Commissions are currently open <3

Here, you’ll find the commissions I offer, prices, and a learn a little about my process. For more examples of my work, check out my Instagram page @thewriterlydragonslayer.

(Prices are only guaranteed for 2026. If you are looking at a larger project (i.e. three pieces or more) or want something not included on this list, please reach out to me via email (elle.rutabaga.tran@gmail.com) so we can discuss the project and/or bundle deals!)

My Strengths:

Fantasy. Whimsical. Enchanting. Light versus dark. Mythical Creatures. Character Design. Props.

My strength/niche is fantasy, but that doesn’t mean I’m unwilling to try my hand at Mr. Darcy, a Starlet captain, Katniss Everdeen, or a sweet, romance book cover.

What I Will & Will Not Illustrate:

•I retain the right to refuse a commission for any reason without explaining myself to a client; I don’t illustrate anything that violates my convictions.

•You hire me for my style!1 I have a sketchy digital with very moody, dark/light contrasts, and bright colours … and I love my textures <3

•I do not illustrate horror; torture; gore; anything celebrating evil (this isn’t the same as depicting good vs. evil which I am THRILLED to illustrate); I am willing to illustrate characters versus monsters.

•I do not illustrate characters from some fandoms (i.e. Game of Thrones, The Witcher, et cetera).

•A very minimal amount of blood might be acceptable if it’s depicting a wounded character.

•I do not illustrate sexually objectifying costumes.

Products I Offer:

I’ve tried very hard to keep my prices as fair as possible.2 Also keep in mind, my prices are the bare minimum and include only one or two changes/tweaks.3

•Prop Sketches (private use price):

Price, black & white: $60

Price, full colour: $80

•Sticker Design no background, full colour (commercial use price):

Price: $90

•Chapter Header spot illustration*, black & white (commercial use price):

Price: $120

Note: this is a single illustration; if you’d like multiple chapter header designs, please reach out so we can work out a bundle deal <3

•Character Portrait4, full colour (private use price):

Price: $120

Note: this price is for one character only, static pose (with arms at side) and either bust or three-fourth’s length; an extra character will cost an extra $80.

If you would like a more dynamic pose, I can do so for an extra $30-50 (per character).

A full length post will be $150 for a static pose; $200 for a dynamic pose.

•Illustration, full colour; no background (private use price):

Price: $150

•Illustration, full colour; with background (private use price):

Price: $200

Note: this price includes two characters; extra characters (human, animal, or otherwise) is an extra $50.

•Social Media Banner w/background (commercial use price):

Price: $200

Note: at this time, I do not place fonts, texts, et cetera; if you would like me to hand draw the font, I can for an extra $50+ depending on complexity.

•Book Cover (front only), full colour (commercial use price):

Price: $600

Note: at this time, I do not place fonts, texts, et cetera; if you would like me to hand draw the font, I can for an extra $50+ depending on complexity.

•Book Cover (front and back), full colour (commercial use price):

Price: $800

Note: at this time, I do not place fonts, texts, et cetera; if you would like me to hand draw the font, I can for an extra $50+ depending on complexity.

The Commission Process:

•At this time, I don’t do multiple, rough sketch thumbnails; if you would like me to include several rough sketch thumbnails to sort through, I can do so for a $30-50 fee depending on the number of thumbnails requested.

•At each stage of the process, I will send you progress updates for approval. Once approved, I will then move on to the next stage (i.e. I will show you my initial rough sketch for approval; once approved, I will implement any changes, finalise the composition/line art, and send for approval and so on.)

The flat colour stage/colour palette stage is the last ‘stage of approval’ as I have my own process for rendering, building up details, adding lighting, texture, et cetera. Feedback at this stage (aside from requests for extra contrast, softer/harsher lighting, et cetera) would inhibit the creative process.

•If a stage is approved by a client and I move on to the next stage, any requested changes to what is previously approved will incur an additional fee .

Commission Turnaround:

•If you have any sort of deadline, book me in advance!

•Please allow for appropriate turnaround before the finished product is completed.

•Turnaround depends on level of detail: character designs should take a one-two weeks; stickers, a week ; full colour illustrations, two-four weeks; book covers, four-six weeks.

The length of each commission will also depend on level of detail. A simple cover might take a week! But a very detailed illustration might take two and a half weeks.

Also note, I allow for more than enough time than needed per project. A book cover typically takes me two weeks, but I give myself four-six weeks incase I need the buffer on my end.

•If you’re hiring me for a book cover, please book me at least three months in advance of the cover reveal … if not more! This allows me to work through any projects I might have lined up and gives you the time needed for the cover reveal and eventual publication.

A Few Basic Illustration Guidelines:

By requesting and paying for a commission from me, you agree to the following rules

Payment:

•I take payment via PayPal or Venmo only. First half of commission price is required before I begin as a nonrefundable (once I begin work) downpayment.

•If I finish half of the commission and you decide you no longer wish for me to finish the piece, I do not refund the downpayment.

•After we’ve agreed a commission is finished, final half of price (and any additional fees) is required before I email the final piece to you.

•My prices include only the basics of illustrating the piece, etc.

I don’t do endless adjustments. Each commission package allows one or two major changes (or five minor changes). If more changes are requested, there will be additional charges.

Private Use versus Commercial Rights:

•Unless otherwise stated, all commissions are private use only; commercial use/rights can be purchased for an extra fee.

•In cases of private use, a client may make stickers, prints or other products for personal use, to give away, or send to friends as gifts. The client may use the illustration for social media and marketing (as long as credit is given).

The client may not profit from a private-use illustration.

Book covers, interior illustrations already include rights to be printed for project.

•The client retains only the intellectual rights to their characters, concepts, et cetera. I retain full, creative rights to my pieces, artwork, design, et cetera (unless explicitly agreed otherwise).

I will always retain the right to post my illustrations to my social media accounts and portfolio in any situation. In cases of a book cover/character art reveal or a publishing deadline, I will check with client before posting a project to my sites.

A Few Other General Rules:

•Please provide a detailed description of what you’d like along with a moodboard (whether a Pinterest board or a single graphic; please do not send ten separate images. A single link or graphic keeps my process a little more organised).

Several of my clients have provided rough thumbnails of what they’d like; this is very helpful. You don’t have to be an artist for this to help me.

To chat about concepts, you can email me at elle.rutabaga.tran@gmail.com.

•And while I ask you be as detailed as possible when describing what you’d like, please understand I cannot capture perfectly what you’ve imagined. I will try, but there will always be a difference in what you imagine and how I translate it.

This doesn’t include misunderstanding. If I misunderstand what is requested, I will fix it!

•All of my pieces have a ‘cut off’ date when it will need to be done. I cannot spend two weeks on a piece that costs $50. If we reach that cut off and you’d still like changes, I am happy to oblige; there will be an extra charge.

•Some clients give me ‘complete freedom’ with a loose aesthetic inspiration direction. One of my repeat clients is like this! So, if you don’t have specs in mind and just want a piece from me, I’m happy to do so.

•Please not erase my signature when posting to social media and please credit me.

Thank you for your interest in my work! <3