how it works

once we both agree on a sketch, i get to work on bringing it to life. using my ipad as a light table, i transfer the image to watercolor paper with a first pass on colored pencil lineart.

this first pass is often very soft and not super detailed, but after painting is complete i’ll go back through and add extra line weight and detailing all throughout.

once painting is complete, i’ll check in with you one last time. if i haven’t missed any markings or whiskers and everything is looking ready to go, i’ll confirm your name & mailing address one last time and get to work on processing!

i’ll take a scan of the finished image and bring it in to procreate where i clean up the negative space and make sure no contrast was lost. i’ll send you this file for personal use, and if your commission is a badge, i’ll use it to make two copies to laminate in durable 10mil lamination.

once it’s all done, all that’s left is shipping! all of my commissions are packaged in a print sleeve with a backing board for extra stability and shipped in a rigid cardboard mailer covered in ‘do not bend stickers’. you will receive a tracking number alongside your scan!

every badge and character watercolor starts with a digital sketch. during this stage, i closely study your character’s reference materials and provided descriptions and do my best to make something that is representative of them!

once my first pass is completed, i send you what i come up with and open up the discussion as to whether or not it’s the right direction to go in, if it needs any edits, or if i should come up with something else completely. all edits and revisions during this stage are included in the cost of your commission, so feel free to be honest with me so we can some up with something you’re happy with!

once everything is all transferred to paper, i’ll double check your references and make sure everything is in order as far as coloring.

if your commission is limited palette, i’ll choose 1-3 colors that suit your character’s design and use those to block in values and design characteristics. if the commission is full-color or a badge, the coloring is much more complex and is built up using multiple layers to achieve the most saturated look i can with watercolor. this step in the process is very meditative and typically done in one sitting unless i’m interrupted, so there won’t be check ins until i’m done!