Let's talk money. Topic: hiring an artist

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Pumpkin Pie
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Let's talk money. Topic: hiring an artist

Post by Pumpkin Pie »

First, the illustration (Seer looking into crystal ball) at the top of the following webpage is the type of artistic style I want done. http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html I would like one change though. A possible selective subtle use of color pencils. Along the lines of one item on each main character and regular minor character that is done in a solid color. It could be their hair (i.e., redhead), a scarf, an ankle bracelet, or such. Basically, this is meant to give a regular character a unique signature feature to further separate them from the masses.

The webcomic itself will be borderless single panels presented in essentially a sequence of webpages. This way there's a lot of room to be artistically expressive. At present, each installment (what's released all at one time and that has a micro story arch in it [beginning, middle, and end]) will be usually fourteen panels long ... plus or minus a panel or two. The genre of the webcomic will be science fiction.

Anyway...

I've emailed the above webcomic's artist about the illustration, but no word back from him yet. I'm assuming it was actually done by a fan of his comicstrip due to being on the "Fan Art" page. I asked him who did the illustration as I want to contact them for a webcomic I'd like done. Saying that's not possible for whatever reasons and I cannot get an artist with the necessary skill to do this as my partner...

I'd like to explore the possibility of hiring an artist to do the artwork for my webcomic. The script is coming along nicely and I will soon be doing rough storyboards of what should be in each panel. The artist will be brought in to take those storyboards and raise them to the desired artistic level. Naturally, if the artist thinks there's a better way to do a panel, I'll be more than receptive to such ideas. As time goes on, I'll be working to improve my own drawing skills and, saying I have the necessary talent, eventually take over doing what I'm hiring the artist to do. However, that could be quite a distance into the future and may never be possible due to the possibility I will not be able to raise my skill to that level. Then again, I might be happy with the arrangement as it would stand then. That or possibly I'll always be able to find someone that is a better artist than myself. Anyway...

I'm thinking of posting Help Wanted ads at my local art supply stores for such an artist. On these posters, I'll print off the above illustration to show what kind of style I'm looking for. I also plan to email my local area's art teachers and professors to ask if they know someone that can do such artwork and who is looking to get hired on a freelance basis. Additionally, I'm thinking of posting for such an artist in this section as well as the appropriate sections in Buzzcomix and Keenspace forums. Possibly even posting it in art newsgroups. What I would like to do is to do it right. I'd appreciate advice on how to best handle this.

Some of my concerns are...

The actual wording of the poster. How would you describe the above style?

There's also how much to offer. Needless to say, I want to get as much bang for my buck as possible. What can I expect to pay? I do not need an artist that is world-renown. Just one that is able to do that style and gets the work done in a timely fashion. Then again, possibly the best route is to leave that up to the artist to essentially bid. If so, how best to word that?

Potentially an even more touchy issue is nudity. No, I do not the artist to draw in the nude. The nudity is that most characters in the webcomic will be nude. Not in a lewd way nor will there be any sexual intercourse of any kind shown. Think nudist camp, not X-rated movies. The reason for the nudity is due to the webcomic being science fiction and the future it portrays has technological advances (i.e., nanites) that protect people from the elements thus making clothing merely cosmetic and many people then just choosing to forgo them. What's a good way to raise this with artists? I think it should be mentioned in the Help Wanted poster and other postings to weed out those that are opposed to doing drawings of the naked body. Any suggestions on how to word this in a socially acceptable way? I do want female artists to consider this opportunity to increase my chances of landing the best possible artist.

How long I should plan for the artist to get such work done? There will be no inking, coloring, or such. I assume that will cut down on production time. I believe this should be discussed up front so we both know what to expect from each other. What I'm wondering about is if it should be in the contract and, if so, how it should be worded there.

Lastly, there's the contract I'll need them to sign to insure I keep all copyrights and such. I have no interest in getting into a legal dispute on who's webcomic it is if there's a falling out between me and the artist. I'd like it all in writing and signed before the artist begins work. Anyone have such a contract that I could look over and possibly copy and use?

Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!
Pumpkin Pie
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Post by Pumpkin Pie »

How about the following for the Help Wanted poster at local art supply stores, bulletin boards in the art departments at the three higher education institutions in my city (and possibly other nearby colleges), and where such is allowed in bookstores and espresso cafes?

