Colubrid

Status: OPEN

• Digital art & Fantasy •
• Character concepts, design, and illustration. •

• Terms of Service
• Commission Rates
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• About the Artist

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© Colubrid C.

Terms of Service

This section explains the terms and conditions for the services provided. It includes details about the work to be done, payment terms, deadlines, copyright ownership, and the responsibilities of both the artist and the client.This agreement is a binding contract between Colubrid C. (the artist) and you (the client). By commissioning the artist, you agree to these terms and accept your responsibilities as outlined.By setting clear expectations in this contract, both the artist and the client are protected, ensuring mutual understanding and helping to prevent any disputes during or after the project.Some subsections within the following terms have been simplified for ease of access and readability. Where applicable, please click the 'More Information' button to read the full details of the specific terms you are agreeing to.

• SUBJECT CONDITIONS •

I reserve the right to decline any commission if I am uncomfortable with the subject matter. Should this occur, I will inform you of my decision and provide the reason for declining. I ask that you respect my boundaries and refrain from pressing the issue, seeking loopholes, or questioning my limitations regarding specific subjects.If you have any doubts about whether a subject falls within my scope of work, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or Twitter for clarification.

Should I decide to terminate the working agreement, a partial-to-full refund will be issued based on the amount of work completed at the time of cancellation.

• COPYRIGHT •

All artwork created by Colubrid C. is protected by copyright law, and as the artist ("author"), I retain full copyright ownership of each piece. This means I have the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, alter, or display my work. As such, purchasing artwork from me grants you a copy of the piece but does not transfer copyright ownership to you.• Exclusive Rights: I retain exclusive rights to the finished artwork and may display the piece in my portfolio, on social media, or in promotional materials, unless we have specifically agreed otherwise in writing.• Client Usage Rights: You may display, share, and use the artwork for personal, non-commercial purposes as outlined in the “Allowed Use” section, which includes social media sharing with credit, use for reference in other projects, and printing/display.• Prohibited Uses: You may not use the artwork commercially, alter it significantly, or redistribute it in ways that imply ownership.• Commercial Licensing: If you wish to use the artwork for commercial purposes, a separate licensing agreement and fee are required.• Exclusivity: Draft materials and unused designs created in the process remain the artist’s property and may be used in future projects. IP belonging to the client remains the client's property.• Termination of Usage Rights: Violations of these terms may lead to termination of usage rights and potential legal action to protect the artist’s intellectual property.

• ORDERING & PROCESSING •

Ordering
• To be placed through Google Forms, or emailed to me. You will receive an email from me within five (5) days confirming whether I have accepted or declined or commission.
• You have one (1) week to respond to my confirmation email, and an additional seven (7) days to send payment before you will be considered to have abandoned your interest.Processing
• Times may vary; approximate turnaround time is two (2) weeks.Updates
• No progress updates on "sketch" commissions, but two (2) free revisions are allowed after completion.
• All other commissions will receive progress updates at each stage of the process, allowing for corrections.Delivery
• A low-resolution, watermarked copy will be sent once work is completed. You will receive the full, non-watermarked piece after your final payment has been processed.
• Non-payment will result in being blacklisted.
• No physical delivery.Revisions
• Every commission will be allowed one (1) free revision after your final payment has been received. Further revisions are subject to an additional fee.

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• PRICING & PAYMENT •

Pricing
• Prices are non-negotiable once I have begun work on your commission.
• Certain conditions, subjects, or modifications may be subject to additional fees. Such fees can be negotiated within reason.Additional Fees
• Potential fees include: design, rush, revision, and cancellation.
• All additional fees (except cancellation) must be agreed upon before any further work will be completed.Payment
• All payments will be done through PayPal Invoices.
• A minimum 50% payment is required before any work will be done on your commission.
• Orders under (<) $50.00 must be paid in full.Refunds
• Full refunds will be issued before work has been started, partial refunds may be issued based on the amount of work completed.

