Can I Commission Custom Kashimo Fan Art From Artists?

If you're itching to get a custom kashimo fan piece, the short, enthusiastic version is: yes — you can absolutely commission one, and it's a pretty rewarding process when you find the right artist. I've commissioned several ship and character pieces over the years, and I love how personal and creative the result can be. The key is matching your idea with an artist whose style and terms fit what you want, and being clear about references, rights, and expectations from the start.

Start by hunting for artists who already draw similar ships or have a style you like. I usually browse Twitter/X, Instagram, Pixiv, DeviantArt, and Tumblr with tags like #commissionopen, #kashimo (or the broader series tags if the ship name isn't common). Etsy and Fiverr can work for prints or cheaper pieces, but for original digital art you’ll often find better quality and clearer communication through an artist’s personal commission page, Ko-fi, or Gumroad. When you find someone, check their commission info — they usually list prices for sketches, flats, full color, background complexity, and whether they do prints or physical commissions. Don’t skip their gallery; past commissions tell you a lot about what you’ll actually get.

Be precise with references and your vision. I always send: clear character refs (front/back/close-ups if possible), a few example poses, the vibe or color palette I want, and whether it’s for personal use, prints, or commercial use. Specify size and format (e.g., 3000x4000px, PNG with transparent background) and ask about revision limits up front. Payments are commonly handled through PayPal (Friends & Family or Goods & Services), Ko-fi, or direct bank transfer for some artists; personally I prefer PayPal G&S for buyer protection. Expect to pay more for full-color, detailed backgrounds, or rush jobs — typical hobby commissions vary wildly, so watch for hourly vs. flat rates. Tip respectfully if you can; I always add a little extra for artists whose work I adore.

Respect the artist’s rules and copyright. Most artists allow personal use (prints, avatars) but not commercial exploitation unless explicitly agreed upon. Ask permission before reposting large versions, credit the artist when you share, and don’t request tracing or blatant copying of another artist’s work. If you want prints shipped, confirm shipping costs and packaging. Communication matters: be polite, patient with turnaround times (artists have days off, conventions, and backlog), and follow their revision process. Finally, if you ever want something more specific — like an alternate outfit, background story element, or a crossover — most artists enjoy collaborative briefs, so long as you’re respectful of their boundaries and style.

Commissioning kashimo art can be a joyful way to support creators and get a meaningful piece of fandom content made just for you. I always treat these as mini partnerships: clear brief, fair pay, and happy collaboration — and nine times out of ten I end up framing the print or using it as my profile because I loved how it captured the ship.