Studio Queues Team · Last updated August 9, 2026
Commission size tiers explained: what bust, half-body, and full-body art show, what they cost, and how to choose the right tier for your purpose.
When you start commissioning character art, the commission size tiers are one of the first things you need to understand, because they determine both what you get and what you pay. Almost every artist offers the same character at different sizes: a bust, a half-body, a full-body, and sometimes more. These tiers are the clearest price ladder in commissioning, and choosing the right one for your needs and budget is a skill worth having. This guide explains what each size tier actually shows, what each typically costs, and how to pick the right one for your purpose, whether that is an avatar, a reference, a display piece, or a gift. It is written mainly for buyers deciding which tier to order.
The size tiers are defined by how much of the character the piece shows. More of the character means more drawing, which means more cost.
Icon or headshot. Just the head and maybe the shoulders, framed small. This is the avatar tier, designed to be readable at profile-picture sizes. It shows the face and hair but little else, which makes it the quickest and cheapest option.
Bust. Head to upper chest. A bust shows the face in more detail than an icon, plus the neckline, shoulders, and the top of the outfit. Busts are popular for character sheet portraits, profile art, and anywhere the face is the focus. They balance detail and affordability well.
Half-body. Head to roughly the waist or mid-thigh. A half-body shows a meaningful amount of the character's outfit, upper-body pose, and any gear or accessories in that region. It is the middle tier, showing much more than a bust without the full cost of a complete figure.
Full-body. The entire character, head to feet. This is the tier that shows the complete design: full outfit, footwear, pose, proportions, everything. If the point of the commission is to see your character's whole design realized, full-body is what you want.
The size tiers form a clean price ladder. Here are realistic 2026 ranges from independent artists, for a single character at a typical level of finish:
| Tier | Shows | Typical range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon / headshot | Face and shoulders | $30 to $200 | Avatars, profile pictures |
| Bust | Head to chest | $80 to $300 | Character sheets, portraits |
| Half-body | Head to waist | $120 to $400 | Showing outfit and upper design |
| Full-body | The whole character | $150 to $600 | Complete design showcase |
The ranges overlap because level of finish and artist experience move the price within each tier. A fully rendered bust from a sought-after artist can cost more than a flat-color full-body from a newer one. But within any single artist's menu, the tiers reliably climb: their full-body costs more than their half-body, which costs more than their bust. For how these tiers fit the whole commission market, see the full commission types and prices directory.
The right tier depends on what you will use the art for. Matching the tier to the purpose saves you from paying for more than you need or being disappointed by less than you wanted. It is worth thinking about the use before you fall in love with a particular artist's full-body price, because the purpose should drive the tier rather than the other way around.
A useful way to think about it: pay for what will actually be seen. An avatar that displays tiny does not need full-body detail; a display piece meant to show the whole character does. Match the tier to the use.
Within any tier, a few common add-ons raise the price, and knowing them helps you budget accurately:
When you compare artists' prices, check what the base tier includes and what costs extra, because a lower base price with expensive add-ons can end up costing more than a higher base price that includes more. The full agreement should be clear before you commit.
Artists define their tiers slightly differently, so check their examples to see exactly where their half-body cuts off or what their bust includes. When you commission, confirm the tier and what it includes so there are no surprises. Commissioning through a structured platform helps here: on Studio Queues, the tier you selected, the price, and the full agreement stay documented in the commission record, so both you and the artist have a clear reference for exactly what was ordered. That documented clarity protects you if any question comes up later about what the commission was supposed to include.
What is the difference between a bust and a half-body? A bust shows head to upper chest; a half-body shows head to roughly the waist or mid-thigh. The half-body reveals more of the outfit and upper-body pose, and costs more accordingly.
Which tier is cheapest? An icon or headshot, showing just the face and shoulders. It is the avatar tier and the most affordable, typically $30 to $200 depending on the artist and finish.
Do I need a full-body commission? Only if you want to see the complete design, including outfit and footwear. For an avatar or a face-focused piece, a bust or icon is more appropriate and cheaper.
Why does full-body cost more? Because it shows the entire character, which is more drawing: the full outfit, pose, proportions, and footwear all take additional work compared to just the head and shoulders.
What tier should I get for a profile picture? An icon or bust. Profile pictures display small, so the face is what shows, and paying for full-body detail that will not be visible is not worth it.
Can I add a background to any tier? Usually yes, as an add-on. A simple background is often included, while a detailed environment costs extra. Confirm background pricing when you commission.
Commission size tiers are the clearest price ladder in commissioning: icon, bust, half-body, and full-body, each showing more of the character and costing more accordingly. The right tier depends entirely on your purpose. Avatars and profile pictures want icons or busts; outfit showcases want half-bodies; complete design pieces want full-bodies. Pay for what will actually be seen, and check each artist's definition of their tiers plus what add-ons cost, because backgrounds, extra characters, and finish level all move the price within a tier.
Choosing the right tier means getting exactly the art you want at a price that fits. Ready to commission at the right size for your needs? You can browse artists open for commissions on Studio Queues, see each artist's tiers and prices before you commit, and commission directly with milestone-locked payments protecting you through the process.
