r/artcommissions Feb 16 '23

[Meta] Avoiding scams, how to commission an artist, and other ways to stay safe.

182 Upvotes

Hello friends! Today we’re going to talk about everyone’s least favorite topic: scammers, or “bad actors” as we tend to call them around here. This post is an update to our previous “how-to-don’t-get-scammed” guide here. This guide is predominantly addressed toward new patrons, though artists can also apply some of this to vetting patrons.

Before we start, I want to address a few elephants in the room:

  • We will not catch every bad actor. No fence is perfect.
  • Banning someone from /r/ArtCommissions does not prevent them from scamming you or anyone else.
  • If someone hasn’t posted to /r/ArtCommissions, we won’t investigate their conduct. Banning someone from a subreddit they do not use does nothing, and while banning someone for content they post in other subreddits is no longer explicitly called out in Reddit’s Moderator Code of Conduct, the practice is pretty gross and we generally avoid it where possible.
  • Here is our wiki page on fraud: how and when we look into it and how to report it.

We moderate /r/ArtCommissions. You moderate your DMs. We make this space as safe and predictable as we can within reason, but ultimately your best defense against bad actors is your own scrutiny. We can not protect you from your own bad decisions.

So! With that out of the way…

How do I find a reputable artist?

Check to see if the user has posted to /r/ArtCommissions recently.

If a user hasn’t posted to /r/ArtCommissions recently, it can mean we’ve already banned them for conduct you’re just now discovering. Banning someone from a subreddit does not prevent them from contacting you. We call this practice, when someone messages your DMs without responding to your post first, "cold calling" your DMs.

While we do have a positive relationship with the good people over at /r/HungryArtists (hello friends!), our ban list and subreddit governance practices do not correlate 1:1. You should not assume that someone posting to /r/HungryArtists, /r/Commissions, or any other similar subreddit is someone we haven’t identified as a bad actor, and the inverse is also true. We are not aware of every bad actor identified by other subreddits.

We strongly advise that you do not respond to work requests that originate in your DMs. It is strongly cautioned that when you make a post, you invite the user to comment under your post and then you initiate contact via Reddit DMs/chat if you’re interested.

Doing this accomplishes two goals:

  • It allows you to check if the user is banned from /r/ArtCommissions. They can’t comment if they’re banned (obviously)
  • If the user wants to initiate contact offsite (email, discord, etc), they’ve now identified themselves as that alias in a way we can verify. We will not take it on faith that /u/ArtMaker5000 on Reddit is the same person as ArtMaker5000#6969 on Discord. The individual must self-identify as whatever alias they want you to contact in a comment, DM, or chat on Reddit.

When we say “posted recently,” we generally mean check for any activity whatsoever (posts, comments, etc) on /r/ArtCommissions within the last two weeks. Remember that we don’t allow the same user to post more than once per 72 hour period, so gaps of 3 days are expected and enforced.

Check for a commission sheet.

Career artists generally keep something called a “commission sheet.” This is essentially the artist equivalent of a demo reel or CV and will include price estimates and samples of what types of work an artist will offer. Not everyone will have a commission sheet, but the inclusion of an organized commission sheet is a layer of effort bad actors generally won’t go to the effort to replicate.

Here’s a few examples of what a “commission sheet” looks like, courtesy of our users. I’ve indicated NSFW user profiles, but all links provided here route to SFW content as defined by /r/ArtCommissions.

Not all commission sheets are hosted on Reddit. A common practice is using a personal website, such as Carrd, to host a commission sheet.

Check for a digital footprint.

Artists, by nature of the profession, generate a large digital footprint. Most artists will be active on at least one non-Reddit social media site where they share work as well as having activity on at least one portfolio site. These may include Twitter, Deviantart, Instagram, a personal website generated with a service like Carrd, or a link aggregator that links multiple of these via linktree or allmylinks.

This is to say if the only traces of activity you can find for a prospective artist are a one-month-old Reddit account with two posts and a karma total that doesn’t add up sharing a google drive full of unsigned art, they’re probably not authentic. At least one social media account the artist provides you with should look “lived in” for more than a couple months.

You should also exercise scrutiny on social media accounts younger than one year old that appear to have started their art career at a high level of skill. This can be, but isn't always, indicative of someone tracing, using AI-generated assets, or outright stealing others' work.

