[CAG] The Cheap Arts Guide to Gaia // Help needed!

[SunsetFlare]

Closed indefinitely.
stuff to do:
- change link in PM notice

"Bringing great art to regular people since 2008."

About CAG: IT'S BACK!
So about a year ago I decided to get into art commissions and since then I've ordered from quite a few artists. However, to this day it still amazes me how some artist (albeit VERY good) can sell art pieces in commission auctions for several millions. If you've got that kind of money to piss away then be my guest, but I decided to open the "Cheap Arts Guide" so that people who don't have a handy 87290856mil gold to spend can still get some pretty decent commissions.

I opened this guide near the end of last year, but I ended up closing it 'cos it just took too much time to keep up with and type everything. So I've restarted it again now and made a few changes to make it easier on me so hopefully I can keep this guide up and running for longer. I'm a full-time student will classes every day (and also a slacker) so I'll only be on every few days or so making posts/updates, meaning things might be a bit slow around here, but hey I have a life away from the computer that is a lot more interesting.

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The Seal of Approval
For every entry in the Cheap Arts Guide, they are awarded the CAG Approval Stamp:



It is the artist's choice whether or not to display the stamp in their store (and many thanks to [Hyde] and for making it for me!). There are some stores that may display the older CAG stamp which is still a valid.

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UPDATES

08.05.10 - Must remember to reopen this one day. Perhaps on a seasonal basis.
10.09.09 - CAG is back, still setting up for now...
17.09.09 - Still need to fix up a few things, but I'm officially reopening the guide! And also heading of to sleep now, niteoo guys.

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Quote:

STAFF NEEDED
Every entry takes quite a long time for me to put in; it's pretty tedious work. Essentially all I need people to do is help me find some stores to look at (you don't have to write all the review stuff unless you want to). Please have some basic knowledge about buying art so that you have a better idea about lower price/good art. Note: this is not a paid position!

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Contents

§ [You are here] Hi there, first post!

§ Rules // Want to Submit A Store?

§ Terminology (ie. Understanding the listings)

§ List of Avatar Artists

§ List of Other Types of Art

§ Artist Removals

§ Other Links

§ More to come......

[SunsetFlare]

§ TOS, PG-13, whatever and so forth.

§ No page stretching or general spamming, please.

§ Do not quote the first page.

§ Any bad conduct will result in a blacklisting, and you may be reported to moderators.

§ Bumping is welcome, or just stay and chat.

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Want to Submit a Store?
Fill out the following form and the store will be reviewed. You can either PM me (SunsetFlare) or post in the thread. Please don't be rude if your submission is not accepted.

[u][b]Name of the store[/b][/u]
[url]Link[/url]
[i]Username/Name of Artist:[/i]
[i]Why are you recommending this artist?[/i]

[SunsetFlare]

A quick guide to understanding the listings. I've modified the criteria from the previous guide to make it easier on me to write; hopefully it'll make it easier and quicker to read too.
- links to samples from the artist are no longer included on the guide (they were the things that took up the bulk of my time)
- About the Store is now "What they Offer"
- Recommended Buy(s) has been split into Price Range and What's Available

Quote:

Name of the store ( with link)
Username(s)/Name of Artist(s):
*Specialty: Only included if the artist specialises in a specific type of drawing (eg. chibis).
*What they offer: Only included for non-avatar art stores about what they sell.
Price Range: The least and most expensive commissions you can purchase (as benchmark references).
What's available? A recommendation of some commissions you can get. In particular for avatar artists, my recommendations are based on the price of the commission, in relation to the quality and size (ie. head shot, full-body, etc.)
Other Comments: Anything particularly good or bad about the artist/store (eg. fast worker, inconsistent drawings, etc), plus any additional comments.

Anything added personally by an artist to their own entry is displayed in the comments section under "Artist's Comments".

[SunsetFlare]

Closed indefinitely. May possibly re-open again in the far future.

A list of avatar artists, with the older entries at the beginning, and the newest entries at the bottom of the list.
- a majority of comments made are based on artist samples, and only a few are based on personal experience. Feel free to give me your comments of your experience with a particular artist and I will add them in.
- If the recommended store is a joint store among several artists, the store may be listed, but not every artist there will be recommended (don't be upset, please!)
- Ctrl+F is your friend!