ARTIST-FOR-HIRE WANTED (<-- bold, big, and centered)
New webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is below:

[remove "FAN ART" from top illustration located here: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html ]

The above is the desired look for the final version of the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for possibly very selective limited use of color pencils. Contracted work will be paid on a per panel basis. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. How soon the artist finishes each episode will set pace of release of episodes to the public. Artist paid upon acceptance. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Will want to see your portfolio and examples that you can do the above style. Those interested send an email to Scott at stj@charter.net or call 608-836-0706. If sending an email, please include your price quote range for such work.

---

As for the email to art teachers and professors, I'm thinking now of just sending it to art professors and not just sending it to local ones but possibly to ones teaching at the leading art schools around the world. As for the email letter itself...

Subject title for email: Art student and graduate referrals sought

Dear Dr. So-&-So,

I am wondering if you know of an exceptional art student or graduate that would be interested in getting paid to do work-for-hire artwork. I'm launching a webcomic in Madison, Wisconsin, USA and I need a skilled artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of this style can be found at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html It is the top illustration of the man looking into the crystal ball.

How that example looks will be how the final version of the webcomic will look. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for possibly very selective limited use of color pencils. Contracted work will be paid on a per panel basis. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Panels will be large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with finished panels scanned and sent back. How soon the artist finishes each episode will set pace of release of episodes to the public. Artist paid upon acceptance. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity.

If you know of an artist that can do the desired style, I would appreciate if you would pass this email along to them. They can then contact me via email (stj@charter.net). They will need to provide a hyperlink to their portfolio and examples that they can do the desired style. I would also appreciate they send me their price quote range for such work.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sinerely yours,
Scott Jensen

---

As for posting to online forums for artists...

Subject title: Artist-for-hire wanted

Post text:
New webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is the top illustration (man looking into crystal ball) at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html That illustration will be how the final version will look for the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for possibly very selective limited use of color pencils. Contracted work will be paid on a per panel basis. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with finished panels scanned and sent back. How soon the artist finishes each episode will set pace of release of episodes to the public. Artist paid upon acceptance. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. In your email, please give a link to your portfolio and examples that you can do the above style as well as including your price quote range for such work. If you would prefer to talk over the phone, I'm located in USA and my telephone number is 608-836-0706.

---

So what do you think of the above Help Wanted ads? Know a better way to phrase them? Any little improvement suggestion appreciated. :D
Pumpkin Pie
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Post by Pumpkin Pie »

From comments I've received, I've made a minor change to the Help Wanted ads. The change is the addition of the sentence: "Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique."

Poster ad:

ARTIST-FOR-HIRE WANTED (<-- bold, big, and centered)
New webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is below:

[remove "FAN ART" from top illustration located here: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html ]

The above is the desired look for the final version of the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for possibly very selective limited use of color pencils. Contracted work will be paid on a per panel basis. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. How soon the artist finishes each episode will set pace of release of episodes to the public. Artist paid upon acceptance. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique. Will want to see your portfolio and examples that you can do the above style. Those interested send an email to Scott at stj@charter.net or call 608-836-0706. If sending an email, please include your price quote range for such work.

---

Email to art professors:

Subject title for email: Art student and graduate referrals sought

Dear Dr. So-&-So,

I am wondering if you know of an exceptional art student or graduate that would be interested in getting paid to do work-for-hire artwork. I'm launching a webcomic in Madison, Wisconsin, USA and I need a skilled artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of this style can be found at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html It is the top illustration of the man looking into the crystal ball.

How that example looks will be how the final version of the webcomic will look. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for possibly very selective limited use of color pencils. Contracted work will be paid on a per panel basis. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Panels will be large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with finished panels scanned and sent back. How soon the artist finishes each episode will set pace of release of episodes to the public. Artist paid upon acceptance. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique.

