Whatnot FAQ

Your guess is as good as ours. Mostly, artist Esteban Salinas is painting original paintings on comic covers that go up for auction once he finishes them. Co-hosts Aaron and Jim provide “insightful” and “gripping” commentary and conversation, making sure Esteban answers questions posed from chat. And, of course, there are often great deals on prints in the Buy Now section!

Does that clip damage the cover?

No. No, it does not. If it did, Esteban wouldn’t use it.

If I win this auction, will you sign the cover?

Absolutely! Not only will I sign the cover for you, but you will also receive a Certificate of Authenticity confirming that it is an Esteban Salinas original work of art.

Is this cover painted?

I do, indeed, paint on the cover, and on most covers, the cover will also be varnished! If you’ve never seen me varnish a cover on stream before, it is an orgasmic experience that adds dimension to the painting.

What kind of paints are you using?

I use a variety of acrylic paints (including fast-drying, slow-drying, and even glow-in-the-dark on occasion).

what’s that pen you’re using?

Mind your own business!

Okay, okay, I’ll tell! It’s a Medium Pentel Arts Color Brush Ink Filled Brush, Item# GFLBP101, UPC# 0-72512-22690-2. Now stop buggin’ me, kid!

Can I get the cover graded?

Please visit our CBCS section for additional cover grading information.

will you paint an asohka tano fighting darth maul in the rain with lightning and dual light sabers?

You’re clearly new here, so you get a pass.

No, no I will not paint you an Asohka Tano fighting Darth Maul in the rain with lightning and dual light sabers on stream. Off stream, as a private commission, it’s possible, but be forewarned, this is a very, very, very expensive private commission that gives me nightmares and causes me to hallucinate in hieroglyphics at the mere thought of doing it. But if you have the money…

Okay, will you paint a [INSERT SUGGESTION]?

I love to take suggestions, as sometimes something suggested gives me an inspiration to do something unique! However, keep in mind that I tend to paint more mainstream characters of wider interest, since the idea is to have something to auction off that more people will be interested in. The more niche the suggestion is, the less likely I’ll do it as an auction.

How long before I receive my sexy new cover?

Because the cover is painted, it takes a day or two to dry. The cover is then, in most cases, varnished, which adds another day or two to dry. We do our best to have covers shipped or delivered to Clan McDonald Comics within 5 to 7 days based on shipping volume and drying times. From there, shipping typically takes a few days (shipped via USPS Postal Service), and there is presently a 20 to 26 week turn-around time for CBCS grading. Rest assured that Clan McDonald Comics handles CBCS grading with extreme professionalism and will work to ensure you receive your graded cover as soon as possible given backlogs in the CBCS process.

What other things do you auction off?

Occasionally I will auction off remarks on original covers I was the cover artist for in professional publication. I also auction off original works done on canvas as well. There may be other things from time to time (like remarks on one of the prints from my collection), so be sure to check in frequently! You never know what might be up for bid.

Can I commission a private piece outside of Whatnot?

Absolutely! Please visit the Private Commission page under Art and Merch for more information on Private Commissions. If you brought it up in chat on Whatnot, please include your Whatnot handle in your Private Commission quote request, as it will help jog my memory as to what we discussed. Note that based on the complexity of the commission as well as the rarity of the cover (or if you want it done on canvas, for example) will be factors that determine price.