In the realm of digital art, commissions provide both artists and clients an opportunity to collaborate creatively. Recently, an artist embarked on an intriguing journey involving a series of commissions to transform a basic sketch into various artistic interpretations. This adventure highlights the contrast between personal artistic vision and professional skill while offering a glimpse into the process of commissioning art.

Starting Point: The Sketch

The journey begins with a somewhat crude sketch of a character.

The initial drawing, intentionally simple and unrefined, features a large smile, prominent eyes, and exaggerated features reminiscent of popular internet memes. The artist's goal here is to see how different professionals can reinterpret and enhance this basic design.

The sketch is intentionally imperfect, with elements like a "repulsive purple" color choice and basic shapes. The aim is to challenge the artists by providing them with a deliberately low-quality reference, pushing them to showcase their unique styles and skills in their renditions.

The Commission Process

With the initial sketch ready, the artist proceeds to commission several artists from different platforms.

The first stop is Artistry, an art commission platform where numerous talented individuals offer their services. The commissioning process involves selecting artists based on their portfolios and budget constraints.

1. Finding Talented Artists

The first artist, referred to as "Le Potate Duck Obsessed," offers headshot commissions priced between $15 and $25. Despite their intriguing and somewhat unconventional style, the artist decides to go with a basic request to keep costs low. The commission includes a promise to not use certain themes like gore or "weird kinks," indicating a focus on mainstream and accessible art.

Next, the artist explores other options, including "Bread Muncher Tutu," known for a distinct, youthful style. Bread Muncher’s prices range from $8 to $15 Canadian dollars, which is notably affordable. The commission request includes a slightly different reference with added details like hands and accessories, aiming to challenge the artist with a more complex task.

The third choice is "Art of Z 99," whose portfolio shows impressive, professional work. Their commissions are priced between $35 and $50, reflecting their high level of skill and experience.

The artist provides a detailed description and the original sketch for a comprehensive transformation.

Creating a Personal Version

While waiting for the commissioned pieces, the artist decides to create a personal interpretation of the character. This version is intentionally designed to be "yasified"—a term used to describe a hyper-stylized, often edgy reinterpretation. The artist adds emo elements, including dark colors, messy hair, and exaggerated features.

The process involves sketching, painting with desaturated colors, and adding dramatic effects like darkened backgrounds and neon highlights.

This version contrasts sharply with the initial sketch, showcasing a more complex and refined artistic vision.

Receiving the Final Submissions

As the commissions are completed, the artist reviews the results, noting the diversity in styles and approaches:

Le Potate Duck Obsessed: This artist delivers a piece with dramatic lighting and detailed eyes. However, they deviate from the original sketch by not including the oversized ears, which was a noted disappointment. Despite this, the final work is praised for its emotive quality and overall aesthetic.

Bread Muncher Tutu: The artwork has a distinct, youthful vibe reminiscent of TikTok art.

While it simplifies some details, such as removing the popcorn earrings, it captures the character's essence with a playful touch. The artist's rendition is appreciated for its cuteness and simplicity, albeit with some noted discrepancies from the original sketch.

Art of Z 99: Known for their professional quality, this artist produces a highly polished piece. The work features detailed elements and a refined style, although the use of transparent butterfly PNGs and grey lips are pointed out as areas for improvement. Despite these minor critiques, the piece is praised for its technical skill and overall transformation.

Final Thoughts

The experience of commissioning art from different artists reveals the varied interpretations and approaches within the art community. Each artist brings their unique perspective to the project, resulting in a range of outcomes from highly stylized to professionally executed. The journey underscores the value of artistic diversity and the importance of clear communication in the commissioning process.

In conclusion, the artist's experiment with different commissions not only highlights the differences in artistic styles but also demonstrates the collaborative nature of art. Whether through budget constraints, personal preferences, or professional expertise, each piece contributes to a richer understanding of the artistic process. For those interested in commissioning their own artwork, exploring various artists and their portfolios can lead to exciting and diverse results.