The Process

You can commission either a Digital painting or a Traditional painting, which you choose depends on the end-use of the artwork and personal preference. For example, if you plan on purchasing a finished painting not only to use as your cover art but also to hang on your wall, then you may commission a Traditional Painting. If you don’t desire a physical piece of artwork, prefer a print to an actual painting or your work will only be distributed as an electronic book (e-book) then you may desire to commission a Digital painting. In regards to stylistic differences between the two, you will see that they don’t differ greatly:

Digital Painting – A painting that is completed on the computer using paint-emulating software. Physical artwork can be had via printing.

Traditional Painting – A painting that utilizes traditional media such as Oils, Acrylics, Ink, Graphite, and Watercolor. Artwork is produced on canvas, paper, board or a variety of other physical substrates.

Some of the benefits of a Digital painting include a shorter completion time because there is no waiting for paint to dry and no additional cost for photographing the work, because it’s already in a digital format.

Benefits of a Traditional painting include participating in a centuries old tradition, having a tactile piece of original fine art and forgoing the vulnerability of digital files, which are more prone to being easily lost or damaged than a traditional painting.

Tips Before We Begin

Before you contact the artist to begin your commission it is suggested that you do the following:

• If you are not self-publishing, be certain that your editor, agent or contact through the publishing house is open to artwork suggestions. Usually the bigger publishers exercise exclusive control over what art is used on the cover.
  

• Make a “Character Profile” - a list of your characters’ physical and personality traits. In addition, describe historical, environmental, political, and cultural influences that have shaped your character. One sheet is sufficient but feel free to put together as many pages as you feel necessary to give the artist a clear description.
  

• If you would like your character or characters portrayed in a specific scene from your story, provide an excerpt from the book or a detailed description of the scene.
  

• If commissioning art for use on a cover have the contact information for the individual or company that will be printing your book cover. Providing this to the artist is important so that pre-press color specifications can be met. Additionally, know the finished “crop size” of your book.

Once you have accomplished the above:

1. Visit the contact page and fill out the Project Form describing your project. The artist will reply promptly, forwarding a price sheet to you in the return email.
   

2. The next step is for you and the artist to have a detailed discussion about what you would like to see in regards to your artwork; color schemes, backgrounds, specific characters, etc. Once a time frame and general ideas are agreed upon, S. C. Versillee will forward a contract for you to sign and date. For work to proceed, a signed copy of the contract has to be mailed or faxed to the artist and a 50% payment toward the final cost is due. The down payment can be made via PayPal if you are familiar with this service or you may simply send your payment Priority Mail. At this time you will also be prompted to send any reference materials, including your “character profile.”
   

3. After receiving your signed contract and down payment, the artist will produce 2 – 3 sketches for you to consider. After you choose your layout and any needed adjustments are made, research and reference gathering will be conducted if necessary, other wise, the painting process will begin. Completion time can vary depending on the requirements of an individual project, so be certain to at least have a months worth of time before the finish work is needed.
   

4. When your painting is partially completed, the artist will send a snapshot for you to evaluate. Once the painting is complete, full payment is due. Upon receipt of the balance due, the finished work is shipped to you.
   

5. Upon receiving your finished work, you jump for joy!