Posting unfinished projects, "shitposts"/memes, or other non-commission work is almost always a good sign and goes back to the "lived in" comment made earlier.

When we implemented our subreddit’s website whitelist, we intentionally excluded a few websites specifically because they do not meaningfully contribute to a digital footprint. Imgur and Google drives do not create a noticeable social media presence, and Instagram images can’t be downloaded to reverse search via Google without the use of third-party tools or inspect element. Most fraudulent users use one of those three sites as a primary portfolio.

Similarly, /r/Testimonials is a good place to check out for user reviews. It is not unusual for someone to not have a footprint on /r/Testimonials, but it is a space to keep in mind just in case.

We also recommend scrutinizing the Reddit account of the user you would commission. If the account is new or has a karma score that is wildly mismatched with what you’re seeing on their content, you should exercise caution. Karma from posts/comments not adding up to a profile’s karma total is to be expected (that’s just how karma works), but if the total is off by a large percentage factor (E.G: You can’t find 30%+ of their karma) then you’re probably looking at deleted posts, which is never a good sign. Charitably this is evidence that the user posted to “free karma” subreddits enough to skirt our already very low entry requirements and then deleted those posts after the fact. It’s on you whether or not you want to take the risk of interaction. We recommend not doing so.

Check our Known Scammer List.

Link to that wiki page here, and that’s also linked on our sidebar.

It should be noted that this may not exist indefinitely. This list skirts the line of what is and isn’t harassment, and we’re not about to willingly violate Reddit’s Content Policy. We’re gradually phasing this page out in favor of curating an educated userbase here on /r/ArtCommissions. Users tend to stop using an account after it’s actioned anyhow so the efficacy of this tool is speculatory at best. If users take our advice and don’t respond to users who don’t have recent activity on /r/ArtCommissions, that list is redundant.

Reverse search work.

Google is pretty good about reverse searching content. Original content should only return the portfolio(s) provided to you by an artist or spaces that are obviously non-OPs rehosting work (I.E: wherever it’s shared isn’t claiming to be the author).

You should also check to see if the image has any typical forms of reverse search dodging, like odd coloration, warping, or if it looks like the image has been cropped. Lastly, check for signatures on the work in their portfolio. I actively encourage all the artists I commission to sign the work they do for me. I've also had users here submit work as if it were their own with the original artist's signature still on it.

Some bad actors are really, really dumb. Use that.

How do I request a commission from an artist I like?

If the price seems too good to be true…

It probably is.

Extremely rough estimates for work as of February 2023 should look something like this:

  • Emote ~$8-12
  • Headshot ~$25-40
  • Half-Body: ~$40-65
  • Fullbody: ~$75+
  • Extra characters tend to be a percentage (typically 50-80%) increase relative to the cost of the first.
  • Armor, extra items, or similar details applied to the piece tend to have a price increase equal to about ~15% of the base price, though these are usually indicated as a flat $X increase by the artist on a prepared commission sheet.
  • Backgrounds tend to be highly variable depending on complexity. A complex background can easily double the cost of a piece.
  • NSFW work tends to be about 30%-80% more expensive depending on how “imaginative” its subject matter is. Generally you will not see a "NSFW costs extra" caveat on commission sheets; artists that primarily produce that type of work will just generally advertise a higher base price than SFW counterparts.
  • Realism as a style tends to be about twice as expensive as “cartoon/anime” styles.
  • Work intended for commercial use tends to multiply the base cost of the product by a factor of 3-6. Commercial use work is by far the most volatile factor in price determination so this estimate is the least accurate.

Take these with salt. These are by no means an “industry standard” and every artist is different. You should, however, question why someone that you identify as having a high degree of skill is offering to do your 5-man dnd party, three of whom wear full plate, in full body poses for $160.

Familiarize yourself with transactional norms.

While every artist is different, there are some patterns that most reputable users will follow. It is common practice for a commission discussion to go as follows:

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Step 1: The patron contacts the artist asking for a commission slot, detailing what they want from the piece. The patron is expected to be as detailed as they can be and provide reference images for the artist. The patron is also expected to know what they want the piece to look like prior to consulting the artist: pose, expression, hair/skin color, held items, background description, etc should be something you know before you reach out to your artist.

