COMMISSION

STUDIO FAQ

Availability

How many commissions do you take?

NKB Art + Illustration accepts a limited number of commissions during each booking season to ensure every project receives focused creative attention and the highest quality craftsmanship.

Commissions are offered during two booking seasons a year, rather than working on a continuous intake model. These booking windows are carefully curated for new collaborations, allowing time and space for fully immersive, story-driven work.

Why are only a limited number of commissions available each year?

Each commission at NKB Art + Illustration is developed with an intentionally slow, thoughtful process. From research and concept development to illustration and refinement, every piece receives the time and attention it deserves.

To maintain this level of craftsmanship, I accept only a select number of commissioned projects each year. This allows every client to receive a deeply collaborative experience and artwork that is created with care rather than rushed to meet volume.

If commissions are currently full, you are welcome to join the waitlist or inquire about future availability.

Inquire about availability.

Genres

What genres do you work with?

As we are a developing studio, I welcome a range of genre projects, particularly within illustrated fiction, romance, fantasy, and adjacent literary genres, or stories with strong narrative, atmospheric, or literary elements.

Every commission is considered individually to ensure alignment with the studio’s illustrative style and storytelling approach.

Booking Windows

When can I book a commission?

The studio plans its commission calendar around two primary booking seasons each year—one in spring and one in autumn. These seasons are the preferred time to reserve a project and are when most commission spaces are released. Each booking window includes a limited number of available slots (which are determined by project complexity and artistic alignment), and inquiries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Booking seasons:

  • Spring Booking Season
    Applications typically open in March (March - May) for projects beginning between April and July.

  • Autumn Booking Season
    Applications typically open in September (September - November) for projects beginning between October and January.

Although each booking season includes a limited number of commission spaces, if availability remains, I also welcome inquiries outside of these booking windows. Projects received between seasons may be scheduled into the next available opening or accommodated sooner if my calendar allows. Once the calendar is full, inquiries are welcomed for the next available booking window.

How far in advance should I inquire?

For the best availability, I recommend reaching out at least 4–8 months before your desired publication date. This allows ample time for illustration, revisions, and your publishing or marketing schedule.

Authors with shorter timelines are always welcome to inquire. Depending on my availability, I may be able to accommodate select projects outside of my standard booking schedule.

Process

How does the commission process work?

Each commission follows a collaborative, story-driven process designed to bring your book or concept to life with depth and intention:

  1. Inquiry & Fit Review
    You submit your project details (your project brief) during an open booking window. I review each inquiry to ensure alignment with my current focus and availability.

  2. Concept & Direction
    Once accepted, we discuss themes, mood, symbolism, and visual direction to establish the foundation of your piece.

  3. Sketch Development
    I develop initial sketches and composition studies for feedback and refinement.

  4. Final Illustration
    The final artwork is created with layered detail, color, texture, and painterly rendering if applicable.

  5. Delivery
    You receive high-resolution files prepared for both print and digital use.

Timelines

How long does a commission take?

Timelines vary depending on complexity, but most projects follow this general structure:

  • Concept & sketch phase: 1–2 weeks

  • Final illustration: 3–6 weeks

  • Total average timeline: 4–8 weeks per project

More complex covers or multi-character scenes may require extended timelines, which will be discussed during booking.

All commissions are scheduled in advance according to the seasonal calendar, ensuring each project has uninterrupted studio time.

Booking Philosophy

Why are commissions only open at certain times?

Atelier NKB is structured around focused creative seasons rather than continuous availability. This allows each project to be developed with intention, depth, and narrative cohesion, while also aligning with the natural publishing cycles of top indie genres such as romance and fantasy fiction.

This approach ensures that every commission is not just completed—but fully considered as part of a larger storytelling world.