E.n.d.l.e.s.s. Art Shoppe
Username/Name of Artist: Sa Node (the artist formerly known as Osmet?), AuraJitsu, Manga Neko,and Kira Da Wolf
Price range: 400g for Headshot Line art from Aura, to 13k for a Full Body Coloured Couple also from Aura. Prices do not include Kira's Bribe slot prices.
What's available? All four artists offer the standard views (Headshots to Full Bodies); Kira and Manga also do chibis. Kira also does a few furrie-specific commissions.
Other Comments: They've expanded since I last checked out their thread and adopted 2 more artists (was originally just Aura and Sa Node). All artists have very reasonably prices and wonderful art. They're also one of the more reliable stores since they've been running for so long (unlike the craploads of stores that went bust since I closed the last thread).


The Owl's Eyes Art Shop
Username/Name of Artist: blue-owl
Price Range: Unlike most stores the price varies according to colouring style only (ie. a full-body sketch costs as much as a bust sketch). There are only 3 prices available: 1k for a Sketch, then 2.5k for an Inked line art, and 5k for a Coloured commission. There are also regular CG art auctions.
What's available? Owl offer 4 standard commissions: chibi, headshots, torso, and full-body. All are available with as a sketch, inked, or in colour.
Other Comments: Reliable and consistent art, pretty much a guarantee you'll get great art regardless of what your avatar looks like. Fast worker too! Slots are open now (last time I checked anyway...)


café au lait
Username/Name of Artist: hikarushirou
Specialty: Although not specified, her art is in a chibi-style. Although she has previously stated she does chibi art (this was before she renovated her store a while back).
Price Range: 2k for a Sketch, to 5k for Colour.
What's available? Since her art is limited to the chibi style, there's only 2 commissions: sketch, or colour. Common sense, really.
Other Comments: Very cute, and very well done Chibis, honestly I expected her commissions to cost a lot more. Her prices have gone up since I put the CAG on hiatus, but her art is still very reasonably priced. Slots fill up fast!


MOO! Avi Art Shop
Username/Name of Artist: Moke Moo Moo
Price Range: From 4k for a Flob to 15k for a Full Body. Couple are double the price, so technically the most you'll pay is 30k for a Couple Full Body.
What's available? All commissions are CG coloured. Moo provides a wide range of commissions: flob, super chibi, chibi, headshots, bust, waist, and full body. OC commissions are also available.
Other Comments: The first thing I thought when I looked at this store was "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH PRETTY." You know, for CG art at this fantastic quality I really expected it to cost a lot more (granted that 15k is getting towards the steeper side). And I'm glad that unlike a lot of stores she hasn't closed up shop or raised her prices considerably. The only downside is that she doesn't do commissions on a first come first serve basis - she picks which commission she wants to draw.
Artist's Comment: Oh, you might want to add that slots fill up VERY fast, so it can be difficult to get one.


Psycho Sako's Cheap Avatar Portraits!
Username/Name of Artist: PsychoSako
Specialty: Avatar portraits (ie. Heat/Bust shots), although there are a few waist/full bodies floating around I think.
Price Range/What's available? There's only 1 commission you can get, a 1k Headshot.
Other Comments: Seriously, this is ridiculously awesome art. The artist has also pointed out that the thread moves pretty fast, so you should hang around in the thread to avoid your order getting lost in the pages. And due to the popularity (and that Psycho isn't always online) it seems to be somewhat difficult to get an order in. But I think it's definitely worth the effort.
Artist Comment: "You might want to mention that because i have a life, it's not all that often that i start a queue, but when i do, slots go fast. :3"


Skynn Deep
Username/Name of Artist: wolfgirl_chaewon
Price Range: From 4k for a Penciled Chibi to 20k for a Full Body with 3 or more people, keeping it's a flat rate at 20k with no extra cost for 4 people, or 5 people.
What's Available? All commissions come in either Pencil sketch, or Ink and Coloured. Wolf offers chibis, headshots, waists, and full bodies.
Other Comments: Like one of the previous stores I'm happy to see that her prices haven't changed, and that her store is still running. Anyway, she has fantastic drawings regardless of what you decide on, but her commission list is almost always full and she doesn't work in any particular order either. Wolf used to have a massive waiting list and at one point there were about 40 people waiting for their art, so I'm glad she's cut her list down to 10. I don't know how long she takes for art these days but during her 40 commissions period she took almost 3 months for mine. But I have to say she was DEFINITELY worth the wait and I hope to buy more from her in the future sometime.


☆★ The Jinxed Vulpes' Avatar Art Shop ★☆
Username/Name of Artist: Hakui-Kitsune, .Jinx.Xaden.
Price Range: From 250g - 1k for a Black and White Bust Line Art from Hakui to 6k - 11k for a Coloured Full Body from Jinx. This is not including additional group prices; these are for individual commissions only.
What's Available? Both artists offer their drawings either Black and White, or in Colour, and will draw chibis, busts, and full bodies. Jinx can also animate your commissions (for an extra cost).
Other Comments: Indeed, I am a fan both artists for their individual styles. Prices are cheap, and the art is very nice! The store is still pretty new but slots are already filling fast so get your order in while you can.


