[Abyssal Flames]

Commission FAQ

Q: Do I own the artwork after I pay you for a commission?
Q: What sort of commission can I ask for?
Q: Can I ask for a commission that uses copyrighted characters such as Tasuki, Kenshin, etc?
Q: Do you accept commissions with controversial subjects?
Q: Will you discount/work for free for a non-profit purpose/organization?
Q: I'm new to this, I'm not quite sure what kind of commission I want...
Q: Do you do non-anime and/or non-cartoon based commissions?
Q: What mediums can you use?
Q: How long does a commission take you?
Q: How much do you generally charge for a commission?
Q: How fast do you work?
Q: I'd like to do a collaboration. Is it possible to work on a large project entirely over the web together?
Q: How do I pay for a commission?
Q: Can I cancel my commission contract with you once the project's underway?

I: Do I own the artwork after I pay you for a commission?

A: This is a lovely question. You own the right to USE the image for whatever purpose we agreed upon at the onset of the commission. Resizing and/or optimizing the image is included with that right. Nevertheless, I own the RIGHTS to the image itself, meaning that only I can edit and change the image in a way that changes its purpose or meaning. I reserve the right to display the image here on Abyssal Flames [watermarked and protected of course] unless the image is pending publication or distribution, or otherwise specified.

II: What sort of commission can I ask for?

A: I'm open to anything. If you have something I haven't considered here, run it by me. I'm always willing to broaden my horizons, odds are I'll say yes.

III: Can I ask for a commission that uses copyrighted characters such as Tasuki, Kenshin, etc?

A: Yes, feel free. I have no problems with recreating an existing image you cherish from a certain series or drawing your favourite characters. I will do any series/characters, as long as you provide me with either the image itself that you want recreated, or an image of the character you want.

IV: Do you accept commissions with controversial subjects?

A: The only subject I refuse to touch on in my art is hentai. I have no issues whatsoever with blood, excessive gore, death, brutality, tasteful nudity, etc so on and so forth. Shonen-ai and yaoi aren't common requests, but I've done them on occasion. Granted there may be certain exceptions to the rule, so if you have something specific in mind that you aren't terribly sure about, feel free to ask.

V: Will you discount/work for free for a non-profit purpose/organization?

A: ... free? No. Discount? Maybe. I'd have to hear out specific cases.

VI: I'm new to this, I'm not quite sure what kind of commission I want...

A: Well, if you know what type of artwork you want [ex: a specific RPG or anime series], I can suggest quite a few layouts and formats for a commission that would suit your budget. On the other end of the spectrum, quite a few people have asked me to draw people they know as anime characters for intended birthday gifts, X-mas gifts, etc.

VII: Do you do non-anime and/or non-cartoon based commissions?

A: Yes, once in a blue moon. Most people tend to request anime/manga commissions, so other forms are relatively rare, but nontheless I'll take on almost anything. If you have anything specific in mind, run it by me and we'll see.

VIII: What mediums can you use?

A: Quite a few. Pencil sketch, color pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, scratchboard, cel painting, charcoal, oil painting, murals, etc. Unfortunately I will only take on specific types of art commissions [in this case, only CG-related]. I don't have the time for anything else these days.

Programs I have extensive experience with are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe ImageReady, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Flash MX, Dreamweaver MX, Director 8.5 and MX, 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, and Quicktime Pro.

Concerning websites, I refuse to use WYSIWYG programs [What You See Is What You Get] such as Dreamweaver and Frontpage. Not only do they both append excessive amounts of unnecessary coding that only serves to limit the editing process exclusively to those programs alone, but utilizing something that builds your page for you because you're too idiotic to do it yourself suggests no intelligence whatsoever. I code everything by hand, utilizing HTML, CSS, PHP, etc. I prefer to know what has been put into the code so that I have the ability to fix any problems that might arise.

IX: How long does a commission take you?

A: The duration of a commission depends on the complexity, difficulty and detail specified. How many hours needed in order for its completion will be decided based on those conditions. Something simple may take me a week, something extensive could take me a month, depending on how crazy you get with your commission.

X: How much do you generally charge for a commission?

A: Details available here.

XI: How fast do you work?

A: Rather quickly. Premilinary sketches are usually done within a few hours, depending on the complexity of the image itself. Though that portion of the process is quick, putting the finishing touches on the image will take a little longer. Unless specified otherwise, I typically use a cel-animation style on my images as opposed to the usual airbrushing technique found in most CG work on the web [however, this can be requested]. What this means is that I emulate the technique used by professional anime creators as accurately as possible to ensure your commission has an authentic anime look to it.

Unfortunately I am swamped with work and clients. The time I spend on commissions each day is limited, but I make a point to provide updates each week after the initial agreement. If you need a rush job, however, just ask. I have been known to make exceptions.

XII: I'd like to do a collaboration. Is it possible to work on a large project entirely over the web together?

A: Yes, not a problem. High-speed connection, multiple computers at my disposal, latest version of various software applications - put me to work.

XIII: How do I pay for a commission?

A: I prefer money to be wired directly to my bank account to avoid any unnecessary snags, but we'll discuss that when we get to it.

XIV: Can I cancel my commission contract with you once the project's underway?

A: I break commissions into stages, as detailed below:

Stage I: Commissioner proposes project, and we mutually agree upon a contract which includes total price, and details of the project, in electronic writing.

Stage II: I show preliminary concept sketches to be approved; Commissioner sends 50% of total price as down payment.

Stage III: Commissioner approves sketches and/or suggests changes, and then I finish the sketches and show a partially colored proof of the final product for the last round approval.

Stage IV: If commissioner is satisfied, s/he sends the other 50% of payment, and the final product is finished and sent electronically to the designated recipient.

If you have been shown the first concept sketches and you are unsatisfied, you can cancel the commission and receive a refund of any fees paid. If you wait until I've shown you the partially coloured image, you can cancel the commission, but the 50% payment works as a “cancellation fee” and cannot be refunded. If you have financial issues and wish to pay smaller sums [ie 20% as opposed to 50%] at designated intervals, please let me know ahead of time so that we can work out an appropriate timetable.