Illustrations by Hope
Showcasing fantasy character artwork in watercolor.
Information
terms and Conditions
When you commission me, you agree to the terms outlined below. Please contact me if you have any questions. If you have a tight deadline, want to request an alternative payment method/timeline/plan, or any major changes from what's listed below, please reach out to me before booking a commission
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Below you'll find information on:
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gathering reference images
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my materials
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payment methods and plans
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notes on communication, deadlines, check ins and turnaround times
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fees for commercial use and notes on copyright
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policies on AI usage
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shipping/ delivery
PREPARING REFERENCES
Please have artist references prepared. References help keep the process smooth, and are an efficient way to make sure you and I are on the same page and have clear expectations of the final product. These can be photos, drawings, stick figures, or written description. The more specific you’re able to be with these, the easier it will be for me to get exactly what you’re imaging on to the page. You can make google folders, Pinterest boards etc., whatever works for you to keep all your material in the same place
Things to think about:
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full or partial face claims
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facial features, poses,
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backgrounds,
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Clothes including styles shapes textures, shoes, jewelry, etc.
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armor,
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hairstyles/color/texture,
the more specific you can be the better. Use multiple references for the same item if one isn’t close enough to what you want. If you don’t have/can’t find references, and want me to take an active part in designing your character’s appearance and hunting down references, there is a $25 fee that covers that additional time/communication.
My Materials
For my watercolor work I use 100% cotton watercolor paper, and artist grade watercolor paints, and I only use lightfast (non-fading) pigments. That said, no watercolor is meant to be hung in direct sunlight, so if you want to hang the art up in your home, I recommend a shady wall, and UV treated glass or plexi-glass for the most archival results.
For the character sheets I primarily use digital, but I have used traditional media before, and this is available on request for an additional cost.
PAYMENT
I use PayPal. Other services such as Cashapp and Venmo do not provide the same level of protection for both the artist and the client as PayPal. I use the invoice system on paypal to provide both you and I a clear, written record of payment. Because of Paypal TOS, I will not charge for work until I’m ready to start, and I will never charge for work that will not be completed within a 6 month timeframe
Unless we discuss and agree on another payment plan, ½ of the total payment is due upon agreement to begin work on your commission. After that I’ll start sketching. You’ll get opportunities for feedback during this stage on things like color palette, and pose depending on what you commissioned. This sketching phase will result in a full sized sketch, and color scheme ready to transfer to watercolor paper. Once you approve the final sketch/color scheme, there will be an additional charge to change any elements previously approved. That charge will vary depending on how much time and work it takes to make the changes requested
At this point, the other ½ of the payment plus shipping costs will be due, and I will start the painting/coloring process. You will get regular updates during the painting process as well.
Once I have started work, I do not do refunds for payment given. However, If you are not happy with the result of the sketching phase, and my attempts to resolve the issue are not satisfactory, you are not required to proceed with the remainder of the payment. If the issue is lack of funds to proceed to the next step, talk to me, and I can put the project on hold, or we can discuss other options.
TURNAROUND TIME
I don't take payment until I’m ready to start work on your piece. When we discuss deadlines, I’ll also give you some estimates on check ins and turnaround time. Because I don't’ take payment until I’m ready to start, you can expect your first check-ins within the first week of a paid invoice, unless otherwise discussed.
Sketches are the most communication heavy portion of the process, with multiple opportunities for feedback and adjustments. So the length of this phase will depend on how many adjustments are needed and how well our communication schedule lines up.
Rendering requires more hours on my end, with less input from you, as we will have made all the big decisions in sketching. Final pieces usually take me between 8-15 hrs of work time to complete depending on the product. and you can expect to be updated along the way.
COMMERCIAL LICENSE
For a full commercial license, meaning you have unlimited use of the work to sell your own prints, use in advertising, and use to create your own products without seeking written permission, there is an additional fee of +50% of your project price. With such a license, you are free to reprint, sell or create your own products for sale as long as the image itself is not heavily altered.
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COPYRIGHT/IMAGE USAGE
Unless otherwise discussed, I own the copyright for the image, and can post to social media, or use commissioned artwork images in my promotion. I will not resell commissioned artwork as prints, or otherwise monetize the image. Your purchase of this commission entitles you to use this image for personal use unless a commercial license is purchased.
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Ai Usage
I do not permit my work to be altered with AI or used in AI training sets under normal commercial license. I do not support AI usage in creative fields, and do not cover this usage in my commercial license. ​​​​​
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SHIPPING
The customer is responsible for the cost of shipping. If using USPS within the USA, a decent estimate for shipping will run between $7-$15 depending on the size of your final piece., packaging options and whether or not you opt to insure your package. If you’d rather use another service that you like better, let me know what options to use. Whatever service you choose, I would highly recommend one that supports package tracking, and I would recommend paying the extra few dollars to upgrade shipping insurance to cover the total cost of your order.
DISCLAIMER: After I take the finished work to the post office and it leaves my hands, I’ll send you a photo of your package and the tracking number if you have one. After that, my responsibility ends. I am not liable for any work damaged or lost by the post, but please let me know if they need my help for any reason in tracking late/lost deliveries
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