I've been mulling over this for a good, long while, but seeing as my book series is coming to an end (I'm actively writing the 6th and final book) and all the pieces I've ever wanted to realize for the series has more or less been done, AND all that can be licensed to be included in the companion art book to the series has been included - I think I'm done with primary commissioning of art.

What does that mean? That means going forward, due to real life changes in my work, my life, my home of record and many more BIG LIFE UPHEAVALS - combined with the tanking currency of the dollar compared to what most artists are using these days (Euro and British pounds), and the fact I've been scammed several times (most recently out of $755 dollars) forcing me to only do Paypal invoices thus blocking off so many artists, I think it's time to stop commissioning art for Legend of Ahya.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime period where I had a great job, economy was great, I had splurge cash money to spend for almost 10 years on promoting and enjoying these characters outside of any official art made for the book specifically. This period is swiftly ending and I must look ahead to the uncertain horizon and the less-than-hopeful future of myself, my family and my creative indulgences.

Legend of Ahya is unique in that I had the opportunity to make a visual companion gallery for the world and its characters. Any future book series I make will not have this level of graphical enhancement. No more in-book illustrations after every chapter, maybe 1 map at the front of the book in total (instead of 4-6), and only the cover art to commission. Future books will be more sparse in the art department going forward, but that's just the nature of things.

What this means for commissions overall is that I will no longer be actively seeking them out and will reject (and block if you're pushy beyond the first no) any artist who wants to come to me wanting my money for commission. I can't take chances anymore and if I do have a grand idea I'd like to see realized, I will be the one going out to an artist I'm familiar with and know on a personal basis to commission. I will not be actively seeking out anyone new. I know that comes as a disappointment for those who have been wanting to draw one of my characters, but for the reasons above I just can't take chances anymore on unknowns. Fan art is more than welcome though and you're more than free to draw any of them whenever - just realize that that's what you're doing: fan art - not a commission.

With a heavy heart, I end this journal. There are a few more commissions still waiting on to be delivered, so there will still be some activity left here for a year or so yet, but once those are complete, I've no idea what's next for me regarding these art sites. I hope you've enjoyed this journey as much as I have realizing it. And if you haven't had a chance to purchase and read my books, I hope you snag them from either Amazon or any major online retailer of choice:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093FBYNDK

Side note: For the 5000 Watcher raffle, that's still valid and I will honor that journal's promise when it comes time...

TL;DR, My time of active commissions are over. Don't come to me. I'll come to you if I feel like doing another. Chances are, it'll be with someone I know and trust. Fan art is always appreciated though.