How Much Does D&D Character Art Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
The Quick Answer
Custom D&D character art typically costs $50 to $300+, depending on complexity, artist experience, and what's included.
Here's the general breakdown:
- Budget tier ($15-50): Simple portraits, newer artists, limited revisions
- Mid-range ($50-150): Quality portraits, experienced artists, revisions included
- Premium ($150-300+): Highly detailed work, established artists, full service
But price alone doesn't tell the whole story. This guide breaks down exactly what you get at each price point, what factors affect cost, and how to get the best value for your budget.
You've decided to commission character art. Maybe you want to finally see your D&D character brought to life. Maybe you're buying a gift for someone who plays. Maybe you're an author who needs art for a book cover.
Then you start looking at prices. And you're confused.
One artist charges $25. Another charges $250. They both call it "character art." How can there be a 10x difference? Is the expensive one ripping people off? Is the cheap one terrible? What's the actual going rate?
After creating 500+ character portraits and watching clients navigate this exact confusion, I can tell you: the pricing landscape makes sense once you understand what you're actually paying for.
This guide breaks down real commission prices in 2025, explains what affects cost, and helps you figure out where to spend your money based on what matters to you.
No vague ranges. No "it depends" without explanation. Just honest numbers and what they mean.
Character Art Pricing by Portrait Type
The single biggest factor in commission pricing is how much of the character you're getting. Here's what to expect in 2025:
| Portrait Type | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Premium Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bust (head/shoulders) | $15-40 | $40-100 | $100-200 |
| Half-body (waist up) | $30-60 | $60-150 | $150-300 |
| Thigh-up | $40-80 | $80-175 | $175-350 |
| Full-body | $50-100 | $100-250 | $250-500+ |
| Group (per character) | $40-80 | $80-150 | $150-250 |
For a detailed breakdown of what each portrait type includes, check out my complete guide to character art types.
These ranges are wide because "character art" isn't one thing. A $30 bust and a $150 bust can both be legitimate prices depending on what's included. Let me explain what creates that difference.
What Actually Affects Commission Pricing
/ Credit : u/reydoll_
When artists set their prices, they're accounting for several factors. Understanding these helps you evaluate whether a price is fair.
Factor #1: Artist Experience & Reputation
This is the biggest variable. An artist with 5 years of professional experience, a large portfolio, and hundreds of positive reviews charges more than someone just starting out.
Why experience costs more:
- Consistent quality (you know what you're getting)
- Efficient process (less back and forth)
- Problem-solving skills (they've handled complex requests before)
- Reliability (they'll actually deliver)
- Communication (clear expectations, regular updates)
A newer artist might create something amazing. Or they might struggle with your specific request. Established artists have track records you can verify.
Factor #2: Time Investment
Quality character art takes hours. Not minutes, hours.
Here's roughly what goes into a mid-range half-body portrait:
- Reading and understanding your character: 30 minutes
- Reference gathering and composition planning: 1 hour
- Initial concept/sketch work: 2-3 hours
- Detailed rendering: 4-6 hours
- Coloring and lighting: 3-4 hours
- Refinement and details: 2-3 hours
- Revisions: 1-3 hours
- File preparation and delivery: 30 minutes
Total: 15-20+ hours of skilled work
If an artist charges $150 for that portrait and spends 15 hours on it, they're making $10/hour before accounting for software, equipment, taxes, and platform fees. That's below minimum wage in most places.
When you see prices that seem high, remember you're paying for skilled labor that takes significant time.
Factor #3: Complexity of Your Character
Not all characters are equal in terms of work required:
| Complexity Level | Price Impact | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Base price | Human in basic clothing, minimal accessories |
| Moderate | +10-25% | Standard fantasy race, medium armor, a weapon or two |
| Complex | +25-50% | Detailed armor, multiple weapons, unusual features |
| Very Complex | +50-100% | Full plate with engravings, magical effects, multiple limbs, elaborate designs |
A tiefling warlock in simple robes takes less time than a dragonborn paladin in ornate plate armor with a glowing holy symbol and flaming sword. Artists price accordingly.