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• RESPONSIBILITIES •

Artist Responsibilities —As the artist, I am expected to:• Deliver high-quality artwork that meets the specifications agreed upon at the time of commissioning.• Maintain open and professional communication throughout the process, including progress updates, reporting delays, and asking necessary questions.• Protect the client’s personal information and use it solely for the purpose of completing the commissioned work. Any personal information provided will remain confidential and will not be shared with third parties without consent, unless required by law.• Respect the client’s preferences regarding privacy. If you request that the completed artwork remains private, I will not share or display it publicly.Client Responsibilities —As the client, you are expected to:• Provide clear communication and timely responses to requests for feedback or additional information.• Adhere to the agreed payment terms, including meeting deadlines for deposits, installments, or final payments.• Respect the artist’s terms of service, including usage rights, copyright, and restrictions on unauthorized alterations or distribution of the artwork.• Notify the artist as soon as possible if any changes to the project are required or if you wish to cancel the commission.

• INDEMNITY •

By commissioning artwork from the artist, you, the client, agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the artist, Colubrid C., from and against any and all legal issues, claims, judgments, or losses—including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs (collectively, “Claims”)—arising out of or related to:1. Any breach of this agreement by the client, including but not limited to unauthorized commercial use, reproduction, or distribution of the artwork;2. Any misuse of the artwork by the client in violation of copyright law;3. Any claims or disputes involving third-party intellectual property (IP) where the client has commissioned fan art or similar works based on existing IP without permission from the rights holder; and4. Any other acts or omissions by the client that may result in Claims against the artist.This indemnification applies regardless of whether the Claim has merit and is intended to protect the artist from actions beyond their control that may result in costs, losses, or legal consequences due to the client’s actions related to this commissioned artwork.Third-Party IP Responsibilities:If you commission artwork based on characters or other elements from existing intellectual property (IP), you, the client, are fully responsible for ensuring that your use of the artwork complies with copyright law. The artist is not liable for any legal claims, copyright strikes, or financial penalties that may result from your use of fan art or similar commissioned pieces based on established IP.

• LEGAL JURISDICTION •

This agreement is governed by the laws of the United States and the state in which the artist resides. By commissioning artwork from Colubrid C., you agree that any disputes or claims arising from this agreement will be resolved in accordance with these laws.If legal action becomes necessary, the appropriate jurisdiction and venue will be determined in consultation with both parties, based on the artist’s location and relevant legal considerations.

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Copyright

1. Copyright Ownership

All artwork created by Colubrid C. is owned by Colubrid C., the "author" and artist, and exclusive copyright remains under the artist's ownership.When you buy a piece of commissioned artwork—known a "material object" in copyright law—you own a copy of that work, whether it’s a digital file or a physical print. However, owning a copy of the artwork doesn’t mean you own the copyright. Copyright law gives the artist and creator of the material object (Colubrid C.) the exclusive rights to control how the artwork is used, copied, or shared. This means only the artist can legally sell, reproduce, or change the artwork, unless they make a separate, written agreement to transfer these rights.As a client, you get specific rights to use the artwork for personal, non-commercial purposes. You’re free to display it, share it on social media with credit, or use it as a reference for personal projects. These are “usage rights,” which let you utilize the artwork you've purchased without affecting the artist’s copyright.Full ownership rights, however, would allow things like selling or modifying the artwork—things that only the artist, as the copyright owner, can do unless a commercial license or copyright transfer agreement is signed. This distinction helps protect the artist while providing you, the client, with fair access to the commissioned piece.

2. Your Usage Rights as the Client

Allowed Use:As a client, you are granted specific rights to use the commissioned artwork for personal, non-commercial purposes. These rights include:• Personal Use: You may display the artwork privately, print any number of copies for your own use, or share it with others so long as there is no claim (implied or otherwise) that it's your own creation.• Social Media: You may post the artwork on social media (Twitter, Discord, Roll20, etc.) with appropriate credit given to the artist as the creator of the piece. Credit should, at minimum, include a reference to the artist's name/brand, Colubrid C., and if possible, a link to the artist's social media account or this website.• Character Reference: You may use the artwork as a reference for your character or concept for other creative works. This could mean showing it to other artists, writers, or creators as inspiration for future works, as long as the referenced work isn’t for commercial gain.• Modifications: You may make minor modifications to the artwork for personal use, such as adding text or small, non-intrusive markings, and cropping or resizing to fit different formats. More extensive changes require permission from the artist before any modified version of the work is shared or distributed online.

