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Subject: "Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork" Archived thread - Read only
 
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CGWolfgang
Member since Jun-11-09
135 posts
Apr-06-12, 03:41 AM (EDT)
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"Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
 
   Hello all!

I had a quick question to boardmembers about getting artwork commissioned. As I delve deeper into creating 3d models I find that my lack of 2d drawing ability will wind up hurting my efforts to create Original Characters. While not being able to adequeately draw doesn't completely stop me from creating an OC (I'm attempting to start my first OC at the moment) it is a critical step in fleshing out a character and would ultimately help me save time in the long run.

So I've decided that if I want to create an Original Character that badly then I should seek out artists more talented than me to do reference sheets or character concept art by commission. Which is a really long winded and roundabout way of saying I'm willing to pay someone to help me flesh out characters but I don't know where-in-the-hell to look for someone who's legit.

So I wanted to see if any forum members knew where to look or know of artists that accept commission, how much to expect to pay, and the ins and outs of getting commisioned artwork done.

------------
~If you want my input the red explosions are really pretty and if you did enough you might live for a few more excrutiating seconds

My not so humble contribution to cyberspace

http://cgwolfgang.deviantart.com/


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  Subject     Author     Message Date     ID  
  RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork pjmoyermoderator Apr-06-12 1
     RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork JeanneHedge Apr-06-12 2
         RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork The Traitor Apr-07-12 4
             RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork JeanneHedge Apr-07-12 6
     RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork CGWolfgang Apr-07-12 3
  RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork DocMuiteam Apr-07-12 5
  RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork rwpikul Apr-08-12 7
  RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork Acyl Apr-16-12 8
     RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork Berrik Apr-22-12 9
         RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork rwpikul Apr-26-12 10

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pjmoyermoderator
Charter Member
1854 posts
Apr-06-12, 10:29 AM (EDT)
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1. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #0
 
   >I had a quick question to boardmembers about getting artwork
>commissioned. As I delve deeper into creating 3d models I find that
>my lack of 2d drawing ability will wind up hurting my efforts to
>create Original Characters. While not being able to adequeately draw
>doesn't completely stop me from creating an OC (I'm attempting to
>start my first OC at the moment) it is a critical step in fleshing out
>a character and would ultimately help me save time in the long run.

Hey, wanting to illustrate my first OC, Aerianne, provided me plenty of motivation to LEARN to draw, so don't knock it! Wanting to get something you're really invested in onto paper so others can see it is an EXECELLENT means of inspiring and motivating you to learn, because you'll always be pushing yourself to get it better.

>So I've decided that if I want to create an Original Character that
>badly then I should seek out artists more talented than me to do
>reference sheets or character concept art by commission. Which is a
>really long winded and roundabout way of saying I'm willing to pay
>someone to help me flesh out characters but I don't know
>where-in-the-hell to look for someone who's legit.
>
>So I wanted to see if any forum members knew where to look or know of
>artists that accept commission, how much to expect to pay, and the ins
>and outs of getting commisioned artwork done.

1) You're pretty much on your own for actually finding artists -- there's a lot of them out there, but you'll have to do the legwork to find ones whose styles match what you're looking for, and who are accessable and ameinable to work for you. Good ways to find them are to look on DeviantArt and to attend conventions (both Comic and Anime) that have Artist Alleys. That way, you can see what their output is like, over a wide variety of subjects, and at least with the AA's, you can see first-hand what their pricing scales are like. (DA, of course, either the artist will state up front that they're doing commissions or not, or you'll have to pagemail them).

2) Payment can range anywhere from $20 for a single character inked on 8x10, to $100+ for super-refined pencils on 11x17, to higher; depending on the artist and their level of popularity and skill. Personally, I feel spending about $40-50 per character from a good artist that you like is a pretty reasonable exchange rate and that anything over that you can pretty much pass on unless that artist is REALLY good and you REALLY want his/her work. Don't expect to get anything from the major comics artists anytime soon, though. They charge a LOT, when they do commissions at all, and there's usually a horrendous backlog when they do. ^_-;

3) "Be polite, be efficient, and always have a plan to kill everyone you meet." Well, the first two apply more in this case than the third, but the sentiment's still there. You want to be prepared going into this; the more information and guidelines you provide an artist, the more they'll have to work on. But you don't want to overload them, either -- part of the reason you're going to them is to see -your- character in THEIR style. You've got a right to have some expectations, but you shouldn't hover over their shoulders micromanaging them either. Which is where the descriptions (text and image) come into play.

