Concept art - Need someone with an awesome sci-fi imagination

farsicon

Hi Guys

I'm just about ready to start engaging with an artist for some concept artwork for the game that I'm working on.

I'd really love to keep it local, but need some guidance on how to best package my request.

What kind of information is needed - do you need reference materials, some kind of back story - what will work best to communicate the idea and style that I have in my head without causing too much confusion?

Is it acceptable to ask for samples beyond what I've seen in portfolios (some are close, but not quite what I need). Concept art is a difficult one, because it is basically generating something from scratch, so there's also a good chance that some work will not fit the cut and I have no idea what are the rules of engagement.

Thanks.

Sasmanator

Hi there,

I'm really interested in working with you.
You can have a look at my work here - https://www.behance.net/rashieqsasman

Let me know what you think.

Thanks.

farsicon

@Sasmanator: your work is great. But I would like to come up with a decently spec'ced offer first before I officially post it here. I'd really appreciate some input on what is required though.

Cheatsi

I'm really interested to find out just what kind of story or game you going for maybe we'll share ideas. :)

kidult

You'l need to make a brief or a write up of what it is you are looking for from the artist. The more detailed the brief is the more it will help the artist produce the imagery you want. Reference will help the artists to see what you have in mind or what you like design wise, but that you can supply that once you have hired an artist. Also you should work out how many designs you'l need, the time frame you need them done in and what your budget will allow(if you want top quality art, you'l need to pay for it). All of this will help the artist to work out a quote for your project.
As for samples or spec work, usually only big or well known companies ask for art tests or extra samples. They usually pay for these samples if used. You can offer the same if you are unsure. Please note that asking for or expecting artwork for free before you hire someone is not very good, it's done all over the industry sadly but in keep in mind you are asking someone to work for free.
Payment wise, an artist will either give a flat rate per image or an hourly rate. Usually the client(you) will provide a contract. It isn't always necessary but is recommended Most artists will ask for a deposit before starting work, especially if no contract is provided. Usually from 20 to 50%. Keep in mind that you are both taking a small "risk" in working together and that in the event of you not liking the work and cancelling the job, the artist still gets paid for their time and effort. I suggest doing a once off design "test" by just hiring the artist for one design and then taking it from there.
Other documentation you'l need is a non-disclosure agreement to keep everything under wraps, unless you don't mind the artist posting stuff on the net.
Engagement: Once you are in talks with an artist you are wanting to hire, ask them about their work process or what you can expect from them. Once hired the general process is that you send a detailed brief/ref to the artist and they let you know when to expect some images. They'l give you a few designs to choose from or mix and match. From there it is just a case of narrowing down the designs to one you like. This can take a few tries but don't expect the artist to do 50 changes on one design. All artists fear the "I don't know what I want, but I certainly know what I don't want" client. Then simply rinse and repeat for the next design.

hope this helps

farsicon

@kidult: thanks dude! That's very helpful info, and I really appreciate it.

kidult

Glad to be of help, also found this site which goes into much more depth: http://kenebaker.com/theblogclamation/2013/2/14/hire-an-illustrator-for-your-novel-part-1-the-setup

luke

@kidult speaks the truth. But seriously, reference, reference, reference, and more reference. and it's good to know that concept art comes in three stages, that are all billable...
1. thumbnails or sketches,
2. line art or black and white,
stage 2 usually comes with a colour treatment once stage 2 is approved
3. final coloured and finished version

You can opt to shave back on the concept stages, but not the other way round, e.g do only 1 and 2, but not only 3

Dunno if I've explained this right :P

FanieG

@farsicon - please tell me this is for your Mech game. Pro art for that would be mind blowing, especially judging on the local artist's work that has been posted on this site.

farsicon

@fanieg: it is - I'll be posting updates soon, hopefully before the end of Feb.

Tuism

The info here is very useful, along with the other thread (http://makegamessa.com/discussion/1482/how-much-does-is-typically-cost-to-hire-an-artist#Item_6), it could be valuable to keep these togethe and put it into a tutorial thread?