Terms of service (& FAQ)
Are you currently accepting commissions?
I accept a limited number of commissions annually; securing your spot in the queue several months prior to your desired delivery date is advised.
Can I share my commissioned art on social media?
YES! Please share the art with your friends, family, and followers. (*please see the bottom bullet point for details)
Can I commission fan-art?
Absolutely! Fan-art is one of my favorite things to do!
Can I add a second commission to my order?
YES! If there is another commission space available, you may claim it for a second (or 3rd, or 4th) order.
I really want a background for my character but I can’t pay that much. What counts as a “complex background”?
It might be easiest to explain what does NOT count as a complex background. For example, the following are considered “simple background elements”:
Empty room spaces or dimly lit interiors. If there is no intricate detail to the interior there is no need for the extra charge.
Splashes of colour/water/rain/snow/magic/smoke/wind/bokeh/small particles surrounding the character.
Bright neon colors/rave settings/beams of light
Gradients, graphic boxes/circles/swipes of paint
Accessories held by characters (such as weapons, cups, food, boxes, or other small to medium sized props such as sitting on a simple chair)
Open outdoor areas with no architecture. An empty field with just the sky and maybe some grass would be considered “simple”. Similarly if you have a character standing in the water/swimming in sea with nothing around them, then that isn't complex either.
Some exceptions are always possible and I am happy to discuss alternative options. I will always communicate with you to ensure a fair and reasonable price for what you desire in your artwork.
When can I expect to receive my finished commission?
The time it takes to finish a single illustration varies depending on factors such as the order in which commissions were received, the complexity of the commissioned piece, other work, convention seasons, and personal health. I will send updates according to progress (usually once per week after the project has been started, depending on the scope of the artwork).
Do you send sketches?
YES! In most cases you will receive a rough sketch and/or thumbnail sketches to approve of the initial design, at no extra cost.
How do I pay for my commission?
I only accept payment through PayPal to ensure a secure and safe transaction for both of us. You will receive an invoice with details of your commission and the payment(s).
I can’t afford to pay it all at once. Can I split the payments?
Commissions can be paid either 100% upfront or split 50% upfront and 50% after sketch approval. Do not send any payment before you have received the invoice.
What if I’m not 100% satisfied with the artwork? Can I get a refund?
I work closely with each client while the piece is in progress to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the color, balance, mood, & direction. You are not obligated to complete a second payment after the initial 50% deposit, and if you decide that you will not approve the design sketch and/or thumbnails, you may cancel your commission and use the deposit price as credit toward a different artwork. However, this has never happened before, so hopefully you would not be the first!
I don’t like part of the design. Can I change it?
3 opportunities for changes on the commissioned piece are included in the price. If you wish for me to change something in a drawing you have previously approved, I will charge you a fee to change it. The amount of the extra charge depends on the change requested and is based on an hourly wage.
I need my commission before the Holiday/Birthday/Etc!!
Deadlines are accepted within reason. Any deadline less than 10 business days from the date the first payment is received will be considered “Rush Delivery”. Rush Delivery includes an additional rate of 30% of the total cost of the artwork. If a deadline of less than 2 weeks is given for a complex illustration, the buyer should expect to receive the finished artwork in time, though the quality of the rendering may not be to my highest degree due to time constraints.
How do you send commissions?
Once the piece is finished you will receive an email with the full-resolution digital image along with a web-friendly version. Physical prints may be requested at an additional cost.
Tattoos - You are responsible for what you choose to have tattooed on your body, and its placement.
I am not responsible for any changes made to the design by you or your tattoo artist. I am not responsible for any choice of content in the surrounding tattoo designs, nor am I responsible for how it may affect you personally. Tattoos are permanent, choose wisely.
I check my emails Monday-Friday and take weekends off.
If you send communication on a weekend I will get back to you on Monday or as soon as possible!
* I, the artist, maintain the right to publicly post, display, and distribute artwork done for all commissioned projects, unless otherwise agreed upon.
Personal commissioned artwork is not to be sold, printed or reproduced en masse, or otherwise distributed for monetary gain, advertisement, or commercial purposes, and no other or additional outsourced artists/designers/or individuals may alter any artwork without express permission from myself, including a signed contract stating the alterations or sales & distribution are allowed. All copywrites remains with myself, Taylea Stepp (Sketch Scholar LLC), unless specifically signed over to the buyer.
If you have any other questions, please contact me directly at sketchscholarmail@gmail.com.
Terms of service continued - Commercial Projects
Using images on or in anything that is created with the intention of making a profit is considered commercial use.
What is your price range for commercial artwork?
Commercial artwork prices vary based on the scope of the project, deadlines, the size and reach of the company, and other variables. Artwork is typically priced according to an agreed upon base-price per piece and/or an hourly wage. Please contact me directly at sketchscholarmail@gmail.com to discuss your needs.
All commercial projects will receive a PayPal estimate and invoice. Currency accepted is either USD, Canadian Dollar, or British Pounds. Do not send any payment prior to receiving an invoice.
Commercial projects can be paid either 100% upfront or split 50% upfront and 50% after concept approval.
Commercial deadlines are accepted within reason.
Any deadline less than 10 business days from the date the first payment is received will be considered Rush Delivery. Rush Delivery for commercial projects includes an additional rate of 50% of the total cost of the artwork. If a deadline of less than 2 weeks is given for a complex illustration, the buyer should expect to receive the finished artwork in time, though the quality of the rendering may not be to my highest degree due to time constraints.
Refunds are not offered for commercial projects.
Once the piece is finished you will receive the full-resolution digital image along with a web-friendly version. Other assets may be included or requested. Physical prints may be requested at an additional cost.
I, the artist, maintain the right to publicly post, display, and distribute artwork done for all commercial projects, unless otherwise agreed upon. No other or additional outsourced artists/designers/or individuals may alter any artwork without express permission from myself, including a signed contract stating the alterations are allowed. All copywrites remains with myself, Taylea Stepp (Sketch Scholar LLC), unless specifically signed over to the buyer.