The Joy of Character Profile Commissions

[GearRyu]

Many roleplayers like to create character profiles; these profiles are used to inform others about their characters. Their mere existence is also a handy tool to give the creator ideas on how they want to play their character.

I accept character profile commissions in order to help players update, expand, or create character concepts; bringing diversity and breadth. The trick is to create characters that are broad enough that they can meaningfully relate to a variety of characters and fit into many circumstances; while at the same time retaining an identity.

The biggest problem I see with many character profiles is inflexibility. The characters work well in only one setting or set-up. That's fine if you never want to branch out, but many players create these narrow concepts accidentally. Ironically, I see this very often with transformation-themed characters. They repeat the same transformation ad infinitum, despite the foundation of transformation being change - being thrust into unfamiliar circumstances.

The other problem, then, is characters who are too broad. "I'm a dragon" doesn't give other players much to go off of. Neither does the idea of a character who can do anything, or be anyone. Technically, these should be able to fit into just about anything. In practice, they are boring because they do not ignite the imagination.

By creating character profiles for people, I give them a chance to express themselves in new ways. I always go off some direction of the commissioner and tailor it to their particular needs. My role is to create a channel for you to express your concept. You are the one who brings life to the character.

You can find several examples of commissioned character profiles in my galleries on FurAffinity and deviantART.

Also, some examples of characters I have created for myself.
Alexis Couer
Daniel Oswin
Lily Parks
Shori

[GearRyu]

While I am at it, here is my commission info for profile commissions.

I charge two cents per word. The profile may be of any length; you determine the maximum word count.

Payment depends on final word count. Word count is based on the number of words as defined by the default settings of Microsoft Office Word 2007, and may include meta-text, such as collapsible headers.

Final payment must be received before I will release the final draft to you. If you are not satisfied with the final draft, you may request minor alterations to the final product. Any major alterations to the final draft are at my discretion, and may require additional payment (which will be discussed before such changes are made). The difference between minor and major alterations is entirely based on my subjective opinion.

Before receiving final payment, you may elect to receive a preview of up to 10% of the maximum word count. If you are not satisfied with the preview, you may request alterations to the previewed material. Once you are satisfied with the previewed material, you must pay a down payment for the previewed material (at the standard rate of 2 cents per word) before work will continue on the rest of the profile.

The content of the profile will be based on your desires as the commissioner. As the commissioner, you control the technical constraints of the writing: you have say over what kind of material you want included or excluded from the profile. However, I, as writer, have ultimate control over the creative expression of the material you want included, and may extrapolate from your guidelines in developing more content.

Any technical constraints must be received either 1) by the time any payment is received; or 2) at a time requested by myself, as the writer - whichever comes first. This is to ensure a meeting of minds regarding the final product.