Smudge Marks & Engel Werks

Due to my work schedule and other obligations, I am taking only a finite number of commissions at any one time. Before inquiring about a commission, please read this document completely, since it may answer some of the questions you may have about the process.

1. How much is a commission? Unlike many artists, I do not charge a flat rate for most commissions. Every commission is unique and needs to be reviewed before I agree to it. However, here is a rough idea what certain types or class of art from might cost.
   

   $25.00+ USD

   

   $60.00+ USD

   

   $200.00+ USD

   

   Calico Dress – $200.00+ USD

   

   Leader of the Pack – $400.00+ USD

   

   Cruz’n to Canterlot – $600.00+ USD

   

   Approaching Storm – $1,000.00+ USD
2. What type of art you willing to do? As my galleries show, I can handle a wide range of topics and subject matters. However, I have certain restrictions on what I will—and will not—do.
   1. As a general rule, my work is PG-13 in nature, though I will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. As a rule of thumb, if a great pin-up artists of the 1940s like Vargas would do it, then I probably am okay with it.
   2. I may be willing to produce editorial art in some cases but, again, I will review each job on a case-by-case basis.
   3. I work primarily in traditional media—colored pencil, graphite pencil, and pen and ink are the main tools of my trade. In the future I hope to explore digital art further, but for now I am not accepting digital commissions.
   4. I accept commercial commissions, but I may charge more if the art will be used for a profit-making application. Reproduction and distribution rights must be negotiated before work begins.
   5. All payments must be in US dollars, unless other arrangements are made in writing before work begins. Online commissions can be paid via check, money order, or PayPal.
      *California customers, sorry, but we have to apply sales tax too.
      

I also want to make one thing clear right now: No means no. I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. If I decline to take your commission, I may or may not give an explanation for my refusal. I may ask you to propose another idea. If I already have completed several commissions for you, I may decline another to allow a new client a chance to use my services. Please do not pester, nag, or hound me about refusing your commission. I will not tolerate it and will respond with appropriate actions. In short, I am not your indentured servant who must wait on your every beck and call.

1. Does price include shipping or framing? No. Since my audience is literally worldwide, I cannot assign a flat rate for shipping my work. Also, because the size and weight of each commission may vary widely, I cannot predetermine shipping costs. However, I may immediately ask for your shipping address so I can calculate shipping cost and give you an overall price. For shipping within the United States I prefer to use USPS Priority Mail. For international shipping, the size of the work may have a profound effect on price of shipping. It is the responsibility of the client to assure that the subject matter of any commission is in compliance with their country’s laws for importation and possession.
2. How long does a commission take? If the piece is a simple black-and-white drawing, turn-around time may be as short as one week. The more complicated a job is, the longer it may take; however, I am striving to keep the wait time down to no more than twelve (12) months. That is why I accept only a small number of commissions at any one time.
3. Do I have to pay in full up front for my commission? For more complex commissions, I will ask for half of the payment at the beginning of work. At completion of work, I will send a low-resolution JPEG image to the client for review. Upon final approval, I will require final payment from the client, then will ship the finished work plus any development art related to the commission.
4. Why are you charging so much for my commission? You didn’t charge someone else as much for his or her commission. Depending on the commission’s subject matter, I may conduct a fair bit of research and create preliminary art before starting on the final work. Clarifying specific details may require me to create multiple development drawings. I may perform library and video research before beginning even preliminary sketches. In extreme cases, I may correspond with experts in specific fields to verify certain details.
5. I’ve sent my 50% deposit payment, but now I don’t want the commission or I can’t afford to pay the remainder. Can I get my money back? If no significant work has been done yet, then I may be able to send a partial or complete refund within ninety (90) days. If I already have committed several hours of research and study to your commission, or have started on final work, I cannot refund all, or even any, of the deposit. In the business, this is referred to as a kill fee, designed to discourage clients from backing out of commissions on a whim.