2025 Highlights - Commissions
- Onyx
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
2025 is now dead and gone.
Accuracy: Since I commission a myriad of different artists (and have been since I started), it's more than safe to say that the various styles will alter the measurement of accuracy. A certain character, let's say Elsa, will not look the same from artist to artist, and that's just the fact of commissions and/or fan art. Take that same idea with Elsa: as long as one can look at the drawing and SAY it's Elsa, most of her features are present and said character is recognizable, and the style is satisfying and complementary to the Disney Queen (or insert whatever character we are looking at here), then accuracy is there.
Price Tag: This is also a fairly subjective area, as different calibers of artists charge differently, which is understandable. But it does play a BIG factor in a Commission's status, whether it be good or bad. Expensive does not always equal HIGHER quality after all.
Time: Another factor that is also subjective. Time is money, yes, but something that took some time to do but produced some jaw-dropping artwork will be considered to be in the top ten. On the other side of the coin, if something takes more than a few weeks and the result is something I enjoy but nothing grand (and I paid good money for it), then it's going to have a hard time getting my top favorite.
Client and Customer Experience: This may not have anything to do with the quality of the art and/or the caliber of the artist, but I am a big fan of customer service, and being treated like someone who is giving good money to get something done is important. Almost all of the artists I have worked with are professional so this hasn't been an issue with me. But there have been some artists who took a step above just to ensure my experience was great. They spend the time to communicate for clarification and for the sake of following up. The experience also becomes more satisfying if the artist just spends the time to show appreciation for the business I am giving him/her.
Personal Preference: Now obviously, this plays a big part. When it comes to commissioning, there are a lot of areas where personal preference can play a big part in my decision, such as the character/s that are drawn, what kind of scenario, what is the theme (pin-up, just awesome fanart, fetish, etc.), and the meaning behind the commission. While it's hard NOT to put this at the forefront of my decision, I'm going to say right now that it's a huge reason why some of these drawings made it to the top ten and beat the others. Just saying.
With all of that, don't forget to visit the artists responsible for these amazing artworks! Some are very familiar with my gallery, of course.
::Honorable Mentions (Gifs & Collaborations)::
There were a couple of these during 2025. Going to highlight them because it's always awesome to showcase them because the efforts and thoughts are always appreciated!
Collaboration: Elsa vs Lightning (Round 1) - Wildcard4774/ Krisich/ Llythium-Art
This commission is a unique scenario. One that almost didn't get done for 2025. But it got finished, and it looks great. Couldn't put it higher up as much as I would like to because of how long it took, and, again, it almost went to the unfinished category.
Gift: FourPieces (Alren vs Kaga series)
I can't ever fully express how much I appreciate Fours for continuing this series every year. He forks out at least an average of 2-3 pics every year, and that's amazing! Rendering takes thought and time, and this man clearly has no problem giving both! Thank you, Fours!
Gift: A'rlen's Crusade? by: Iorel-Renders
Iorel-San was kind enough to gift this after he deemed it took too long. Honestly, I didn't mind waiting, but the man's got honor beyond what the DiD community deserves at times. With all that said, I love how this turned out. Two different models from two different games, but it all worked out!
Runner Up: Kaitlin's Front Page Epilogue II by: Demitrios
I'm not the biggest fan of a damsel ungagged, but the idea that a gal has worked her butt off to get it off and give one of the most cliched damsel lines... yeah! I'm down. Kaitlin would be a perfect candidate for that too.
Runner Up: Arlen's Crusade (Kimberly Hart)
We all know that Arlen isn't done with the Sentai/Saban world, right? Also, I particularly like this one since the artist (anon) added the background, which I didn't ask for! So awesome!
Runner Up: Ring in the Season 2025 (Kaga) by: ThunkStudio
A newer commission for 2025. But I thought to add it in, since, you know, it's only fitting. That and Kaga looks nice.
Artist Highlight: adagadegelo
I rarely respond to an artist offering commissions through DMs. Usually, they're scams. Adagadegelo went into it the right way and sold me! A few comms later, we are still collaborating. I'm sure for 2026 we'll see more of their artwork within my gallery. Awesome customer service and fantastic results! Very happy to work with them!
::Top Commissions of 2025::
Much like last year, I didn't commission as much. What I did manage to get, I still appreciate a whole lot. There were a few others I couldn't put into the runner-ups or the top 10s since it would've just made it a list of the entire commissions I made for 2025. But much like every year, I appreciate all of the artists I've worked with, and the results are always amazing. With that said, here are my top 10s for this year.
by: bound2draw
A unique take on the usual Kaitlin's Front Page retakes. I love it. It resembles Sarah Joy Brown quite a bit, so I'm impressed.
by: adagadegelo
Adagadegelo really nailed this one! It's a nice pic of Terra in her schoolgirl uniform, courtesy of the new Dissidia. It might just spark a fresh new wave of commissions for our favorite Esper, as it's a cute look for her. Side note.... Rikku's reveal will definitely get us new commissions of her.
by: Mdavidct
A somber tribute to Lathiira, who just had the 2nd anniversary of his passing last year (2025). Mdavidct nailed this one, and it was definitely a nice tribute to my old friend.
by: Sacodesaga
Another take on Kaitlin's Front Page. This time I comm'ed Sacodesaga to put Ashley, Cassie, and Miu to tease/taunt Kaitlin. Turns out that Cassie is also going to be in deep trouble since her two friends are Skugs (so where is Ashley and Miu?!).
by: AkinaSilver
AkinaSilver's art is always so vibrant, so I thought she'd be perfect for this wacky DiDness of the Manderville ladies. A personal favorite of mine!
by: Anonymous
Another episode where Kaitlin deserved a moment to get some DiDness. A good start. For sure going to see more after this.
by: AleX00XelA
An early commission of 2025! Of course, Alex always nails it. A pretty unique Damsel, too, if I do say so myself. I do love how this all turned out, from the pose, the unique-looking bindings, and the overall ambiance.
by: OrangeBoyBC
Finally added to the drought Sheva Alomar DiDness. OrangeBoy, as always, produced an amazing commission with two variants of our favorite Chris Redfield partner (that's a joke, of course. Everyone loves Jill more).
by: Sacodesaga
Another tribute to Lathiira with one of his favorite versions of Rogue. It's also a tribute to that one particular dance scene in X-Men Evolution. Sacodesaga really pulled this one off, too, and I appreciate it so much. Of course, the inspiration for this commission
The fact that the cartoon and the Buffy moments coincide so well is amazing!
by: Llythium-Art
Llythium takes the credit once again for my favorite commission piece of 2025. 2B (and in extension, 2P) was always going to hit the Crusade, but to have Llyth take care of it was a blessing. I mean just look at the flip variant! Look at it!
Conclusion
2025 was a fun year. While my funds focused on other things and commission didn't get as much, I still say that there was a lot of good things that came out of this year. 2026 is already going to start with a bit of fun (any time now), and we will see where we end up. I hope to work with a few more new artists as well as visit the usuals. While Crusade will continue, I'm hoping to get more variations. We'll see.
But, with all that said, Happy New Year, folks!
Until Next Time!