"Halls of the Fallen"~{an art shop}
Username/Name of Artist: dante aesir
Price Range: From 1k for an uncoloured Headshot to 20k for Couples.
What's Available? Dante offers all commissions in either as uncoloured (pencil shade and sketch) or coloured, and will draw Head shots, torsos, and full bodies.
Other Comments: The only way I could think of describing the art was "floppy bodies"? The drawings kinda remind me of cute little dolls. Anyway, the art is very nicely done, and prices pretty cheap too. Maybe 20k is steering towards the steeper side, but it's not too bad and I'd still be willing to pay that for a couples commission from here.


♥ Bubble Tea Artshoppe !! ♥
Username/Name of Artist: iPretz, paper_megami
Price Range: From 400g for a Head shot to 5k for a Full Body in colour.
What's available? iPretz does the art, and Megami colours! iPretz offers chibis, headshots, busts, and full bodies (which are available in lineart sketch or colour).
Other Comments: The art is very cute and simple, and cheap! The store is still very new, so please give some support and get their business going.


R.I.P. /// An Art Shop
Username/Name of Artist: Gangrape A Go-Go
Specialty: Although Gang does regular commissions, her main commissions are chibis.
Price Range: Starting at 3k for a chibi head shot, to 20k for a regular waist-up commission.
What's available? All art is in pencil sketch. Gang offers chibi head shots, 2 chibi styles; and bust and waist shots for the regular style.
Other Comments: Even though all the art is in pencil sketch, I think it suits the drawing style. What I like is that the chibi style is a bit different to a lot of other ones I've seen; these are literally big head/skinny body. Very cute.

[SunsetFlare]

Cute little images, gifs, and so forth that aren't necessarily avatar related. Oldest listings are at the top, the newest stores are at the bottom. Some non-art stores may be included. Great for little gifts!

A Psycho Circus
Username/Name of Artist: frenzyotaku, tandemonium
Specialty: Creepy-themed food and pets.
What they offer: Rock candy, a bowl of slime, pet toads, crows and more in wooden cages... psycho circus indeedy.
Estimated Price Range: 200g - 3300g, but you don't really jump past the 1k mark unless you're buying an item set.
Other Comments: I like the whole creepy food stuff, only I wish there was more to buy.


_______________________P-! ink Sugar Cafe™
Username/Name of Artist: [Hyde] + thread staff of 8.
Specialty: A semi-RP, cafe-themed store with food, drinks, other snacks.
What they offer: Probably the best food store around - cakes, salad, onigiri, chocolates...
Estimated Price Range: 25g - 500g, with the exception of 1 item which is 5k.
Other Comments: Seriously, there is a LOT to choose from in this store. I don't know what else to say about it, other than it is a big pile of awesome. Pink Sugar also has their own award system given to other exceptional food art stores.


:Tea Time!:
Username/Name of Artist: Kara Winters
Specialty: A little bit of food, but their specialty is drinks (namely tea - of course!)
What they offer: A wide range of drinks and little snacks can be found here, as well as a customizable drink (bamboo spoon and chocolate sauce!)
Estimated Price Range: 50g - 500g depending on what you order, with a single item in the "Gift Shop" area for 800g.
Other Comments: Very pretty drinks, I wish tea was always this appealing in real life; I have no idea what's in the Deluxe Nature Drink, or the Dream Tea but I want them anyway. Tea Time also has the approval of P-! ink Sugar Cafe™.


●♫♪♫●UNCHAINED MELODIES●A MUSIC SHOP!●
Username/Name of Artist: Le Sweetie, Pokerface
Specialty: A store selling original composed piano music, and alternative music (techno).
What they offer: Sweetie does the piano, and Poker does the alternative.
Estimated Price Range: Piano composition prices range from 3k - 8k, depending on the length of the piece. Alternative compositions range from 3k to 7k, again depending on the length of the piece.
Other Comments: Impressive stuff, no? I don't know... in my opinion it takes a lot of skill and creativity to compose anything, whether it's classical or alternative.


♥ [τ]Һε [м]αяsҺмαℓℓσω [ς]αғé ♥
Username/Name of Artist: MarshmaIIows
Specialty: Marshmallows!
What they offer: Little marshmallow art, you can pick it's facial expressions + any other little bits you might want to add.
Estimated Price Range: From The Thread: "The prices can range from 700 gold up to 2.5k depending on how elaborate the little Marshy is. I am willing to negotiate prices though, and I do bulk orders!"
Other Comments: Very cute [x3], and I like there's lots of different ways you can change the faces. The store runs a little slow at the moment though due to lack of orders, so please them them a little business!