Factor #4: What's Included
The advertised price often doesn't include everything. Watch for:
Revisions:
- Budget artists: Often 1-2 revisions, then extra charges
- Mid-range: Usually 2-3 revisions included
- Premium: Often unlimited revisions until you're satisfied
File formats and resolution:
- Budget: May only provide web resolution
- Mid-range: Usually includes print-ready files
- Premium: Multiple formats, sizes, sometimes source files
Background:
- Budget: Simple color or transparent
- Mid-range: Basic environment or gradient
- Premium: Detailed custom background (often extra cost)
Commercial rights:
- Personal use is usually included
- Commercial use (selling products with the art) often costs extra
- Some artists include full rights, others charge 50-100% more
Always ask what's included before comparing prices. A $100 commission with unlimited revisions and print files might be better value than a $60 commission with one revision round and web-only resolution.
Factor #5: Platform Fees
Where you commission affects price:
| Platform | Fee to Artist | Impact on Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | 20% | Artists price higher to compensate, or accept lower earnings |
| Etsy | ~12-15% | Moderate fee impact |
| Direct (PayPal) | 3-5% | Often lower prices, but less buyer protection |
| Artist's own site | 3-5% | Similar to direct, varies by payment processor |
An artist who charges $100 on Fiverr keeps $80. The same artist might charge $90 on their own site and keep $86. Platform choice affects what you pay.
Price Tier Breakdown: What You Actually Get
Let me be specific about what each price tier typically delivers. This is based on market research across hundreds of listings, not just my own pricing.
💰 Budget Tier: $15-50
What to expect:
- Newer artists building their portfolio
- Artists from regions with lower cost of living
- Faster turnaround (sometimes too fast)
- Simpler style or semi-realistic approach
- Limited revisions (often 1-2)
- Basic file delivery
Common issues at this tier:
- Inconsistent quality (great sometimes, disappointing others)
- Communication challenges
- Generic results that don't capture your specific character
- Missed deadlines or ghosting
- Hidden fees for "extras" that should be standard
Best for:
- Tight budgets with realistic expectations
- Testing the commission waters
- Characters you're less attached to
- Quick needs where quality is secondary
Honest assessment: You can find gems at this price point, but you're gambling. Some budget artists deliver surprisingly good work. Others deliver art that looks nothing like your character. The risk is higher, and there's usually little recourse if things go wrong.
💎 Mid-Range Tier: $50-150
What to expect:
- Experienced artists with established portfolios
- Consistent quality you can predict from their gallery
- Clear communication and process
- 2-3 revision rounds included
- High-resolution files suitable for printing
- Reasonable turnaround (2-4 weeks)
What separates mid-range from budget:
- Reliability. These artists have track records.
- Communication. They respond, provide updates, and meet deadlines.
- Attention to your specific character. They read your description and capture details.
- Professional process. Clear expectations, organized workflow.
Best for:
- Characters you care about and want done right
- Gift commissions where reliability matters
- First-time commissioners who want a good experience
- Most D&D players commissioning their main character
Honest assessment: This is the sweet spot for most people. You get quality work, reasonable service, and predictable results without premium pricing. The difference between $60 and $120 in this tier usually comes down to artist experience and demand.
👑 Premium Tier: $150-300+
What to expect:
- Highly skilled artists with years of experience
- Often artists with professional backgrounds (game studios, book covers)
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Unlimited revisions until perfect
- Multiple file formats and sizes
- White-glove service and communication
- Potential waitlists due to demand
What separates premium from mid-range:
- Artistic mastery. Subtle details in lighting, expression, and composition.
- Character interpretation. They understand what makes YOUR character unique.
- Service level. The entire experience is smooth and stress-free.
- Guarantees. Money-back policies, timeline guarantees, unlimited refinement.
Best for:
- Characters you've played for years and deeply love
- Special occasions (campaign finale, gift for significant other)
- Professional use (book covers, streaming assets)
- People who want the best and are willing to pay for it
Honest assessment: Premium pricing reflects both skill and service. You're paying for certainty: certainty that it will look amazing, certainty that the process will be smooth, certainty that you'll end up with exactly what you envisioned.
Platform Price Comparison
Where you commission affects both price and experience. Here's what to expect on major platforms:
Fiverr
Price range: $15-150
Average quality half-body: $40-80
Pros: Buyer protection, wide selection, reviews visible
Cons: 20% fees inflate prices, quality inconsistent, many template-based artists
Best for: Budget commissions with protection
Etsy
Price range: $50-250
Average quality half-body: $75-140
Pros: Established artists, detailed reviews, good buyer protection
Cons: Harder to communicate before purchase, some shops have long waits
Best for: Reliable mid-range commissions
Direct/Artist Website
Price range: $75-400+
Average quality half-body: $100-200
Pros: Lower fees mean better value, direct relationship, often more flexible
Cons: Less buyer protection, need to vet artist yourself
Best for: Established artists you trust
For detailed platform comparisons, see my guide to where to commission D&D art.
