There are many reasons you might need an artist, from developing a game to trying to find someone to paint your portrait.Before you hire an artist, you should have a clear idea of what you want and how much you can spend.Look at potential artists' portfolios to find a good match.You can create a work arrangement that both you and the artist can agree on.
Step 1: Define the nature of your project.
You need to know what you are looking for before you can do anything else.To describe your vision, write down a few lines or a couple of paragraphs.You could write, "I need a series of full-body color portraits of the lead characters in my game, depicting them in action poses that show off their characteristic fighting styles."
Step 2: Determine what style you want.
There are many art styles to choose from.The tone of your project, as well as what appeals to you, and to the audience you are trying to reach, should be considered.Do you want the portrait to be realistic or more abstract?You should keep in mind the age range of your audience.An appropriate style of art for a graphic novel aimed at adults might be different from what you would want in a children's picture book.
Step 3: Determine how much artwork you need.
Knowing how much work you need the artist to do will help you figure out your budget and timelines.You should try to get a rough estimate of the scale and scope of your project.If you are writing a 32-page picture book, you might plan on having 20 full-page illustrations, 5 vignettes, and 14 small "spot" illustrations.You might want a single 2x life-size sculpture, or a series of 20 by 24 inch (51 by 61 cm) photo prints if you want scale.The numbers don't need to be set in stone.Depending on the project, your artist may have their own ideas about how many pieces are needed, or what size will work best.
Step 4: It's a good idea to set a time frame for your project.
If you need your art finished by a certain time, take that into account as you are looking for an artist.Someone who can work with your schedule is a must.You are writing a webcomic that updates on a weekly schedule.You can either find an artist who can produce a page every week or you can hire someone who will make a certain number of pages in advance.
Step 5: A project budget can be created.
Take a look at your finances and figure out how much money you can afford to pay an artist.The scale and complexity of the work you can expect your artist to produce will be impacted by your budget.Do some research to find out how much artists are paid for certain types of work.If you want to make a profit on your project, consider giving the artist a share of the profits instead of charging them a flat fee.You might be able to offer 10% to 20% of the profits from the game.
Step 6: A compelling pitch or ad is needed.
It is a good idea to come up with a strong pitch for your project if you plan to post a job ad or solicit artists directly.In addition to a clear, brief summary of your project, your ad or pitch should include: Your art budget Any time requirements details about what you want from the artist
Step 7: You can check with art and design schools.
Art schools and colleges are great places to find local artists.Many art schools have job boards where students and alumni can connect with potential employers.To find out if your local art school has an online job board, visit their website.
Step 8: You can find art and design communities and job boards.
Artists are able to connect with potential employers through online communities.If you spot any work that catches your eye, spend some time exploring websites like DeviantArt, ArtStation, or Behance.If the website has a job board, you can post an ad for your project there.You can reach out directly to artists you are interested in.
Step 9: You can check out job boards and personals.
You may be able to find artists on more general job sites if you shop around in art-specific communities.You can find artists for hire on websites.
Step 10: Look at the portfolios of potential artists.
Take some time to look through the work of the artist you see.Try to find out if they are comfortable doing the kind of work you are interested in.If you are interested in having someone do a series of watercolor landscape paintings, don't approach an artist who does digital portrait work.You can check out the potential artist's website for information on how they handle their commission.
Step 11: List promising artists.
When you have found some artists who seem to match your requirements, you should narrow your list down to a small number of your favorites.From first choice to last choice, rank your potential artists.
Step 12: If you want to learn more about the artists you're most interested in, contact them.
If you want to work with the artists you're most interested in, reach out to them.Full details of your project can be sent in an email.This will help the artist decide whether they are willing and able to handle the project you have in mind.Tell the artist what caught your attention.This will give them a better idea of what you are looking for.You could say, "I really love the level of detail in your work."
Step 13: Agree on the payment rates.
You may need to negotiate the details of your agreement after selecting an artist.The price for the work is up to the artist.You may need to change your expectations if you want to work with an artist who is outside of your budget.This could mean either scaling back the scope of your project or paying the artist more money.When looking for ways to cut costs, keep in mind that some media are more difficult to work with than others.A life-sized bronze bust would cost more than a polystyrene sculpture.
Step 14: Put together a contract.
It is important to get the project written down after you have worked out the details.Ensuring that everyone knows how the collaboration will work and providing legal protection for both parties in the event of a dispute are both benefits of creating a contract.A good starting point for creating a contract can be found by searching for artist contract templates online.The rate of pay should be included in your contract.Information about how to pay the artist.The projected time frame for completing the project.You expect the artist to complete the work.
Step 15: You have to fill out tax forms.
Depending on how much you plan to pay your artist and the details of your project, you may need to complete other paperwork.If you don't know what you need, consult with an attorney.It's a good idea to have your artist sign a non-disclosure agreement if you're creating a new game.If you hire an artist in the U.S., you will need to provide them with a W-9 and a 1099-MISC.
Step 16: Take a look at your artist's concept work.
After you hire them, your artist will make some sketches or other forms of concept art based on the information you give.Go over the preliminary work with them to make sure you are on the same page.