Prohibited Use:To protect the artist’s creative integrity and copyright, the following uses are prohibited:• Commercial Use^[1]: You may not sell, merchandise, or use the artwork in any way that generates income, including on products, advertisements, marketing materials, or other revenue-generating channels.• Redistribution & Claiming Ownership: You may not resell, redistribute, or use the artwork in any way that suggests ownership, authorship, or that you are the copyright holder.• Alterations^[2]: You may not alter, recolor, or redraw over the artwork, except for private, non-public modifications. This includes “finishing” or lining sketches, coloring in line work, or making other changes to the artist's original contribution to the purchased artwork.• Blockchain & AI: Use of the artwork in NFTs, blockchain technologies, or for AI and image generation purposes is strictly prohibited.

_{[1] If you wish to use the artwork commercially, a separate licensing agreement and associated licensing fee can be negotiated. This will grant you specific commercial rights for defined purposes while the artist retains copyright.[2] Modifications are small, personal adjustments, while alterations involve changing the artwork itself. Altered versions of a commissioned work could compromise the integrity of the artist’s work if distributed, and therefore, aren't permitted without explicit permission.}

3. Distinction of ownership

Copyright Law of the United States, 17 U.S.C. § 202 (1976):Ownership of copyright as distinct from ownership of material object—Ownership of a copyright, or of any of the exclusive rights under a copyright, is distinct from ownership of any material object in which the work is embodied. Transfer of ownership of any material object, including the copy or phonorecord in which the work is first fixed, does not of itself convey any rights in the copyrighted work embodied in the object; nor, in the absence of an agreement, does transfer of ownership of a copyright or of any exclusive rights under a copyright convey property rights in any material object.

What this means:When you purchase a piece of artwork, you’re buying ownership of the physical or digital copy of that artwork, but not the underlying copyright. Copyright ownership is separate from ownership of the artwork itself, meaning that purchasing the artwork doesn’t give you the right to reproduce, distribute, alter, or sell copies of it.Only the artist, as the copyright holder, owns these rights, unless both parties have specifically agreed otherwise in writing. Likewise, transferring the copyright to someone does not mean they automatically own the original artwork or any physical copies. "Copyright" and "material object(s)" are distinct, and one does not imply ownership of the other.

4. Commercial Licensing

18 U.S. Code § 31 (10) — "'Used for commercial purposes' definition: the carriage of persons or property for any fare, fee, rate, charge or other consideration, or directly or indirectly in connection with any business, or other undertaking intended for profit."In simplified language, "commercial use" means using something in a way that makes money or is connected to a business. This includes anything done for a fee, charge, or payment, or anything that’s part of a plan to make a profit.Therefore, if it’s used to help a business or marketing brand, or to make money, it’s considered "for commercial purposes."If you want to use the commissioned artwork for commercial purposes, the artist will need to create a separate licensing agreement that both parties agree to. This licensing agreement will grant you permission to use the artwork in specific ways for your business or project, while the artist still keeps ownership of the copyright.A commercial license comes with an additional cost—called a "licensing fee"—and the price depends on how the artwork will be used. To discuss the details and additional costs for commercial use, please contact the artist directly and make your intent clear before ordering your commission.If you decide to monetize your commissioned artwork after the commission is complete and/or the work has been delivered, please reach out as soon as possible to discuss a licensing agreement. Monetizing is commercial use, and includes any use that brings in money or promotes a business or brand.Important: If you monetize the artwork without a proper licensing agreement, you will be violating copyright law.Unauthorized commercial use of the artwork may lead to legal action to protect the artist's rights. This can include demands for payment, removal of the artwork from commercial platforms, or other legal measures.Respecting these terms helps ensure a fair agreement and protects both parties.