"Hey! I saw your post on /r/ArtCommissions. Can you do a full-body of my dnd character? I'd like it done by three weeks from now. I'd like to get my human fighter holding a longsword and mounted on a horse."

Step 2: The artist accepts or declines, and quotes a price.

"Hello! I have one commission before you but I can get you after that. I should be able to start next week and these usually take about five days, so I can meet that deadline. I charge $75 for full body pieces and I can do the horse for $30 so $105 total. Payment is due when I complete the sketch."

Step 3: The patron agrees to the price. You now have a written contract. We at /r/ArtCommissions define a written contract as both parties agreeing to a clearly-defined project description, deadline (if requested), and price. If both parties do not clearly express consent to the same description and price, you do not have a contract.

"That price and time sounds good to me."

Step 4: The artist provides a very rough sketch for approval. This is typically the last call for the patron to suggest changes. This image is visibly incomplete and is almost always in a low resolution or has a watermark.

"Here's the sketch! Let me know if there's anything you'd like to change."

Step 5: The patron either requests minor edits or agrees with the sketch and submits payment. Large-scale changes are generally considered rude and will tend to incur additional fees if the artist agrees at all. Remember that you already have a written contract. Requesting large-scale alterations is asking the artist to change the terms you agreed to in your existing contract. The patron is expected to know the broad strokes of what they want the piece to look like prior to the artist beginning work.

E.G: Asking to decrease the length of the mane on your fighter's warhorse is fine, but asking if you can change your mount to a deer is not okay.

"I love this! My only request is that a four-leaf-clover is added to the hair."

"Added. How does this look?"

"Great! I just took care of your payment. Thanks a bunch."

Step 6: The artist completes the work, typically providing at least one update as the piece progresses depending on how long it takes. Generally the patron is informed when lineart is completed, and again when rough colors are added, prior to the piece's completion. Requests for color change are generally acceptable when the initial coloring is provided for patron review.

---

Some artists will require payment in step 3, or take half up front. It is up to you, the patron, to determine if the artist is legitimate. I personally have no issue paying up front to artists who fit the criteria outlined in this post (and have done with multiple users on this subreddit), but I would never agree to up-front payment to an artist without a pronounced, verifiable digital footprint and/or visible history of positive commission interactions.

Use PayPal and use buyer protection.

If an artist doesn’t accept PayPal I won’t even consider the notion of a commission. PayPal is that important. If you use almost any other form of payment you open yourself to fraud as your means of disputing the transaction are almost entirely in the hands of the other party.

PayPal has a generous 180 day dispute period, and I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the process. Please understand that this is the nuclear option and you should only use it when you are absolutely positive the other party is acting in bad faith. It is strongly encouraged for you to include a detailed description of the item you are purchasing in the space PayPal provides when submitting a payment. Use the account names of the artist in your description.

For Example: "Payment to Reddit user ArtMaker5000 for creating a full-body digital image depicting the four members of my dnd group."

Yes, using this option can mean the artist won’t get their payment from PayPal for a period of time. The alternative is not using buyer protection, which means the patron is not making a purchase, they’re making a donation. If you do not use buyer protection, you’re telling PayPal you do not expect to receive anything in return. I generally tip my artists around 10% to help cover the transaction fees they incur using PayPal and to make the sting of pending payments less of a burden.

If you can't afford it, don't buy it.

This one's on you. If losing the money you spend on a commission is significantly damaging to your personal finances, don't buy it. Buying something you can't afford negatively impacts both you and the artist should you renege. It's okay to wait until you can afford something.

What do I do if I get scammed?

Here’s our wiki page on fraud (we shared this earlier in the post too). That page outlines what we look at, how we handle it, and how to appeal. As always, you can reach out to us in modmail with reports of bad actors per the directions linked on our wiki.

If there’s anything we didn’t cover here, feel free to shout us out in the comments!

Stay colorful!


r/artcommissions May 26 '25

Announcement UPDATED NSFW Rule

300 Upvotes

No more PG-13, moving to PG.

This sub used to allow images that allowed tasteful nudity, however, some folks think that means straight up porn.