If you know of an artist that can do the desired style, I would appreciate if you would pass this email along to them. They can then contact me via email (stj@charter.net). They will need to provide a hyperlink to their portfolio and examples that they can do the desired style. I would also appreciate they send me their price quote range for such work.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sinerely yours,
Scott Jensen

---

Posting to online forums for artists:

Subject title: Artist-for-hire wanted

Post text:
New webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is the top illustration (man looking into crystal ball) at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html That illustration will be how the final version will look for the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for possibly very selective limited use of color pencils. Contracted work will be paid on a per panel basis. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with finished panels scanned and sent back. How soon the artist finishes each episode will set pace of release of episodes to the public. Artist paid upon acceptance. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique. In your email (sent to stj@charter.net), please give a link to your portfolio and examples that you can do the above style as well as including your price quote range for such work. If you would prefer to talk over the phone, I'm located in USA and my telephone number is 608-836-0706.

---

Any other suggestions for improving these Help Wanted ads would be much appreciated. :D
Pumpkin Pie
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Post by Pumpkin Pie »

This reply has changes to the Help Wanted ads as recommended by an emailer and are mainly the moving around of sentences with minor word changes.

Poster ad:

ARTIST-FOR-HIRE WANTED (<-- bold, big, and centered)
New webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is below:

[remove "FAN ART" from top illustration located here: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html ]

The above is the desired look for the final version of the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for a very selective limited use of color pencils. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique.

This is contract work that will be paid on a per panel basis and upon acceptance of each episode. Normally fourteen panels per episode. How soon the artist finishes each episode will largely determine pace of release of episodes to the public.

Will want to see your portfolio and examples that you can do the above style. Those interested send an email to Scott at stj@charter.net or call 608-836-0706. If sending an email, please include a link to your portfolio and your price quote range for such work.

---

Email to art professors:

Dear Dr. So-&-So,

I am wondering if you know of an exceptional art student or graduate that would be interested in getting paid to do work-for-hire artwork. I'm launching a webcomic in Madison, Wisconsin, USA and I need a skilled artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of this style can be found at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html It is the top illustration of the man looking into the crystal ball.

How that example looks will be how the final version of the webcomic is to look. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for a very selective limited use of color pencils. Panels will be large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique.

This will be contract work that will be paid on a per panel basis and upon acceptance of each episode. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with finished panels scanned and sent back. How soon the artist finishes each episode will largely determine pace of release of episodes to the public.

If you know of an artist that can do the desired style, I would appreciate if you would pass this email along to them and have them contact me at stj@charter.net. In their email, they will need to provide a hyperlink to their portfolio and examples that they can do the desired style as well as their price quote range for such work.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely yours,
Scott Jensen

---

Posting to online forums for artists:

Subject title: Artist-for-hire wanted

Post text:
New webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is the top illustration (man looking into crystal ball) at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html

That illustration will be how the final version will look for the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for a very selective limited use of color pencils. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique.

This will be contract work that will be paid on a per panel basis and upon acceptance of each episode. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with finished panels scanned and sent back. How soon the artist finishes each episode will largely determine pace of release of episodes to the public.

If interested, email a link to your portfolio and examples that you can do the above style as well as your price quote range for such work to stj@charter.net.
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I have no idea what I'm talking about

Post by ThisBloke »

These seem fine to me - having absolutely no experience of this, I feel free to say that the major issue would actaully be you checking that the work the artist submits is close to the ideal you want. Then you can talk to/email them, include all such issues as tone, target audience (including nudity) and timescales. Personally, I would ask them to bid on the work, thus allowing for the possibility of a larger range of artists - doing it for the quality of the work - and maybe making your capital last a little longer.

This will mean more time spent in talking with them, negotiating with them and eventually, selling the idea to them. It seems clear artists can choose what they want to draw, so even with the incentive of pay, you will have to convince them that you are serious, talented and in this for the long haul.

To that end, the only thing I'd be tempted to include is a little more evocative description of what they'll get to be involved in - mentioning it's a sci-fi, if it's character-based, whether they'll be asked to come up with lots of technolgical designs. What you have is fine, as I said, but it is very too the point - just what you want. Try and pitch it to them a little.

