2025 is now dead and gone. Much like 2024, there were some absolute hitter commissions! As usual, let’s go over the rules for what qualifies as a commission on this list. Let’s get right to it, shall we?

1. Accuracy: Since I commission a myriad of different artists (and have been since I started), it’s safe to say that various styles will naturally affect how “accuracy” is measured. A certain character—let’s say Elsa—will not look the same from artist to artist, and that’s simply the nature of commissions and fan art. Using Elsa again as an example: as long as you can look at the drawing and say it’s Elsa, most of her key features are present, the character is recognizable, and the style feels satisfying and complementary to the Disney Queen (or whatever character we’re talking about), then accuracy is there.

2. Price Tag: This is also a fairly subjective area, as artists of different calibers charge differently, which is completely understandable. That said, it does play a BIG role in a commission’s overall standing, whether good or bad. Expensive does not always equal higher quality, after all.

3. Time: Another subjective factor. Time is money, yes—but something that takes a while to complete and results in jaw-dropping artwork will absolutely be considered top ten material. On the flip side, if something takes more than a few weeks and the result is something I enjoy but isn’t anything grand (especially if I paid good money for it), then it’s going to have a hard time landing among my favorites.

4. Client and Customer Experience: This may not directly affect the quality of the art or the caliber of the artist, but I’m a big believer in good customer service. Being treated like someone who is investing real money into a commission matters. Thankfully, almost all of the artists I’ve worked with have been professional, so this hasn’t been a major issue. That said, some artists go the extra mile to ensure the experience is great—taking time to communicate clearly, ask for clarification, follow up, and simply show appreciation for the business. That extra effort makes the entire process far more satisfying.

5. Personal Preference: Now, obviously, this plays a huge role. When it comes to commissions, personal preference factors into almost everything: the character(s) involved, the scenario, the theme (pin-up, straight fan art, fetish, etc.), and even the meaning behind the piece. While it’s hard not to put this at the forefront, I’ll say it outright—this is a big reason why some pieces made it into the top ten and beat out 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. I’m going to highlight them, because it’s always awesome to showcase pieces like this—the effort and thought behind them 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 in 2025. But it did get finished, and it looks great. I couldn’t place it higher than I would’ve liked due to how long it took, and because it nearly ended up in 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, though, I still appreciate a whole lot. There were a few others I couldn’t place in the runner-ups or the top 10s, since that would’ve basically turned this into a list of every commission I made in 2025. But as with 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.

10.) Kaitlin's Front Page (Retake XII)

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.

9.) Terra Branford -GHOST

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.

8.) Arlen's Crusade (Death)

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.

7.) Kaitlin's Front Page (Retake XI)

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?!).

6.) Arlen's Crusade (Nashu & Julyan)

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!

5.) Kaitlin in the Deep I

by: Anonymous

Another episode where Kaitlin deserved a moment to get some DiDness. A good start. For sure going to see more after this.

4.) Arlen's Crusade (KangJinStar)

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.

3.) Arlen's Crusade (Sheva Almoar)

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).

2.) Arlen's Crusade (Rogue X-Men Evolution)

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!

1.) Arlen's Crusade (2B/2P)

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 were focused on other things and commissions didn’t get as much attention, I’d still say a lot of good things came out of the year. 2026 is already shaping up to start with a bit of fun (any time now), and we’ll see where things end up. I’m hoping to work with a few new artists while also revisiting the usuals. While the Crusade will continue, I’m hoping to explore more variations. We’ll see how it goes.

But with all that said—Happy New Year, folks!

Until Next Time!