The "Why Is It So Expensive?" Question
Let's address this directly, because I see it constantly.
When someone sees a $150 price tag on character art, they sometimes think: "That's just a picture. Why does it cost so much?"
Here's the reality:
You're Paying for Skill That Took Years to Develop
Professional artists have spent thousands of hours learning anatomy, color theory, composition, digital painting techniques, and character design. That expertise doesn't come free.
You're not paying for the hours spent on your specific piece alone. You're paying for the years of practice that make those hours productive.
You're Paying for Custom Work
Your character portrait doesn't exist until the artist creates it. It's not a product sitting on a shelf. It's made specifically for you, based on your description, capturing your unique vision.
Compare that to buying a print of existing art ($20-40) versus commissioning something that's never existed before. Custom work costs more because it requires more.
You're Paying for a Service Experience
Good commission artists don't just paint. They:
- Communicate throughout the process
- Interpret your description thoughtfully
- Make creative decisions that enhance your vision
- Revise until you're satisfied
- Deliver on deadline
- Handle problems professionally if they arise
That service layer is part of what you're paying for.
The Math Doesn't Lie
Let's do the numbers on a $150 half-body portrait:
- 15 hours of work = $10/hour
- Minus platform fees (15%) = $8.50/hour
- Minus self-employment tax (15%) = $7.22/hour
- Minus software subscriptions, equipment depreciation, reference materials = ~$6-7/hour
At $150, a skilled artist is making less than minimum wage in most developed countries. The "expensive" prices you see are often artists trying to earn a living wage for skilled work.
💡 Perspective Shift
You've probably spent $60 on a dinner that lasted 2 hours. Character art you'll have forever costs $150 and takes 15+ hours of skilled labor to create.
You've probably spent $15/month on streaming services you barely use. A custom portrait costs the same as 6-10 months of Netflix and gives you something permanent and personal.
Framed this way, commission pricing often seems more reasonable.
Red Flags: When Low Prices Signal Problems
I want to be fair: not every cheap commission is bad. Some artists genuinely offer good work at low prices because they're building a portfolio, live in low-cost areas, or work very efficiently.
But suspiciously low prices can indicate problems:
⚠️ Warning Signs in Pricing
Way below market rate with no explanation:
If everyone charges $80-150 for similar work and someone charges $20, ask why. Portfolio building? Low-cost region? Or will they cut corners?
Lots of "extras" that add up:
Base price of $30, but color is +$20, background is +$15, revisions are +$10 each, high-res is +$15... Suddenly you're at $100+ for something advertised as "starting at $30."
Stolen portfolio:
Scammers steal other artists' work to advertise low prices. Reverse image search portfolio pieces if prices seem too good to be true.
No reviews or very new account:
Could be legitimate newcomer, or could be scammer starting fresh after being caught. Low prices + no history = higher risk.
Pressure to pay outside platform:
"I'll give you a discount if you pay through PayPal Friends & Family." This removes your buyer protection. Legitimate artists accept standard payment methods.
For more on spotting problems, see my first-time commissioner's guide.
Getting the Best Value for Your Budget
Whatever your budget, here's how to maximize what you get:
If Your Budget is Under $50
Strategy: Go simpler, not cheaper.
Instead of finding the cheapest full-body artist, find a quality artist and order a bust portrait. A well-done bust for $50 serves your character better than a poorly-done full-body for $50.
Also consider:
- Artists explicitly building portfolios (they want the practice)
- Art trades if you have skills to offer
- Waiting for sales or special offers from artists you like
If Your Budget is $50-150
Strategy: Focus on finding the right artist, not the lowest price.
In this range, you have access to quality artists. Spend time finding someone whose style matches what you want, who has good reviews, and who communicates clearly. The difference between $80 and $120 is less important than finding the right fit.
Questions to ask:
- How many revisions are included?
- What file formats and resolutions do I receive?
- What's your typical turnaround time?
- Can I see examples similar to what I'm requesting?
If Your Budget is $150+
Strategy: Pay for guarantees and service.
