Behind the Artwork: How a Commission Comes to Life

One of the questions I get asked most often is: “What actually happens after I commission a piece?”

Today I thought it would be fun to give a little behind-the-scenes look at my creative process and show how a commission goes from an idea to a finished illustration.

Step 1: The Initial Concept

Every commission starts with a conversation. Whether it’s an original character, fan art, or a custom illustration, I always begin by gathering as much information as possible.

References are incredibly helpful during this stage. The more visual references and details I receive, the easier it becomes to understand the client’s vision and bring it to life.

Step 2: Rough Sketches

Once I have a clear understanding of the project, I start creating rough sketches.

This phase is all about composition, pose, and overall design. Nothing is final yet, which means it’s the perfect moment for adjustments and feedback.

I often create multiple variations before settling on the strongest composition.

Step 3: Line Art and Refinement

After the sketch has been approved, I move on to the clean line art.

At this stage, the artwork starts looking much closer to the final result. Details are refined, proportions are adjusted, and every element is carefully polished.

This is where the piece really begins to take shape.

Step 4: Colors and Rendering

Coloring is one of my favorite parts of the process.

I experiment with lighting, mood, and color palettes to create an illustration that feels vibrant and alive. Depending on the complexity of the piece, rendering can take several hours or even multiple days.

It’s often the longest phase of the entire commission.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before delivery, I always take time to review the artwork one last time.

Small corrections, additional effects, and final polish help ensure that the finished piece meets both my own quality standards and the client’s expectations.

Only once I’m completely satisfied is the artwork ready to be delivered.

Thank You for Supporting My Work

Every commission allows me to continue creating art and developing my skills as an artist. Whether you’ve commissioned me before, purchased a print, supported me through Ko-fi, or simply shared my work with others, your support means more than you know.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and I look forward to creating many more pieces in the future!