Marvel have (or had at one point) a 'work for hire' agreement on their website - basically it states that everything the writer/artist produces on their named paid assignment belongs in all ways and forever, to Marvel. Could be useful as a template. If you can't find it, give me a shout, I should still have it stored somewhere.
Pumpkin Pie
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Re: I have no idea what I'm talking about

Post by Pumpkin Pie »

ThisBloke wrote:These seem fine to me - having absolutely no experience of this, I feel free to say that the major issue would actaully be you checking that the work the artist submits is close to the ideal you want. Then you can talk to/email them, include all such issues as tone, target audience (including nudity) and timescales. Personally, I would ask them to bid on the work, thus allowing for the possibility of a larger range of artists - doing it for the quality of the work - and maybe making your capital last a little longer.

This will mean more time spent in talking with them, negotiating with them and eventually, selling the idea to them. It seems clear artists can choose what they want to draw, so even with the incentive of pay, you will have to convince them that you are serious, talented and in this for the long haul.

To that end, the only thing I'd be tempted to include is a little more evocative description of what they'll get to be involved in - mentioning it's a sci-fi, if it's character-based, whether they'll be asked to come up with lots of technolgical designs. What you have is fine, as I said, but it is very too the point - just what you want. Try and pitch it to them a little.
I'm right now looking at putting it up for bid on two webcomic forums (this one and buzzcomix), some service auction websites (such as RentACoder.com, Guru.com, and others), and art websites (http://forum.deviantart.com and portfolios.com). Taking in your suggestions, here's how the submission would tentatively look like at such sites:

"Title of job offering: Webcomic seeks artist-for-hire

Job description:
New science fiction character-driven webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is the top illustration (man looking into crystal ball) at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html

That illustration will be how the final version will look for the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for a very selective limited use of color pencils. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. While the webcomic is science fiction, technology is largely invisible and there will be far more nature settings than city. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique.

This will be contract work that will be paid on a per panel basis and upon acceptance of each episode. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with artist scanning in for webcomic publication the finished panels. The artist's scans will be what will be shown on the webcomic. How soon the artist finishes each episode will largely determine pace of release of episodes to the public.

This job contract is only for the first sixteen episodes. 224 panels. Two main character, two animal, and one futuristic ship concept drawings done beforehand. Once concept drawings are acceptable, episode work is to begin. Communication will be done largely via email and YIM. There is a potential for an on-going contractual relationship.

If interested, include in your bid a link to your portfolio and examples that you can do the before-mentioned style. Finalists will be sent the same two photographs and one panel of the rough storyboard to convert into the desired artistic style. Artist selection will be largely based on this comparison of artwork and how much was their bid."

If anyone has suggestions for improvements, I'd love to hear them.
Marvel have (or had at one point) a 'work for hire' agreement on their website - basically it states that everything the writer/artist produces on their named paid assignment belongs in all ways and forever, to Marvel. Could be useful as a template. If you can't find it, give me a shout, I should still have it stored somewhere.
This is what I've found off the web: http://tinyurl.com/4vewo Unfortunately, the only way I know of copying the text from a PDF file is by hand typing it in. If you have one that I could copy and paste into a word document, that would be much appreciated. I can then easily edit it for my enterprise.
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Post by Tim Mallos »

Hey Scott!

Ok, thoughts as they came:

You might mention how the comic will be publicized and in what ways the artist will be given credit. This may be attractive to an artist seeking exposure as well as paying contract work.


Do you want the original art? (ie the paper and pencil). May be covered in your contract, but you might make that a condition of payment, recieving the original art in addition to the scan.

Or, make it clear that the artist gets to keep the originals for their portfolio, while granting the exclusive copyright to you.


The text of the PDF you referenced for the contract can be copy and pasted. You need to push the "Select Text" button at the top of the PDF viewer in your browser. That will let you select text to copy.

Good luck!

Tim
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Pumpkin Pie
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Post by Pumpkin Pie »

Tim Mallos wrote:Hey Scott!
Hey, Tim! :D
Ok, thoughts as they came:
*Scott puts on his catcher's mitt to receive.*
You might mention how the comic will be publicized and in what ways the artist will be given credit. This may be attractive to an artist seeking exposure as well as paying contract work.
I was thinking of listing after each episode's listing on the index page something like, "Art by [artist's name]" and, if the artist has a website (or portfolio on some website), hyperlinking their name to it. If I eventually have writers do story archs, I'd also list them in this same fashion (i.e., Story by [writer's name]").