At this level, you should expect more than just quality art. Look for artists who offer:
- Money-back guarantees
- Unlimited revisions
- Clear timelines with accountability
- Excellent communication throughout
- Additional deliverables (multiple formats, print-ready files)
The premium isn't just for better art—it's for a better experience and certainty of outcome.
How to Compare Prices Fairly
When evaluating different artists, make sure you're comparing equivalent offerings:
Checklist for Price Comparison
| Factor | Artist A | Artist B | Artist C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base price | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Portrait type included | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| Revisions included | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| Background included? | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| File resolution | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| Turnaround time | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| Number of reviews | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| Refund/guarantee policy | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| Total effective price | $___ | $___ | $___ |
Sometimes the $120 option is actually cheaper than the $80 option once you account for what's included.
Common Pricing Questions
"Should I negotiate on price?"
Generally, no. Artists set their prices based on what they need to earn and what their work is worth. Asking for discounts implies their pricing isn't fair.
Exceptions:
- Large orders (multiple characters at once)
- Ongoing relationship (repeat client)
- Artist explicitly offers negotiation
If an artist's price is outside your budget, it's better to find a different artist than to ask them to undervalue their work.
"Why do similar-looking artists charge different prices?"
Several reasons:
- Different experience levels
- Different service levels (revisions, communication, turnaround)
- Different markets (Fiverr vs direct clients)
- Different cost of living (US vs Southeast Asia)
- Different demand (popular artists charge more)
Two artists with similar portfolios might price differently based on factors beyond the art itself.
"Is it worth paying more for an established artist?"
Usually, yes. Here's why:
- You know what you're getting (consistent quality)
- Less risk of problems (they have reputation to maintain)
- Better service (communication, revisions, deadlines)
- Less stress (the process is smooth)
The premium you pay for established artists isn't just for better art—it's for certainty and peace of mind.
"What if I can't afford the artist I want?"
Options:
- Wait and save up (your character isn't going anywhere)
- Commission a simpler piece (bust instead of full-body)
- Look for similar style at lower price points
- Watch for sales or special offers
- Ask if they have a waitlist at a lower tier
What I don't recommend: settling for someone whose work you don't actually like just because they're cheaper. You'll end up with art you're not happy with.
"How much should I budget for a gift commission?"
For a meaningful gift that will impress:
- Minimum: $75-100 (quality bust or simple half-body)
- Comfortable: $125-175 (detailed half-body from established artist)
- Premium: $200+ (full-body or exceptional artist)
For detailed guidance on gift commissions, see my complete guide to commissioning fantasy portraits as gifts.
My Pricing (Transparency)
Since I'm writing about pricing, I should be transparent about my own:
FondlyFramed Character Portraits:
| Portrait Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Half-body | $140 |
| Thigh-up | $170 |
| Full-body | $180 |
What's included at that price:
- Polished portrait delivered in 2 weeks
- Unlimited revisions until you're satisfied
- High-resolution files (300 DPI) for print and digital
- Money-back guarantee if the first draft isn't your character
- Clear process with same-day communication
Where I fit in the market:
I'm positioned in the premium mid-range: above budget artists, competitive with established mid-range, below elite/celebrity artists.
My pricing reflects the service level (guaranteed timeline, unlimited revisions, money-back guarantee) more than raw artistic prestige. I charge for reliability and experience, not exclusivity.
You can see current availability and order at my commission page.
The Bottom Line on Pricing
Character art pricing makes sense once you understand what you're paying for:
$15-50 (Budget): You're gambling. Might be great, might be disappointing. Limited service, limited recourse.
$50-150 (Mid-range): The sweet spot for most people. Quality art, reasonable service, predictable results.
$150-300+ (Premium): You're paying for certainty. Exceptional art, exceptional service, guaranteed satisfaction.
The "right" price depends on:
- How much you care about this character
- How important reliability is to you
- What your budget allows
- Whether this is a gift or for yourself
My honest advice: for characters you care about, pay for quality. The difference between a disappointing $40 commission and a treasured $140 commission is only $100, but the difference in satisfaction is enormous.
A portrait you love is worth every penny. A portrait you're "eh" about is a waste at any price.
If you have questions about pricing or want to discuss your specific situation, feel free to reach out. I'm happy to help you figure out the right approach for your budget and needs.
— Jan, FondlyFramed