A general reference guideline for text would be a couple of paragraphs on the character, both physically and mentally/ability. It should be straightforward, easy, and quick to read -- divided into sections if need be, and definitely not longer than a page typed out. Half-a-page is better. If you think of it as a "Tech-spec" for your character, you're not far off -- reading those short paragraphs on the back of the original transformers rather rapidly gave you an impression of what that character was like, yes? A physical description (includes build, hair, face, what they usually wear, any equiment) and what they do and like/dislike is pretty good for giving an artist a solid foothold to work from. It definitely doesn't have to be a life-story of the character - in fact, an artist would be more likely to ignore it if it runs too long.

As for images (which are optional unless you're a real stickler for how characters look), at least 4-6 are minimally sufficent to provide an idea of how they look and what they wear. Now, you're starting out with a character with no references at all, so in that case I'd say look online for images of people who look -like- your character (either via illustration or real life) and then include them as references "like so-and-so, but with the description above". Artists are visual people, and having a guide to look at really helps.

Anyway, hope this helps!
--- Philip





Philip J. Moyer
Contributing Writer, Editor and Artist (and Moderator) -- Eyrie Productions, Unlimited
CEO of MTS, High Poobah Of Artwork, and High Priest Of the Church Of Aerianne -- Magnetic Terrapin Studios
"Insert Pithy Comment Here"


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JeanneHedge
Charter Member
933 posts
Apr-06-12, 11:34 AM (EDT)
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2. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #1
 
   I should note at this point that I have no talent for drawing characters, but I often hang around with the DevArt/AA types at cons and such.

From my own experiences in commissioning artwork, I can confirm everything Phil wrote to be very true. Price generally goes up based on how far "upscale" you get from a simple pencil sketch, and also with the number of characters. I know some artists charge more if they're not drawing a commonly/well-known character and acceptable reference material isn't provided ("acceptable" reference material varies with artist). Basically, it often boils down to a matter of time it takes to do the commission, not the materials needed.

"Hovering" drives some artists nuts. Ask if/when they'd like you to check back with them about your commission - some artists like to get an ok before they move on from pencil to a more uncorrectable step such as inking.

At cons, some artists may have a limit on the number of commissions they'll take (so they have a chance of actually finishing everything before the con is over), so get to the person you'd like to take your commission early - or make arrangements with the artist before the con starts. (it's not unknown for some commission lists to be full before the con starts)

However, sometimes you can get your commission in trade (YMMV big time on this one). A few years ago I received a commissioned piece depicting a scene from one of my fics, which involved 3 well-known characters, penciled then inked then with color added, in exchange for sharing my room at the Hyatt at ACen. (of course, I had known the artist for several years by that time)


Good luck with your search!


Jeanne


Jeanne Hedge
http://www.jhedge.com
"Believe me, if I have to go the rest of my life without companionship, knowing myself won't be a problem."
-- Gabrielle of Potadeia



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The Traitor
Member since Feb-24-09
1197 posts
Apr-07-12, 02:31 AM (EDT)
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4. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #2
 
   ...

Should Chad be informed?

---
"Yeah, I'm definitely going to hell/But I'll have all the best stories to tell" -- Frank Turner, The Ballad of Me and My Friends


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JeanneHedge
Charter Member
933 posts
Apr-07-12, 11:27 AM (EDT)
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6. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #4
 
   >...
>
>Should Chad be informed?

Umm, I think you've mistaken me for someone else. I don't know anyone named Chad.


Jeanne


Jeanne Hedge
http://www.jhedge.com
"Believe me, if I have to go the rest of my life without companionship, knowing myself won't be a problem."
-- Gabrielle of Potadeia



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CGWolfgang
Member since Jun-11-09
135 posts
Apr-07-12, 01:56 AM (EDT)
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3. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #1
 
   Thanks guys for the advice it does help a lot!

