Your First D&D Portrait: What to Say to Your Artist
A first D&D portrait commission is easier when you know what to say at each stage. Your enquiry checks fit, your brief records the request and your feedback explains the changes you need.
Jan
2 min read
A first D&D portrait commission is easier when you know what to say at each stage. Your enquiry checks fit, your brief records the request and your feedback explains the changes you need.
You do not need to write all three messages at once. Start with enough information for the artist to tell you whether the work suits their process.
First message: check fit and scope
Say what you want, where it will be used and whether you have a deadline. Ask about availability and what is included in the quote.
A fictional enquiry
“I'm looking for a thigh-up portrait of one D&D character for my character sheet. I have outfit references and a description of the face. Do you have availability, and is a simple background included?”
If it is for a gift or public project, include that context. It can affect the references, files and permissions you need.
Second message: record the essentials
Once you understand the scope, organize the details. Put the must-have features near the top and label the purpose of each reference.
A fictional brief
“The essentials are the cropped red hair, dark blue coat and brass compass. Use the first image for the coat shape, but leave out its fur collar. I want a calm expression. The compass should be visible if it fits the agreed crop.”
Ask the artist to confirm any important inclusion rather than relying on it being noticed in a longer message.
Third message: make feedback specific
Review the portrait against the agreed brief. Tell the artist where the mismatch is and what should change.
Leaves the artist guessing
“The face is not right. Can you make it more like her?”
Gives a clear direction
“Please shorten the jaw slightly to match the front-view reference and relax the eyebrows. Keep the hairstyle as it is.”
Keep the agreement with the messages
Save the scope, price and review terms. Major pose or outfit changes may be a different request from a refinement.
Read the current refund policy before paying. A commission should give you clear next steps, not require you to guess how approval works.
Read the full first-time commission guide if you want to check the rest of the process before sending that first message.
