Artwork Commissions in cox vs other MMORPG's

It is obvious from the people here and the number of artists that patrol these forums that cox has a large following for commissioned artwork here. Is this typical of a long standing mmo or something different because of the massive char generator that the devs have given us (as well as the comic subject). I have played a few other mmo's, but have never really contributed to the forums other than here.

I am also asking this because when I look at mmoart or darkjedi's new site, or other artisists here they have mainly COX stuff there. Also other mmo's certianly have fan pic sections, but to me (I could be wrong) seems much more dynamic with new additions on a very regular basis. So is COX unique in people getting pics of their chars to this levelover other mmo's?

Commissions have always been a pretty big part of the comic industry culture, so it makes sense that a comic-based game would spawn the same type of freelance works. There's tons of fan art out there from all sorts of games. But as far as commissioned fan art goes, I think the fact that CoH/V allows you to customize your character to a more detailed degree than most MMOG's is what makes players relate/connect with their characters enough to want to capture their essence through art. The bio/backstory element alone allows you to really sink into that character.

Oddly enough though, commissions weren't even a thought in this community this time last year, lol. I remember that there may have been a sketch or two here and there, but this forum was mainly full of screenshots. All it really took was that first attention-grabbing request, and it was like a chain reaction started. More and more players started to request character art, and more artists started coming out to take requests. It really amazes me to see how busy this section has become in a fairly short time.

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Commissions have always been a pretty big part of the comic industry culture, so it makes sense that a comic-based game would spawn the same type of freelance works. There's tons of fan art out there from all sorts of games. But as far as commissioned fan art goes, I think the fact that CoH/V allows you to customize your character to a more detailed degree than most MMOG's is what makes players relate/connect with their characters enough to want to capture their essence through art.

Oddly enough though, commissions weren't even a thought in this community this time last year, lol. I remember that there may have been a sketch or two here and there, but this forum was mainly full of screenshots. All it really took was that first attention-grabbing request, and it was like a chain reaction started. More and more players started to request character art, and more artists started coming out to take requests. It really amazes me to see how busy this section has become in a fairly short time.

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I would agree with that Lush.


I remember wondering where to start way back when and having to send tells around asking lol.


Now look at it!

See what you did?!

I blame Celtic Bolt for the art proliferation.

But yeah there is other fan art from other games, but I do agree, the subject matter of 'superheroes' has always been seen as a comic book art kinda thing. Then it just moved from comic booky to different forms, portraits, paintings, etc. Plus the fact that we have a smallish, more tight-knit community here who supports each other, that also has helped quite a bit.

I blame David Nakayama for my habit.

I think Celtic Bolt may well deserve a lot of the credit for the friendly art automosphere around here. Now, I have no real experience with any other online games or their communities, but the fact that for more then a year he was turning out fantastic free art for everyone who asked pretty much set the tone. People now expect this forum section to be welcoming and friendly. Which really isn't the case for many of the other forum sections. After that, I guess credit should just go to all the forum regulars who, for the most part, foster a friendly and supportive environment.

Thank you everyone! Yay us!

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I think Celtic Bolt may well deserve a lot of the credit for the friendly art automosphere around here. Now, I have no real experience with any other online games or their communities, but the fact that for more then a year he was turning out fantastic free art for everyone who asked pretty much set the tone. People now expect this forum section to be welcoming and friendly. Which really isn't the case for many of the other forum sections. After that, I guess credit should just go to all the forum regulars who, for the most part, foster a friendly and supportive environment.

Thank you everyone! Yay us!

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I agree completely. Add to this the level of customization in personalizing your own character and it really isn't surprising people want a piece of their characters.