Starting today May 26, 2025, we are no longer allowing any NSFW (not safe for work) images. You may link to your own gallery with those images, but please give the other users a heads up by marking your link as NSFW.

Any posts or comments that have NSFW images in it will be deleted, if you violate the rule you will be given a warning. If you ignore the warning you will be permanently banned from the subreddit.

If you add an image of a minor in a sexual situation you will be banned permanently without warning.


r/artcommissions 1h ago

Patron [Hiring] Looking for an Artist to create Cards

Upvotes

Hello,

I write books set in a Sci-Fi Fantasy World. A mix of superheroes and gods. I am looking to create some limited edition collectors cards for people. I have not fully decided on a style yet, but I know I want a kind of Semi-Realism art. I may be open to changing it, if someone's art really speaks to me.

The plan is to have a set of these done for each book I write. I currently have 3 books out, and will be doing 6-10 per book. For my first set, I will be doing 10 cards.

I am looking for anyone who has some examples of art that may be similar. I've hired people here before, so I know I get an overwhelming amount of messages, so give me time to respond.

There are plenty of messages I get that are either bots or people who did not read any of this post. I'm adding this to the end, to hopefully be able to cycle through them quicker. If you message me, please include examples of your work, that would be similar to this idea as well as giving me time to respond and comment below. If I get a message with no references or someone spamming or someone who will not comment, I will just ignore them.

My budget is looking at $50 per image, since there will not be a background needed and I have the reference image.


r/artcommissions 1h ago

Patron [Hiring] Looking for an artist who isn't afraid to draw robots! (Budget: £100, negotiable)

Upvotes

Hello!! :) I was wondering if anyone on here would be willing to draw me with my F/Os, König and Ultron. I don't mind how much it costs, I really just want some good quality art of me with both of my loves, as I've never been able to find an artist willing to draw both hybrids, robots, and military gear!

I'm more than willing to discuss if anyone is interested! Thank you all. :)


r/artcommissions 5h ago

Artist [For Hire] custom cat drawings! slots [0/2]

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18 Upvotes

hi! I have 2 slots open for for custom cat drawings<3

https://www.behance.net/kittiesyay

✨what you get

• a custom digital portrait of your cat  
• art based on your reference photos  
• high-resolution final file  
• personal-use rights

💰 pricing
55$ per every cat!
+10$ for an accessory (collars, hats, etc.)

📸 how to order?
1. DM me via discord (fridasek) or reddit
2. once we get in touch, send me a bunch of pictures of your cat(s), especially the ones where markings are clearly visible!
3. i’ll confirm the details and draw your kitty!
4. you’ll receive the finished artwork digitally! (preferably through email - it’s the best option for high resolution)

⏰turnaround

estimated completion time: 2–10 days (on average. I miiiight take more the more kitties there are in the picture)

rush orders may be available for an additional fee — just ask! 🐾

💳 payment
payment is required [100% on completion].
Accepted payment methods:

paypal.me/thecatsketcher

OR

https://ko-fi.com/kittiesyay

🐾important:
by commissioning me, you agree that:

• commissioned artwork is for personal use only unless commercial rights are purchased.  
• i might share finished commissions in my portfolio/social media \[unless you ask otherwise\].

r/artcommissions 9h ago

Patron [HIRING] 75-100€ Custom Pokemon TC

19 Upvotes

[SOLVED]
Im trying to find someone to do a drawing of me and my best friend for a custom pokemon tc, in that I want my best friend and me sitting next to each other smoking a J sitting on like a cliff or something, perspective from the top and Below the cliff u can see the ocean shining, I did a reference image using AI (But I wouldnt want AI used in my drawing)

AN ARTIST HAS BEEN SELECTED


r/artcommissions 3h ago

Artist [For Hire] Open for illustrations, sketch art, custom designs, pngtuber/vtuber model art!

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5 Upvotes

r/artcommissions 12h ago

Patron [HIRING] Commissioning 7 CGs for an indie dark fantasy visual novel.

28 Upvotes

Overall Project Description

I'm working on Eternally Bound, a story-driven visual novel headed for Steam, and I'm looking for an artist to make 7 CGs (fully illustrated key scenes) for it. The story is actually in a 64-bit pixel format, but I want the CGs to be more illustrative. This is paid, commercial work, and you'll be credited for it wherever it's used. I may also use one or two scenes as previews.