Your right though I really have to start building a 2d skill set. Even if it starts out as crap after a few years I should be good enough at it to add it to my production pipeline.

------------
~If you want my input the red explosions are really pretty and if you did enough you might live for a few more excrutiating seconds

My not so humble contribution to cyberspace

http://cgwolfgang.deviantart.com/


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DocMuiteam
Member since Dec-13-05
92 posts
Apr-07-12, 09:51 AM (EDT)
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5. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #0
 
   I do have one bit of advice that, as official Commission Wrangler, I follow:

Whenever possible, make the commission fun or challenging for the artist.

Seriously, you will not believe how many pictures I've seen that look like they were sheer, freaking torture for the artist. A happy artist will be more likely to give you a more developed commission, and perhaps go the extra mile. Happy artists also enjoy repeat customers. I've filled the wallets of the Moy brothers more often than I care to admit, but they do consistently good work--and I don't give them War and Peace in my commission requirements.

--Doc


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rwpikul
Member since Jun-22-03
222 posts
Apr-08-12, 02:23 PM (EDT)
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7. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #0
 
   I'll add another place to look for artists:

FurAffinity (www.furaffinity.net)


Yes, it's a furry site but many of the artists are quite willing and able to do humans. Prices are generally on the cheap side, (sub-minimum wage cheap), but it can be hard to get a specific artist because their slots fill very quickly.

--
Chakat Firepaw - Inventor & Scientist (Mad)


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Acyl
Member since Jul-3-14
1 posts
Apr-16-12, 03:55 AM (EDT)
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8. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #0
 
   LAST EDITED ON Apr-16-12 AT 04:13 AM (EDT)
 
Considering your needs, I'd recommend looking for someone who's not so polished a professional, but someone who's willing to spend a little more time talking to you about your characters.

See, your needs are different from most people - you seem to be looking at character design for projects, not just one-off illustrated scenes. That's not precisely a typical request. Most commissions work out to something like 'could you draw my girlfriend's Commander Shepherd omni-tooling a Geth', or 'could you draw our City of Heroes characters hanging out'.

Hell, the fact is most people making requests already have extensive reference images for what they want you to draw. Game screenshots. Photographs of celebrities they want you to model faces after. Or at least extensive text notes about how their character looks. A few folks have simply sent me links to entire galleries of images for their character...other commissions they'd solicited, or stuff they'd drawn themselves.

However, it seems that you're looking for artists to do some initial design work for you, or collaborate with you in a design process. That's somewhat different.

"So, these goggles he has - any particular design? No? Okay, what if we do something steampunky, in brass? So for hairstyle, any ideas? No? Right, hairstyle reflects personality, so I figure his would be kinda messy, because..."

Actual example, there. I did that, in AIM - over the course of a few hours, as I worked out the sketch. I suspect that's the kind of real back and forth exchange you're looking for. But that's unusual, see.

Basically, you're going to have to make a friend. Maybe a friend that you're paying $10-20 a pop, but still a friend. Someone you have an actual rapport with. Otherwise, they're not gonna do this.


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Berrik
Member since Jul-10-07
79 posts
Apr-22-12, 02:44 PM (EDT)
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9. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #8
 
   Forget Furaffinity. It is a site laden with drama and some of the worst humanity has to offer. Furthermore, the site is coded incredibly badly and thus is about as secure as an old shed with a rotted wood door.

Instead I'd suggest looking about on Deviantart. While the community there is also somewhat drama-laden, there are a significant number of artists there who are way more competent than anyone you will find on FA.


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rwpikul
Member since Jun-22-03
222 posts
Apr-26-12, 01:42 AM (EDT)
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10. "RE: Advice Needed on Commissioning artwork"
In response to message #9
 
   dA had already been suggested and it is clear you haven't done much looking around FA. Does dA have more good artists than FA? Of course: It has more of everything, including "the worst humanity has to offer".


As for drama: My FA watch list is at ~1000 artists, I rarely see drama spillovers. Heck, I see as many of them at dA and I almost never read journals there, (and watch far fewer artists).

Now, you will see a lot of drama if you hang out in the FA forums. This is why I would suggest that you only use the forums to check site status notices and TOS/AUP updates.

--
Chakat Firepaw - Inventor & Scientist (Mad)


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