Grazie Molto~ Treats & Eats For All~
Username/Name of Artist: Grazie Molto (art was originally by Marrionetta, but she sold her business), total thread staff of 3.
Specialty: A cafe-themed store selling food and drinks.
What they offer: A range of drinks and ice cream designs are available, among other things.
Estimated Price Range: 50g - 700g depending on what you order.
Other Comments: Cute little items, and a large variety of ways for you to customise your purchases. I guess the only downside is that they're a bit on the small side.

[SunsetFlare]

Previous listings which have been removed from the Cheap Arts list. Reasons can include:
§ Store closure
§ Large price increase
§ Anything else appropriate.
Since the revamp many stores from the old version of the guide have closed their shops; these are not included here.

SHOP [O]: Mangabent's Art Shop
Reason for removal: Store is on hiatus until further notice.
Username/Name of Artist: Rafe Wolf (store front), mangabent
Recommended Buy(s):A Coloured Full Body Avatar costs about 6k or 8k depending on how complicated your avi is (for non-coloured it costs 1k less). Coloured Chibis are also a cute buy at 3k. mangabent also offers a unique comic strip commission, so you can create your own little comic strip with your avatar - prices are dependent on number of boxes, box size, colouring, etc. Check out the store for more details.
Benefits, Shortcomings & Other Comments: Pricing - cheap. Quality - awesome. The drawings are very well done, and I love the regular avatars and the chibis equally - it's impossible for me to choose between them! One of the best I have to say; definitely another new favourite. And due to the larger waiting list (15 slots) it might be easier to get an order in than some other places!


S.e.C // Sexual Explicit Content //
Reason for removal: Store is on hiatus until further notice.
Username/Name of Artist: Aww
Specialty: As the name says, "Sexually Explicit" Items
About the Store: A little store selling adult-style items - candles, love potion bottles... condoms... I know you giggled in your mind there, because I did. Items range from around 100g - 350g depending on what you want.
Other Comments: The store seems a bit new so I think there's still some items waiting to be released. I'm still amused by the condoms.


//____❀❀ ℂαғє ❀❀____//
Reason for removal: Store is on hiatus until further notice.
Username/Name of Artist: Chickelly
Specialty: Mochi!
About the Store: Customizable mochis! You can select the mochi flavour, various toppings, and facial expressions. Price range is 200g - 500g. Adoradolls (adorable pixel dolls) are also available, but only through bribe/regular store auctions.
Samples: Flavour selections || Topping selections || Facial expressions || SunsetFlare's "watermarked" mochi order || Adoradoll
Other Comments: The limited variety of other items is compensated by the very cute mochis that she makes, and that she's a ridiculously fast worker (if you catch her online!) I would like to see more from her, but the mochis are a great buy for now. Don't forget about her Adoradolls!



o0o Treasure Island o0o .::. A Pixel Paradise .::.
Username/Name of Artist: MissSerendai
Reason for removal: Store is on hiatus until further notice.
Specialty: Pixel food and gifts
About the Store: Treasure Island provides little "hoppers" (little pet things in a box that hop up and down), as well as assorted food and snacks, and some fancy cakes. Estimated price range is 150g - 500g. Decorative fish orbs and bird aviaries are currently unavailable. Pixel dolls can also be bought, but only through bribe.
Samples: AFK Hopper || Hawaiian Hopper || Strawberry Milkshake Carton || Floral Deluxe Cake || Currently Unavailable (Prices vary): Fish Orb || Bird Aviary
Other Comments: All very pretty and cute, and I quite like the little hoppers too. I'm looking foreward to buying a fish orb when it becomes available again, but for now I'll settle for some pretty cakes.


Dress up games for you!
Username/Name of Artist: sup-qt
Reason for removal: Store is on hiatus until further notice.
Specialty: Personalised avatar dress-up game.
About the Store: Pick the clothing items you want and they will be drawn and made into a little dress up flash game. Prices are set at 5k, 10k, and 16k depending on how many items you want (12, 18, and 24 items respectively).
Samples: 12 Items (5k) || 15 Items (10k) || 24 Items (16k)
Other Comments: Hey I'm pretty impressed here, even if you're not. Like seriously, a drawn-for-you dress up game for yourself to play with! It's like lots of little pieces of art rolled into one.

[SunsetFlare]

Links to other places of interest, and links to the [CAG]. Coming soon (hopefully)!

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ninja

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xp

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3nodding

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heart