?"

Be specific. Point to what's working AND what needs adjustment. The artist wants to make you happy but needs clear direction.

For more detailed guidance on the commission process and what to expect at each stage, check out my first-time commissioner's guide.

Special Situations: Adapting Your Description

Commissioning as a Gift (When You Don't Know Everything)

If you're commissioning character art as a gift and don't have complete information, focus on what you DO know and be honest about gaps.

Example approach:

"I'm commissioning this as a surprise gift, so I have partial information:

WHAT I KNOW FOR CERTAIN:
- Character name: Theron
- Race: Wood elf
- Uses a bow
- Wears green

WHAT I'M LESS SURE ABOUT:
- Exact hair color (brown or dark blonde?)
- Specific armor style
- Whether he has any scars or markings

CAN YOU HELP WITH:
- Making educated guesses based on wood elf ranger conventions
- Choosing poses that work well for archer characters
"

Most artists are happy to guide you through gaps. Some specialize in exactly this scenario.

For complete strategies on commissioning when you lack information, see my guide on how to commission D&D art when you don't know their character.

Group Portraits: Additional Considerations

If you're commissioning a full party portrait with multiple characters:

• Provide a separate description for each character (using the same template)
• Specify relative heights: "Dwarf comes up to elf's shoulder"
• Describe how they're positioned: "Wizard in back, fighter in front protecting them"
• Note relationships: "These two are siblings (similar features)" or "Rogue stands slightly apart from the group"
• Specify who's the focal point if there is one

Updating Existing Characters

If you're commissioning an updated version of a character you've had drawn before:

• Provide the original artwork as reference
• Clearly state what's CHANGED: "She's older now (5 years later), hair is shorter, armor is different"
• Specify what should STAY THE SAME: "Face, eye color, overall vibe should match original"
• Explain why changes happened if it helps: "Armor changed because she's now a knight" gives context

Platform-Specific Considerations

Where you commission affects how you should present your character description:

Instagram/Twitter DMs

Character limit restrictions make detailed descriptions awkward. Solution:

• Initial message: Brief overview and commission request
• Full description: Share via Google Doc link or email
• Reference images: Dropbox/Google Drive link

Etsy

Most Etsy sellers have a custom order form. Fill it out completely, then attach a document with additional details. Never assume the form captured everything.

For a detailed comparison of commission platforms and their pros/cons, see my guide to where to commission D&D art.

Direct Artist Contact

Professional artists often have their own intake forms or processes. Follow their specific instructions, but having your character description pre-written makes it faster to fill out any form.

The Character Description Checklist

Before you send your description to an artist, run through this checklist:

Essential Information (Must Have):

• Race/species clearly stated
• Physical appearance described (hair, eyes, skin, build)
• Clothing/armor type and colors specified
• Primary weapon or signature item included
• Desired expression/vibe communicated

Important Details (Should Have):

• Distinguishing features mentioned (scars, tattoos, etc.)
• Specific clothing details and condition
• Secondary gear or accessories
• Pose or stance preference indicated
• Personality traits for expression guidance

Quality Markers (Best Practice):

• Organized with clear sections/headers
• Reference images attached or linked
• Color details are specific (not just "blue")
• All information is visual (not just backstory)
• Prioritized (essential info emphasized)
• Contradictions resolved (concept matches visuals)
• Under 1 page (concise, not rambling)

Communication Setup:

• File is easily shareable (Google Doc, PDF, or clean text)
• Contact method established for questions
• Timeline expectations communicated
• Budget confirmed (see my pricing guide)

What Happens Next: Using Your Description

Once you have a solid character description, here's how to use it:

Step 1: Choose Your Artist

Find artists whose style matches what you're envisioning. Portfolio review is critical. See where to look in my platform comparison guide.

Step 2: Make Initial Contact

Brief inquiry first (don't dump the full description immediately). Confirm they're taking commissions and interested in your project.

Step 3: Provide Full Description

Once they confirm interest, share your complete character description along with reference images.

Step 4: Answer Questions

The artist will likely ask clarifying questions. Respond promptly to keep things moving.

Step 5: Review Sketches

You'll receive work-in-progress updates. Give specific, constructive feedback at each stage.

Step 6: Final Approval

Once the piece is finished, do a final review. Most artists include a revision round here.

Step 7: Receive Final Files

You'll get high-resolution files for personal use. Some commissions include printing services.

For a complete walkthrough of what to expect at each stage, including typical timelines and how revisions work, check out my first-time commissioner's guide.

Final Thoughts: Good Descriptions Create Great Art

Here's what I've learned after 500+ character commissions:

The quality of the final artwork is directly proportional to the quality of the initial description.

A vague, disorganized description leads to generic art that requires multiple revision rounds and still doesn't quite feel right. A clear, well-organized description leads to art that captures your character perfectly on the first try.

The time you invest upfront in writing a solid character description saves you time (and frustration) throughout the entire commission process. It's 30 minutes now versus 3 weeks of back-and-forth revisions later.

Most people approach character descriptions the wrong way: they try to share everything they know about their character. The better approach is to focus on translating concepts into visuals.

Don't tell the artist your character is "mysterious and dangerous." Describe the hood partially shadowing their face, the dark colors, the way they hold a dagger with casual familiarity. That's mysterious and dangerous in visual form.

Use the template. Seriously. Even if you think you don't need it, using a structured template ensures you don't forget critical details and that information is organized in a way artists are used to working with.

And remember: artists want you to love your commission. They want to capture your vision accurately. But they can only work with what you give them. A great description is how you set them up for success.

Get Started with Your Character Description

You now have everything you need to write a character description that leads to amazing art:

• ✅ The three-tier framework (Essential, Helpful, Bonus)
• ✅ Section-by-section breakdown
• ✅ Real examples with analysis
• ✅ Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• ✅ Communication best practices
• ✅ Quality checklist

The only thing left is to actually write yours.

And I've made that as easy as possible.

The Ultimate Character Blueprint takes everything in this guide and turns it into a simple fill-in-the-blank template. No staring at a blank page. No wondering if you're including the right information. Just clear questions that prompt you for exactly what artists need.

Download it, spend 15 minutes filling it out, and you'll have a professional-quality character description ready to send to any artist.

Or if you want to skip the artist-hunting process entirely and work with someone who specializes in helping people who aren't sure how to describe their character, I can help.

I've created a guided commission process specifically designed around the Blueprint. You fill it out, and I handle translating it into art. If information is missing, I ask the right clarifying questions. If you're commissioning as a gift and don't know everything, I help you work with what you have.

Check out how my commission process works, or read my complete guide to commissioning fantasy portraits for everything you need to know about timelines, pricing, and what to expect.

Your character deserves art that captures them perfectly. And it all starts with a solid description.

— Jan