Hi all,

I am looking for some freelance artists to do some work for an upcoming rpg sourcebook. The sourcebook is set in modern times, not fantasy or sci-fi. I am looking to avoid artwork that gives the anime feel (nothing against it, just doesn't fit in with this project.) The majority of the book with be b&w work, mostly 1/4 and 1/2 page work. The cover will be color, and most likely 1/2 page is size. I know everyone always wants to know rates, so they are as follows:
B&W Artwork:
1/4 page - $12
1/2 page - $25
Full Page - $50

Color Cover:
1/2 page $50-$75 (negotiated with artist based on final concept)

All prices are for the use and complete ownership of the artwork, though the artist may use the piece for their portfolio, and in the sale of prints to consumers, but may not re-sell the images to another company for commercial publication.

As I mentioned earlier, I am going to avoid artwork that has an anime feel to it. I am open to more than one artist for this project, and all contributing artists will receive published credit in the work, as well as a link to any portfolio site they may have from our website. Our prefered method of payment to the artist(s) is via PayPal. Please email me at mclifford@mystiqueenterprises.com if you are interested in learning more about the project.

Thanks.

Mike

Mike,

I realize I may be overstepping myself in bringing this up in a "request for" message, but as an artist, I feel this is an appropriate way to point out certain details to new publishers, who may not have thought of any of them beforehand.

Thus, pardon my presumption, but when asking for complete ownership of a person's work, don't you feel $12 - $75 is something of an underpayment? Especially when you consider most artists make the majority of their money on the initial sale, not on prints. That is, famous "name" artists make money on prints, others are lucky just to sell any prints, or make more than gas money with those sales.

I'm a firm believer in the idea that, as artists are skilled laborers they should be paid as such. I realize non-artists are used to seeing beautiful paintings and stunning images without realizing how much work, effort, sweat and soul go into them. It isn't simply putting pen, pencil or brush to paper or canvas and "ta-da." Creating art is exhausting, sometimes frustrating; it is involved, it is hard work.

Check around sometime; ask how long it takes most artists for quality color pieces, or even good sketches. While it depends on the artist and the medium, we aren't talking about things that are sketched out in twenty minutes. We're looking at days and weeks, even months, for product (depending on various factors). Digital artists are often faster, producing in hours or days, but even that's not necessarily true!

Thus, when looking for artwork to grace the covers or interiors of a product, I encourage publishers look at the logistics of a standard piece: at $100, an artist isn't even earning minimum wage for a full page b&w illo. If (s)he is creating a color illo, or has materials expenses (and most do), he or she is making even less.

Check around with other publishers to find out how much industry standards are. Check out this recent thread for a sample; pay particular attention to Storn and Dav.

Finally, if you are like most small and indie publishers and your business can't afford more than the prices you've quoted, then I'd suggest dropping the "ownership" clause in hiring artists, and just buying one-time printing rights. It's only fair to the artists you're asking to work with you, and it often means they'll be more than happy to work with you again.

Now, you can pay whatever you want, and I'm sure you'll find someone willing to do it; but you'll also find most artists more than willing to work with you if given fair treatment and payment. Underpaid artists may work with you as well, but don't expect the moon from them (and do expect them to flake out, more often than not...that has been my experience).

Alternately, if strapped for cash, I suggest checking out clip-art and stock photography sites, which have a great deal of free art for minimal membership fees.

All that said, I do wish you luck in your endeavors, and I hope you find an artist who works well for you! It's always nice to see new faces publishing their work!

Thank you for the reply and suggestions. I have had several artists repsond to the post, and their portfolios indicate they are skilled in b&w and/or color art. They have also replied because they are comfortable with the fees that I set forth. The reason I put the prices in print was to avoid any hard feelings that can result from failed negotiations. I wanted folks to know my budget per piece of artwork, and the terms of that work.
It appears to me that some artists take on assignments when they are between projects, or the project simply perks their interest.
As I said earlier, thank you for the reply to my post, and it is a pleasure to be a new face of the forge website.

Thanks.

Mike