From idea to artwork.
Rough sketch to finished piece — here is the map
I start from what you tell me about the image in your head and propose one rough sketch: the one closest to it. We then adjust that rough until you are happy with the details, and only after that does the final artwork begin.
To keep things moving
Having these ready before you enquire makes the work go much faster
Reference images (required)
Please prepare two or three illustrations or images that show the mood you are after. A Pinterest link, or a hand-drawn sketch at stick-figure level, is just as welcome.
Character details
Send me the hairstyle, clothing, accessories and personality. For an existing character, front and side references make the likeness much closer.
Where it will be used, and at what size
Let me know whether it is for a social media icon, merchandise, print and so on. The resolution and the commercial-use fee depend on it.
Budget and preferred deadline
A rough figure is fine. I will suggest the plan that fits your budget best. If you are in a hurry, ask me about rush delivery.
The eight steps
Green tag = we can still try things freely / Pink tag = minor adjustments only, once the rough is fixed
- 1
The brief Preparation
We talk through the image you have in mind, the style, and the character details.
If you have a quick sketch, I will work from that. If the picture in your head is still vague, sharing reference images makes this stage much easier.
- 2
Rough proposal One proposal
Based on the brief, I propose one rough sketch: the one closest to what you described.
⚠️ What I need from you: this is where the composition, the expression and the overall colour are decided.
- 3
Adjusting the rough Try as much as you like
I revise and adjust the rough. We can go around as many times as it takes for you to be happy with it.
We settle the composition and the basic shape of the character properly here.
- 4
Rough locked in Final artwork starts here
The rough is fixed. From here on I can make minor adjustments only.
Larger changes, such as a different composition, are quoted separately as extra revisions.
- 5
Line art Minor adjustments only
I draw the clean line art over the rough.
- 6
Colouring Minor adjustments only
I colour the illustration, adjusting shading and the way light falls.
- 7
Final pass Minor adjustments only
I balance the piece as a whole and refine the details.
- ★
Finished and delivered
The illustration is done. You receive the high-resolution files. Thank you for working with me!
What I promise, and what I ask
A few ground rules so the work stays enjoyable for both of us
While we are at the rough stage
Up to and including step 3, we can try things as many times as you like. I would rather we get it right together than rush past it.
After the final artwork starts
Once the rough is locked in, I can make minor adjustments such as small colour changes. Larger changes, such as the composition, are charged as extra revisions (¥7,500 each).
Replying to me
To keep to the schedule, please reply within one business day of each proposal. If that is difficult, just let me know in advance.
How long it takes
From the brief to delivery, please allow two weeks at the shortest. It varies with the content and with how quickly we can go back and forth.
Three plans to fit your budget
Choose by how the artwork will be used and how much detail it needs (all prices excl. tax)
Icons and spot illustrations
Light
From ¥15,000 (excl. tax)
≈ $95
- For social media icons and headers
- Spot illustrations inside articles
- Solid or transparent background
Who it suits
Best when you need a bust-up of a character or a simple object. This is the quickest and most affordable plan.
Full-body character art
Standard
From ¥35,000 (excl. tax)
≈ $220
- Full-body character illustration
- Detailed costume and accessories
- Simple background pattern or effects included
Who it suits
Suited to game character art, or a base illustration for a VTuber model — anywhere the character has to carry the piece.
Key visual, background included
Premium
From ¥70,000 (excl. tax)
≈ $440
- Single illustration with a detailed background
- Several characters in one scene
- Finished to poster and book-cover quality
Who it suits
A fully bespoke plan for book covers, game key visuals and advertising posters, where the whole world of the piece has to come across.
Add-ons
Anything not covered by the base price is quoted separately
| Extra expressions and poses | ¥2,000 / per variant onwards Adds expression variants such as joy or anger, or simple pose changes like the position of an arm. |
|---|---|
| Character design fee | ¥15,000 onwards Designing a character from scratch, when there is no fixed setting to work from yet. |
| Commercial and secondary use | From 30% of the fee Applies when the artwork is used on merchandise for sale, or for purposes beyond the original brief. |
| Rush delivery | +30% of the fee Applies when you need the work sooner than the usual two-week schedule. |
| Layered PSD source file | +50% of the fee You receive an editable PSD file with the artwork split into separate layers. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own rough sketch?
Yes, please do! Even a stick-figure sketch makes the composition and the mood much easier to read, and the work goes more smoothly because of it.
Is the copyright transferred to me?
As a rule I do not transfer copyright. You are free to use the artwork within the agreed scope, such as on your website or social media. If a transfer of copyright is essential for you, please ask and we can discuss it.
How and when do I pay?
By bank transfer. As a rule, half is paid as a deposit when the rough is locked in (step 4), and the remaining half on delivery. That is the same point at which free cancellation ends, so up to the rough stage you can talk to me with no cost attached.
Can I cancel partway through?
Before the rough is locked in (step 4), you can cancel free of charge. After the final artwork has started, a cancellation fee applies according to how far the work has progressed (from 50% of the fee).
Thank you for reading this far!
If anything is unclear, please just ask.
A quote, or a question on its own, is always welcome.