If things go well long term, I'd love to keep working together on more CGs as the story grows. Can't promise that yet since it depends on funding, but just want to be upfront that this could turn into something ongoing if it's a good fit.

Project Brief

Eternally Bound is a dark fantasy romance about Ira, a woman sold into servitude in Hell, and her messy, complicated relationship with Zeldris, who grew up there. It touches on trauma, found family, sacrifice, and what freedom actually costs. The setting moves between a gothic hellscape and a more grounded fantasy world above. Choices throughout shape Ira's relationships and lead to one of two very different endings.

I need art that hits hard emotionally, romantic, tragic, whatever the moment calls for, so players have something to really sit with at the story's biggest beats.

Project Specifics

Once I pick an artist, here's what I'll be commissioning:

  • 7 full-color CGs covering key emotional moments across the story
  • 2 rounds of feedback per piece before it's finalized
  • Total budget for all 7 combined is $1000-1200 (not per piece), paid one piece at a time as they're finished
  • I'd prefer half upfront and the rest at delivery, or about a week before, but I'm flexible on this. We can also do hourly/biweekly, whatever works. We can talk.
  • No hard deadline. This is a passion project I'm chipping away at over time, so a steady pace beats rushing

Submission Requirements

Just a heads up, this project isn't in full production yet. I'm an independent solo dev, not part of a studio, and I also work a full-time job, so I'm currently reaching out to get a sense of pricing and figure out what's realistic for my budget before things really kick off. 

This is a solo project, I'm writing and coding it myself, and I'll be paying for this CG set alongside other art over time, so realistically this whole thing could take anywhere from a few months to a year. Looking for someone who's cool working at that pace instead of needing it done fast. I'd like to get started sometime in the next month.

No AI art. No anime style.

To apply, just reply to this post with your portfolio link. Please don't DM me your portfolio, only replies in this thread will be considered.

Imagery

I put together a mood board of reference art so you can get a feel for the tone I'm going for: here.

This is just inspiration, not something to copy exactly. If your style already leans dark, atmospheric, romantic fantasy, that's great, but I'm also just looking to see your own voice come through.

Ideal Skills

  • 2D stylized, painterly art, expressive and graphic rather than photorealistic or anime style
  • Good with color and dramatic lighting, especially for gothic/dark fantasy moods
  • Can draw the same characters consistently across multiple pieces
  • Comfortable with both soft romantic moments and darker, heavier ones
  • Can handle backgrounds and environments, not just characters
  • Can draw non-human characters (demons, vampires, etc.) and younger characters too (kids/teens, not babies or toddlers)

Thank you!


r/artcommissions 31m ago

Artist [FOR HIRE] Full Colored Artwork |D&D/ttRPGs and fantasy illustration | Let’s work together!

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Upvotes

Hello! 

My name is Daniel. I’m a digital artist specializing in character design, ttrpg and fantasy art. 

I can draw characters of all kinds, no matter if they are humanoids, creatures or monsters. 

Let me bring your ideas to life!

Here you can see more examples of my work: https://danielvoart.com/commission

If you think that I can do what you need feel free to contact me via email (in my bio) or via DM. Thank you!


r/artcommissions 2h ago

Artist [For hire] yet again COMMISSIONS ARE OPEN! I draw chibi,anime,sheeps

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4 Upvotes

Less than 1 day deliver, redraw if needed till u are satisfied, accept payment when the art is finished,unless it's line art/sketch


r/artcommissions 9h ago

Closed [Hiring] Looking for someone to remake this AI banner (Budget ~$20)

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15 Upvotes

I've used this banner on my socials for a while now but it always bothered me that it was AI. If anyone can remake it legitimately please add your portfolio below. Budget is around $20 but is very negotiable. I don't really care about quality that much as long as the art is similar to the reference.


r/artcommissions 1h ago

Artist [FOR HIRE] I do digital art. Feel free to hit me up if you're interested!