5. Exclusivity of Artwork and Draft Materials

When you commission a piece of artwork, you are paying for a copy of the final artwork—you do not have exclusive rights or usage rights to everything created in the process.During the drafting stages, the artist may create sketches, designs, or concepts that don’t make it into the final artwork. Even if these draft materials were developed with your character or commission in mind, they remain the artist's creative property and may be reused in future projects. The artist retains both exclusive rights and usage rights over all draft materials.This means the artist can use elements from unused drafts in other artworks. The artist also reserves the right to use both draft materials and the final artwork for portfolio display, promotional purposes, and as examples of my work.The final commissioned artwork is unique to you, the client, and will not be used in other projects, commissions, or commercial works by me without your permission.Please note that this exclusivity clause applies only to the created draft materials and does not imply ownership or transfer of any creative rights that belong to the client. Your characters, individual designs, and concepts remain your intellectual property.

6. Termination of Usage Rights Upon Violation

If you, the client, violate any of the terms outlined in this agreement, your rights to use the artwork will end immediately. This includes any form of personal or public use. Upon termination, you will no longer have permission to display, share, modify, or use the artwork in any way. This action protects the artist's rights and ensures the artwork is used as agreed.For example, if you use the artwork commercially without a license, or if you make changes to it and share those changes publicly without permission, your rights to use the artwork will be terminated. Legal action may be taken if necessary to protect the artist’s rights and intellectual property.

7. Non-Work Made for Hire Clause

All commissioned artwork created by the artist, Colubrid C., is not considered “work made for hire” as defined under U.S. Copyright law (17 U.S.C. § 201 (b)). As the original creator, the artist retains full copyright ownership of each commissioned piece, and no transfer of copyright is implied or granted through the commission process.You, the client, are granted specific usage rights for personal, non-commercial purposes as outlined under Allowed Use in the section "Your Usage Rights as the Client."

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About the Artist

• Who I Am •

My name is Colubrid (or, it is online), and I’m all about characters.I specialize in designing and illustrating character concepts, and I have a huge passion for fantasy roleplaying games and diverse representation. I love bringing characters to life—not just in how they look, but who they are on a fundamental level. For me, each and every design is about capturing the who-what-why of the character through expression, costume, and personality. Clients have told me their reason for choosing my work is, in part, how well I can capture the core essence of their character.^{(They also enjoy how easy I am to work with!)}I’ve been an on-and-off artist for years with no formal training. I love getting to share my art with others, and giving people the chance to see their characters in my style is extremely rewarding for me.A little more personally: I’m 28, male, gay, and engaged to my incredible fiancé. I’m disabled, autistic, and deal with a few other mental health conditions that influence my work. These aspects of who I am definitely shape my art and how I approach everything I create.When I’m not drawing, making handouts for my Pathfinder 1e table, or GMing my current campaign, I’m playing video games (World of Warcraft, Pathologic, Pokemon), watching horror movies, or deep-diving into the natural sciences.Thanks for reading! If you’ve made it this far, I’d love the chance to work with you soon. :)

• About My Art •

My goal is to bring personality, story, and emotion into every design, making sure each character feels like they have a life beyond the illustration.• Narrative Through Design: A good character tells a story, even without words. I focus on expression, body language, and small details to give each character depth, making them feel like they belong in their world.• Visual Identity: Bold colors, dramatic lighting, and expressive compositions define my style, but I know when to dial it back. Subtle palettes and soft colors can be just as powerful—it all depends on the atmosphere.^{(Fun fact: my fiancé is colorblind, which is what really pushed me to refine my use of contrast and saturation. If people couldn’t enjoy my work because they couldn’t see it, what was the point?)}• Diversity & Representation: Fantasy and sci-fi should be more diverse than our world, not less. I focus on illustrating characters with a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, identities, and body types, aiming for authenticity and respect in each design.• Attention to Detail: The small things matter. The fabric of a cloak, the shape of a scar, the way someone holds their weapon—every design choice should say something about the character. These touches make them feel not just real, but like they have something to tell you.• More Than Just “Cool Designs”: While I love the Rule of Cool as much as the next guy, I think through every design to push them beyond aesthetics. A character should feel genuine, and while that cybernetic arm might be sick as hell, I have to ask: would the character actually have one?• Genre Blending: Fantasy is my bread and butter, but I’m always pulling from sci-fi, historical, and modern influences to create something unique. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of what a character could be while keeping them grounded in their world.

