Comic-style Illustration Commissions

It's difficult to set a standard price on works like watercolor paintings and pastel drawings, since factors like surface size, the subject matter, and other details make each commission unique and as such the price is negotiated. However, I do have a list of standard prices set for the more comic-style illustrations one would find at a convention. But before I get into that, it's important to cover some ground rules in regards to these comic-style illustration commissions, which are as follows:

• I reserve the right to refuse work when I see fit. And I absolutely refuse to do pornographic work. That aside, I'm pretty open and flexible to anything else.
• I accept payment through PayPal. I will not work on your commission until I receive payment AND have come to an agreement on the commission itself. All the details need to be hashed out before I begin.
• If you are interested in commissioning me, contact me at andrew.shirey@yahoo.com, my business e-mail.
• For personal promotion, I will post commissions on Blogger.com unless a client specifically expresses not to. Watermarking your commission is also an option.
• Reference images are helpful and good descriptions are key. I can't help you if I don't understand what you want.
• I keep the original work, unless you're willing to pay extra.
• The time it takes to complete a commission varies. Circumstances may also come up that can affect my work time. Regardless, once we've agreed on a commission, it's a done deal: you will get what you've paid for. Also, I try to work on a first come, first served basis.
• Unless some personal reason is expressed against such, I might be inclined to make prints of the commissioned work available to others for purchase. Keep in mind, this would only be in the case where it seems very likely to sell. Such an example would be a detailed pin-up of a popular, copyrighted character. If the character does not belong to you, I see no reason why not.
• No refunds. Sorry.

Now for the commission rates themselves.

Line Art (pencil):

• character bust portrait - $15
• upper/full body character - $30
• additional characters cost the same, but after 3 characters I'll knock off $5 for each extra
• background - $10-30 (depends on detail)
• example: see below

Shaded Art (pencil):

• character bust portrait - $20
• upper/full body character - $40
• additional characters cost the same, but after 3 characters I'll knock off $5 for each extra
• background - $15-40 (depends on detail)
• can be in standard gray, graphite pencil OR monochromatic in a single color pencil
  
• example: see below

Digitally-Colored Art:

• character bust portrait - $25
• upper/full body character - $50
• additional characters cost the same, but after 3 characters I'll knock off $7 for each extra
• background - $20-50 (depends on detail)
• example: see below

Miscellaneous Details:
Commissions can be done on 8.5x11", 9x12", or 10x15". The first is typical paper while the latter two are bristol. If you are interested in a print or having the original mailed, we'll discuss that as we hash out the commission details. Also, since I find 10x15" (and larger) work a pain, both to draw on and to scan, I charge an additional $5 for commissions of that size. In regards to backgrounds, if you want just a plain color/shade or simple design, I won't charge for that. I understand this isn't a perfect commission system, so there are items it doesn't cover. We will work those out in e-mails.

If you are interested or have any questions, feel free to ask.