BTS#35: OCs (Patreon)

Hey y'all! One of my favourite types of commissions to do is models for OCs! I've done a whole bunch now, so I thought I’d do a little writeup on the process. Pictured above from right to left are Ravebounce, Vantat88 (Formerly Hevexy)'s Akiko, "Bloo" Berry Cream, Dark Straw, Rez's Eric, EZ-E's Myra, KnHawke's Firelight Guardian, and PotentiallyToast's Steel Heart. Here's a look at what it usually looks like 

The part of the process I most enjoy is refining the body shape of each character. I like to sculpt each detail, measurement and shape of a character to give their body a unique erotic appeal! Of course, some clients have a really strong idea of the exact body of their OC and others don’t have such exact reference. A technique I use, which is common in freelance character design work, is to do several different variations for the client to choose between or mix and match, so someone might say “I don’t like A, B is good but I really like the hips of C” and then I can get a really good idea of the direction to go in from that. It’s a very effective process, and clients tend to really enjoy it!

The other part of the process here is poll features! I’m sure most of you have noticed the various OCs that have been showing up in the poll options here and there. Until now, this has kinda been a Beta deal I’ve been testing out. Essentially, a poll feature is my version of a “Your Character Here” type commission, but reconfigured so it works with the nature of working in 3D with the much higher-investment assets that involves. In practice, poll features are like a discounted animation commission with limited availability and reduced directorial control.

The way it works is this: Occasionally I’ll open an upcoming poll for OC features, and if you’ve got an OC I’ve made a model for, you can buy a slot in that poll for $150. What this means is there will be two options in the poll featuring your OC, and one of them is guaranteed to get made once the poll concludes.

There are of course a bunch of limitations on this, content-wise, that distinguish it from a full animation commission, where the client has full directorial control and the price is a lot higher to match. First, I choose the themes of the polls - so when you buy a slot you already know what kind of animation it’s going to be. Second, I create the options that go in the poll based primarily on what makes sense for me to animate, within the theme. Of course, I take suggestions but the decision is ultimately mine - with the exception that you as the owner of your OC can veto anything you really don’t want to see them doing. Then once the poll goes up, it’s in the hands of everyone else! In the end, we follow the votes.