Commission Rates

• Quick Reference •

• Clarifications •

More than one character increases the price by + 70–100% depending on complexity. Please contact me for information on batch / large group orders.Simple gear includes details such as: intricate, overlapping clothing; simple armor (a standard breastplate and spaulders); or isolated elaborate designs (embroidery on the hem of a dress).Complex gear includes details such as: full plate armor (which may increase the price more if detailing or difficult posing is required); complicated costume layering; or global elaborate designs (an entire dress covered in embroidery or many small braids and chains).Do not hesitate to contact me if you are unsure on whether your character's design constitutes as simple or complex!Rough pieces have sketchier, looser, or less detailed line art.Refined pieces have very clean, detailed line art, with shading (either cell or softer shading).In either case, colors can be accurate to the characters, or something more thematic.My style can change from piece to piece. If there is a style I've done that you would like your commission to be in, please provide a specific piece as an example!

• Headshots •

A simple headshot of a character. Arms/hands can be included without charge, depending on the pose and overall complexity.

• Half Body •

A shot of your character from the waist, hips, or thighs, depending on your preference.

• Full Body •

A full view of your character from head to toe.

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• Order Form

The button above will lead you to a Google Forms link. I've found this to be the easiest way to gather the information I need.If you don't feel comfortable using Google Forms, please email me the following text form, instead![email protected]

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Ordering & Processing

Ordering —Commissions are preferably placed through Google Forms. If this isn’t possible, you may email me directly at [email protected]. Once your order is submitted, I will confirm via email whether your commission has been accepted or declined.Please note, commission slots are limited. Upon acceptance, you have one (1) week to provide payment. If payment or communication is not received within this period, your slot will be forfeited.Processing —Processing time varies based on factors such as project complexity, health, and workload. Generally, you can expect a turnaround time of approximately two (2) weeks.While specific deadlines cannot typically be accommodated, I will provide an estimated delivery timeframe and periodic updates on your commission’s progress.Updates —For “sketch” or “rough” commissions, progress updates will not be provided, but you are entitled to two free revisions after final payment.For other commission types, you will receive updates at key stages of the process, typically after the sketch, line art, and flat colors are completed. Please feel free to request corrections or modifications at these stages to ensure the piece aligns with your vision.Delivery —
Upon completion, a low-resolution, watermarked version of your commission will be sent to you. Once final payment is received, you will be provided with the full-resolution, non-watermarked image.You have one (1) week after receiving the watermarked version to complete payment. Failure to pay within this timeframe will result in blacklisting from future commissions.Revisions —
One (1) free revision is allowed after the final payment has been received, at the artist’s discretion. Additional revisions will incur an extra fee.

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Pricing & Payment

Pricing —Commission prices reflect current market rates, my skill level and experience, and the time required to complete each piece.The base prices listed on the Commission Rates page apply to most standard commissions. However, certain conditions, subjects, or modifications may require additional fees. I will always be transparent about any price adjustments, and you will be notified of any changes before additional work begins.Please note that prices are non-negotiable.Additional Fees —This list includes the most common additional fees, but it is not exhaustive. The cost of each fee is determined at my discretion. You have the right to accept or decline additional fees without penalty.

Payment —All payments are processed through PayPal Invoices.In general, I require a 50% deposit upon accepting your commission, with the remaining 50% due upon completion. However, you may choose to pay in full once we have agreed on the price, either at the start of the project or any point during the process.• Commissions under $50.00 must be paid in full before work begins.• For commissions over $200.00, specific payment arrangements may be required due to the complexity or scale of the project.Refunds —A full refund is available if you cancel before work begins. If I have started work but you cancel within 48 hours, you will receive a refund minus a cancellation fee.For cancellations beyond the 48-hour window, partial refunds may be issued based on the amount of work completed at the time of cancellation.No refunds are available once the commission is complete. You will have several opportunities to request adjustments or modifications during the process. If you are dissatisfied with the final piece, we can discuss possible solutions.

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Art Samples

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• SUBJECT CONDITIONS •

I reserve the right to decline any commission if I am uncomfortable with the subject matter. Should this occur, I will inform you of my decision and provide the reason for declining. I ask that you respect my boundaries and refrain from pressing the issue, seeking loopholes, or questioning my limitations regarding specific subjects.If you have any doubts about whether a subject falls within my scope of work, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or Twitter for clarification.