What to Expect When Commissioning a Fantasy Portrait Gift (First-Timer's Guide)
Your finger hovers over the "commission" button. Your partner's birthday is six weeks away. This portrait idea seems perfect, but...
What actually happens after you click?
If you're like most gift-givers, the fear of the unknown is worse than the actual process. You're imagining complicated forms, confusing fantasy terminology, and awkward conversations with an artist who expects you to know what "paladin armor" means.
Here's the reality: commissioning a fantasy portrait from a photo is simpler than ordering custom cookies. Let me walk you through exactly what happens, day by day, anxiety by anxiety.
The Big Picture
Total time: 2-3 weeks
Your actual involvement: 30 minutes total
Difficult decisions required: Zero
Fantasy knowledge needed: None
Day 0-1: Taking the Leap
Day 0 You Click "Commission"
What you do: Fill out a simple form. Not a fantasy encyclopedia. Usually just:
- Your name and email
- Who this is for (helps set the tone)
- Character basics (whatever you know)
- Upload a photo
- Deadline if you have one
Time required: 5-10 minutes
What you're thinking: "Is this enough information?"
Reality: Yes. Artists are used to working with "He plays a wizard" level of detail.
Day 1 The Artist Responds
What happens: You get a friendly email confirming everything. Usually includes:
- Timeline confirmation
- Any clarifying questions (simple ones)
- Payment details
- What happens next
Common artist questions:
- "Do they prefer armor or robes?" (not "what type of splint mail")
- "Any specific colors they love?"
- "Serious or smiling expression?"
Notice: No fantasy jargon. Good artists translate for you.
Anxiety Relief Moment #1
The artist won't judge you for not knowing fantasy terms. They're used to messages like "He's the one who fights with the big sword" and "She does magic but not the evil kind." This is normal. You're normal.
Days 2-10: The Quiet Phase (You Do Nothing)
What's Actually Happening
The artist is:
- Studying the photo you provided
- Researching appropriate fantasy elements
- Sketching initial concepts
- Building your partner's character from scratch
What you're doing: Nothing. Maybe checking your email too often.
What you're thinking: "Should I check in? Did they forget?"
Reality: They're working. Good artists send updates without prompting.
"I was so anxious during the quiet phase. Kept wanting to email 'just checking in!' But then on day 8, I got this beautiful work-in-progress update. They'd been working the whole time. I just needed to trust the process."
- Jennifer, first-time commissioner
Days 10-14: The Magic Happens
Day 10-12 First Look
What happens: You receive the initial version. This is the moment.
What you feel: Relief mixed with excitement. "That's them! As a fantasy character!"
Common reactions:
- 90% of gift-givers: "This is perfect!"
- 10%: "Could we adjust [small thing]?"
If you want changes:
- Say exactly what: "Could the hair be longer?"
- Don't apologize: Revisions are normal
- Be specific: "More smiling" not "different expression"
Day 13-14 Final Adjustments
What happens: Any requested tweaks are made. Usually within 24-48 hours.
Common adjustments:
- Expression tweaks (more serious/more happy)
- Color adjustments (darker armor, brighter eyes)
- Small detail adds (a necklace they always wear)
What you don't need to worry about: Fantasy accuracy. The artist handles that.
Day 15: The Delivery
What You Actually Receive
High-resolution digital files, typically including:
- Full resolution version (for printing)
- Web-friendly version (for sharing)
- Sometimes: Phone wallpaper dimensions
- Simple instructions for printing
What you're thinking: "Now what?"
Your options:
- Print at home (regular paper is fine for gifting)
- Professional printing ($20-50 for quality)
- Digital frame display
- Keep digital until gift day
Total Actual Effort Required from You:
- Initial form: 10 minutes
- Answering questions: 5 minutes
- Reviewing first version: 5 minutes
- Approval: 30 seconds
Total: Less than 30 minutes over 2 weeks
Common Fears vs. Reality
Fear: "I'll Have to Describe Complex Fantasy Stuff"
Reality: You say "he's a warrior," artist draws warrior. They handle the complexity.
Fear: "The Artist Will Judge Me for Not Knowing"
Reality: Artists love gift-givers. You're giving them easy work with clear purpose.
Fear: "I'll Have to Make Artistic Decisions"
Reality: The artist makes all artistic choices. You just say yes or request tweaks.
Fear: "Communication Will Be Complicated"
Reality: It's like texting with a helpful friend who happens to draw.
What Previous Gift-Givers Say
"I was terrified of commissioning art. Turned out to be easier than ordering groceries online. The artist did everything." - Mark
"I literally told them 'she's an elf who does nature magic' and they created this stunning portrait. I looked like a hero." - David
"The hardest part was not telling my partner early. The process itself? Ridiculously simple." - Anna
The Secret: You're the Easy Client
Here's what artists won't tell you: gift-givers are their favorite clients.
Why? Because:
- You're not obsessing over tiny lore details
- You trust their fantasy expertise
- You're motivated by love, not perfectionism
- You're decisive (deadline pressure helps)
- You're grateful for guidance
The client who plays the character often has 100 specific requirements. You have one: "Make them happy."
Your Timeline for Holiday Gifts
Current Date Reality Check
It's early October. Here's your timeline:
- Commission by October 31: Relaxed timeline, multiple revision rounds possible
- Commission by November 15: Standard timeline, arrives by holidays
- Commission by November 30: Rush timeline, limited artists available
- Commission in December: Good luck, seriously
The Moment That Makes It Worth It
After all the worry, the process, the waiting, you'll hand them the portrait.
They'll go quiet. They'll stare. They'll look at you with this expression of "How did you...?"
And you'll realize: those 30 minutes of effort just created a lifetime memory.
"My wife opened her portrait Christmas morning. She literally gasped, then cried, then showed everyone at dinner, then made it her profile picture everywhere. The commission process? I barely remember it. Her reaction? I'll remember forever."
- Robert, commissioned portrait last year
Ready to Start Your 30-Minute Journey to Hero Status?
Now you know exactly what happens. No mysteries, no complicated fantasy knowledge required, no artistic decisions to make.
Just you, a photo, and an artist who translates your love into art.
The process is simple. The impact is profound. And your partner's birthday is still six weeks away.
Perfect timing.
Start Your Simple Commission Journey →