Custom Historical Illustration Commission

Commission artist Craig Tinder of Aces In Action to create a custom historical illustration featuring an aircraft, ship, or military subject with personal significance. Each project combines careful research, technical accuracy, and original artistic composition to preserve the history and story behind the subject. Due to Craig's annual artwork schedule, only a limited number of custom commissions are accepted each year. We encourage you to reserve your place early to ensure your project can be accommodated.

What the Illustration Fee Includes

The $749.99 non-refundable, one-time commission fee reserves your project in the illustration queue and covers research, planning, composition, and development of the original illustration. The fee does not include a physical artwork, framing, shipping, or a digital artwork file. The finished Heritage Alloy™ artwork is purchased separately after the illustration is complete.

How the Commission Process Works

1. Discuss your project first. Contact Aces In Action before purchasing to confirm the subject, scope, and scheduling.
2. Provide your reference material. Share the aircraft or vessel identification, historical details, unit or crew information, photographs, documents, links, and any other references that will help establish an accurate depiction.
3. Research and illustration. Craig researches the subject and develops the custom composition, with project updates and an opportunity to review the artwork during the process.
4. Order your finished artwork. Once approved, the completed illustration is made available through Aces In Action for purchase as a Heritage Alloy™ metal artwork. Available size, framing, pricing, and any applicable relic inclusion are confirmed for the individual project.

Heritage Alloy™ — Finished Artwork

Your completed custom illustration is reproduced exclusively on Aces In Action Heritage Alloy™, our premium aluminum-composite art surface selected for exceptional detail, rich color, and a distinctive museum-quality presentation.

As the individual commissioning the illustration, you have the opportunity to receive Print No. 1 of the limited-edition series. You may purchase multiple finished artworks, making them meaningful gifts for family members, veterans, squadron members, and others with a connection to the subject. Finished artworks are purchased separately from the $749.99 illustration commission fee.

Available Heritage Alloy™ formats:

• 18" × 12" — Unframed, ready to hang with a rear wall-mount bracket
• 18" × 12" — Framed in black
• 30" × 20" — Framed in black

Authentic Historical Relics

Where Craig has access to a bona fide, documented relic from the aircraft, ship, or other subject depicted, that artifact may be incorporated into the finished artwork. Availability, presentation, and any associated charges are confirmed individually for each project. 

Optional Personalized Engraved Plaque — $39.99

For an additional $39.99 per framed artwork, add a custom-engraved identification plaque mounted to the frame. The plaque may feature the recipient's name, rank, unit, service dates, a personal dedication, or other pertinent information, subject to available engraving space. This is a personalized commemorative plaque, separate from any historical relic Artifact Dock™. If you select the personalized plaque option at checkout, please email your exact engraving text to info@acesinaction.com after placing your order, including your order number.

Timing and Terms

Illustration development typically takes approximately 2–5 weeks once work begins, depending on complexity, research needs, and the current commission queue. Production and assembly of the separately purchased finished artwork may require additional time. Project-specific dates will be discussed before acceptance; rush scheduling may incur additional charges.

The $749.99 commission fee is non-refundable once the commission is accepted. No downloadable or editable digital illustration files are supplied. Promotional coupons, discounts, and free-shipping offers do not apply to custom commission fees or commissioned artwork.

Copyright and Usage Rights

All original illustrations, compositions, artwork, and related creative materials remain the exclusive intellectual property of artist Craig Tinder. Commissioning an illustration or purchasing a finished Heritage Alloy™ print does not transfer copyright or grant reproduction, publication, distribution, or commercial usage rights. No part of the artwork may be copied, scanned, photographed for reproduction, digitally shared or distributed, modified, reproduced on merchandise, licensed, resold as reproductions, or otherwise exploited without Craig Tinder's prior written permission. The purchaser may display the physical artwork and may transfer ownership of that physical print; ownership of the print does not convey copyright. Any separately agreed usage rights must be expressly granted in writing.

Private commission payment link: Please purchase only after discussing your project with Aces In Action and receiving confirmation that we can accept it. Payment without prior agreement does not guarantee project acceptance.