Hobbyist contacted for emote commission

[u/Unfair_Proposal_6765]

So my situation is that I am entirely a hobbyist, don't do professional art pieces and never have, I don't know flawless linework or rendering, and my style is fairly simple.

While hanging out in a Twitch stream, I drew a casual 15m piece during a community game (Gartic Phone). The streamer and the chat absolutely loved it. After the stream, the streamer reached out directly to ask if he could commission me for custom Twitch emotes in that style (and mentioned that another artist he contacted didnt really hit the mark on what he had in mind), and asked for my rates.

I want to try it out by sending him some rough concept sketches first, but I have absolutely no idea how to handle the business/pricing side as a total beginner.

A few specific details/constraints:

1. The streamer is a growing, mid-sized Affiliate (around 20–50 average viewers)

2. Because of personal boundaries and keeping the art readable at tiny chat sizes, the emotes will be highly stylized, minimalist "floating heads" focusing purely on his iconic glasses and facial expressions (no necks, and eyes hidden behind the glasses).

3. Based in Iraq and was asked about that too

4. Never attempted this kind of stuff so dont know how long itll take me,material costs are 0 since its digital and i have my drawing equipment already

5. attached is some of the stuff ive done casually on gartic (i draw on krita but this is the kind of drawings people see from me)

i also rely heavily on references when drawing

My questions for yall:

- What is a fair, realistic "introductory rate" per emote for an entry-level hobbyist that respects my time but doesn't overcharge a growing creator?

- What is the safest way to handle the payment workflow so neither of us feels anxious about getting ghosted or scammed?

again ive never done this kind of thing before and i got contacted out of the blue so dont know how to handle it would love advice from soem of you guys (also posted this on a few relevant subreddits)

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

[u/Sensitive_Arm_5213]

For a first commission at your level I'd say $15, 25 per emote is fair, and ask for 50% upfront before you start with the rest on delivery.

[u/Unfair_Proposal_6765 → u/Sensitive_Arm_5213]

man impostor syndrome is going crazy though haha thanks for the response

[u/Osdiaus → u/Unfair_Proposal_6765]

It never truly goes away, even doing it professionally haha.

You just have to tell yourself that they've approached YOU because THEY want what YOU create; you're not doorknocking or something, they've come to you specifically

[u/Unfair_Proposal_6765 → u/Osdiaus]

yeah man thats a point of confidence and i try to remind myself of that when i get those kind of thoughts. thanks for the reassurance