GOAL:
Establish a clear understanding (for both artist and customer) of the final result.

PROCESS FEATURES:  
- Use any means necessary to convey the core idea (photobashing, AI-concepting, etc.) — anything to refine the concept, as this ensures a smoother workflow later

- Note: This is not just a "stick-figure sketch" but a detailed, colored 3D-ready concept

RESULT OF STAGE:
The idea (composition, pose, lighting) must be clearly defined and technically feasible to develop further (that's why payment preferred after sketching)

STAGE TIME:
20% of full project time (FPT)

GOAL:
Model the "3D blank of character" and place them in a scene with proper lighting, materials, etc.

PROCESS FEATURES:  
- Character design adheres to the artist’s technical limits. Missing details (ears, tails, etc.) are omitted for simplicity and will be added later in 2D.  

- These 3D models are "for internal use only" — they have technical limitations (e.g., not rigged properly for animation) and cannot be shared/sold. 
AND
- These models will only be used for the client’s commissioned work.  

RESULT OF STAGE:
A functional 3D base with approved composition and lighting

STAGE TIME:
30% of FPT

TOTAL TIME (with prev.stage(s)):
50% of FPT

GOAL:
Refine the 3D base into a 2D illustration by fixing imperfections (lack of emotions, missing details) and applying stylistic effects (textures, flattening filters to reduce "3D-ness")  

PROCESS FEATURES:
- Focus on tonal/BW correctness of whole drawing (that's why WIP can be in BW or color-limited - like the example~)

- Colors need to be cared after this stage! (Depends on STYLE, choosed by customer)

RESULT OF STAGE:
A cohesive 2D foundation with corrected errors

STAGE TIME:
20% of FPT

TOTAL TIME (with prev.stage(s)):
70% of FPT

GOAL:
Bring the colors to life by making them fit the style. Prepare for the finale stage/

PROCESS FEATURES:
- Focus on color correctness of whole drawing

RESULT OF STAGE:
Finalized color blocking for a 2D foundation

STAGE TIME:
20% of FPT

TOTAL TIME (with prev.stage(s)):
90% of FPT

GOAL:
Once the 2D base (with fixed colors) is approved, merge layers (character/background separately) and make "final touches"

PROCESS FEATURES:
- Merging layers signifies client approval of the previous stage.
Further edits will be minor (major changes may require reverting or workarounds = additional charges)

RESULT OF STAGE:
A finished, high-quality illustration ready for delivery

STAGE TIME:
10% of FPT

TOTAL TIME (with prev.stage(s)):
100% of FPT