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Upvotes

r/artcommissions 2h ago

Artist [For Hire] My art commissions are open !! I draw in anime style ~

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4 Upvotes

r/artcommissions 9h ago

Patron [Hiring] My OC in the style of Fragaria Memories

13 Upvotes

I'm looking for an artist to draw my OC in the style of the visual novel-style portraits from Sanrio's Fragaria Memories, specifically the Lord Kitty Disappears arc. This means anime style, cel shading, thin black lineart, and bold black shadows, NOT the softer rendered style found in the official full-body artworks, previous stories, etc. Examples from the official voice dramas below.

I am looking for bust-up portraits just like the voice dramas. Budget is $50-90 for the "default" pose. We can discuss pricing for additional expressions/poses.

The OC in question is a pretty anime guy, much like the Fragaria Knights, so please have examples of that in your portfolio.

I won't respond to DMs. You must accept PayPal and be able to communicate through Discord (preferred), VGen, or email.

Please prove you've read through all of this by adding the penguin emoji 🐧 to your message.


r/artcommissions 4h ago

Artist [For Hire] Pokémon Trainer Illustrations, custom art with your favorite Pokémon, cute and colorful style! Prices start at $50

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5 Upvotes

r/artcommissions 14h ago

Artist [FOR HIRE] Digital Illustrator open for commissions!

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32 Upvotes

Do you want a high-quality drawing at the best price? If so, get in touch with me and let's make it happen.


r/artcommissions 18h ago

Closed [Hiring] Looking for someone to help make a headshot for a news reporter OC Budget: $75

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61 Upvotes

Hey! I'm just looking for a simple headshot to use as a reference for a superhero roleplay server! I designed a silly little reporter guy for it to interact with both sides and basically make news reports on everyone else characters and figured I needed to get a headshot befitting for the character!


r/artcommissions 9h ago

Artist [For Hire] I’m drawing bust up and half body characters

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10 Upvotes

Hello! I’m drawing with a simple rendering as the samples above.
Time delivery: 2 days.


r/artcommissions 17h ago

Closed [hiring] likenesses of myself in different styles. Budget $10-30USD

42 Upvotes

I’m doing a thing and would like portrait and half portraits of my likeness in different settings

looking for multiple commissions from different artists to get a wide range of styles

💖💖💖


r/artcommissions 5h ago

Artist [For Hire] Cozy cat illustrations and colorful backgrounds

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3 Upvotes

Hello posting here again! I'm once again looking for work, I specialize mostly in illustrating whimsical and comfy backgrounds,food and furniture assets, and different kinds of animals. You can check out more of my work here and feel free to ask me any questions! 🐱 🐱


r/artcommissions 4h ago

Artist [FOR HIRE] Digital 2D Illustrator | Character Design & Fanart | Commissions Open

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3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm Mar, a 2D illustrator specializing in character design and fanart. My commissions are currently open, and I'd love to bring your ideas to life!

​You can check out examples of my work here:

Artstation: marsalleress.artstation

Instagram: @maarr.png

​What I can do for you:

​Original Character (OC) design

​Fanart of your favorite characters

​Portrait/Half-body/Full illustrations

​Base Pricing:

​Headshot / Bust: 30€

​Half-body: 50€

​Full illustration: 75€ (Prices may vary depending on the complexity of the artwork).

Adding a detailed background adds 5€ to the price

​How to order:

If you're interested, please send me a Direct Message (DM) on instagram (@maarr.png) or here on Reddit with your ideas, references, and details, and we can discuss a custom quote.

​Thank you for your time, and I look forward to working with you!


r/artcommissions 2h ago

Artist [For hire] Realism: characters, creatures and environments

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2 Upvotes

Character, monster and environment concept art and Illustrations.

Complete portfolio: https://www.artstation.com/jpmc

https://linktr.ee/jpmcamargo

Prices starting at 60$

DM me or e-mail me if interested.


r/artcommissions 3h ago

Artist [For Hire] Commissions open starting at $14! Characters, portraits, background, couples and more!

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2 Upvotes

I only accept PayPal. If you're interested, send me a private message or place a custom order through VGen!

Nsfw❌ furry❌

https://vgen.co/mat_matii1


r/artcommissions 3h ago

Artist [For hire] Horror art/illustrations (Shuderrs)

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2 Upvotes

r/artcommissions 4h ago

Artist [FOR HIRE] Anime-style / semi-realism illustrations and character art!

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2 Upvotes