Also, on the "Cast & Crew" page, giving the artist a write-up plus a photograph of them by it. Listing the episodes done by them. Allowing them to post a hyperlink to their website or where their portfolio is listed.

That sound good? Any other ideas along these lines appreciated.
Do you want the original art? (ie the paper and pencil).
Yes, I do. If this comic takes off, I'd like to give them to charities for fund-raising auctions as well as use them to decorate the webcomic's booth at conventions.
Good luck!
Thanks!

The Help Wanted ad below is with the above changes incorporated into it.

"Title of job offering: Webcomic seeks artist-for-hire

Job description:
New science fiction character-driven webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is the top illustration (man looking into crystal ball) at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html

That illustration will be how the final version will look for the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for a very selective limited use of color pencils. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. While the webcomic is science fiction, technology is largely invisible and there will be far more nature settings than city. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique.

This will be contract work that will be paid on a per panel basis and upon acceptance of each episode. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with artist scanning in for webcomic publication the finished panels. The artist's scans will be what will be shown on the webcomic. Originals are then to be mailed. How soon the artist finishes each episode will largely determine pace of release of episodes to the public.

Artist will receive credit after each episode listing on the website's index page, i.e., "Art by: [artist's name]" The artist name can be hyperlinked to their website or where their portfolio is listed on another website. Additionally, the artist will get a write-up on the website's "Cast & Crew" page ... which can include a photograph of them, episodes they've drawn listed, and a hyperlink to their website or portfolio on another's website given.

This job contract is only for the first sixteen episodes. 224 panels. Two main character, two animal, and one futuristic ship concept drawings done beforehand. Once concept drawings are acceptable, episode work is to begin. Communication will be done largely via email and YIM. There is a potential for an on-going contractual relationship.

If interested, include in your bid a link to your portfolio and examples that you can do the before-mentioned style. Finalists will be sent the same two photographs and one panel of the rough storyboard to convert into the desired artistic style. Artist selection will be largely based on this comparison of artwork and how much was their bid."

Again, any suggestions for improvement would be much appreciated. I want to do this right and have the artist feel they're working with someone that's professional and has a clue. :D

Scott Jensen
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Re: Let's talk money. Topic: hiring an artist

Post by Joel Fagin »

Not much to say as this really isn't my field but I do have a couple of thoughts.

Firstly, if you post on the webcomics forums, mention the money in the subject line. Everyone's asking for artists and nobody's paying so it's an important thing to advertise.

Secondly, if the comic is going to be nude, you might want to consider making sure you get an artist who can draw realistic and varied body types. Loxie and Zoot is a nudist comic and is a good example of what I mean.

Finally...
Pumpkin Pie wrote:The webcomic itself will be borderless single panels presented in essentially a sequence of webpages. This way there's a lot of room to be artistically expressive.
What you suggest there limits the pacing of the comic. There is going to be a substantial pause - in space and in time - between each and every comic frame and if the comic's action is meant to be moving quickly... Well, it won't. The pacing will always be the same slow, camera shutter speed. Click... click... click... click...

- Joel Fagin
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Pumpkin Pie
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Re: Let's talk money. Topic: hiring an artist

Post by Pumpkin Pie »

Joel Fagin wrote:Not much to say as this really isn't my field but I do have a couple of thoughts.

Firstly, if you post on the webcomics forums, mention the money in the subject line. Everyone's asking for artists and nobody's paying so it's an important thing to advertise.
That's why I was going to put "artist-for-hire" in the subject title.
Secondly, if the comic is going to be nude, you might want to consider making sure you get an artist who can draw realistic and varied body types. Loxie and Zoot is a nudist comic and is a good example of what I mean.
That's why the sentence, "Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique." is in the listing.

And thanks for the link to that comic. I've bookmarked it. It's more on the caricature side of drawing. Almost Robert Crumb. The style I'm making it more realistic and less comical.
Finally...
Pumpkin Pie wrote:The webcomic itself will be borderless single panels presented in essentially a sequence of webpages. This way there's a lot of room to be artistically expressive.
What you suggest there limits the pacing of the comic. There is going to be a substantial pause - in space and in time - between each and every comic frame and if the comic's action is meant to be moving quickly... Well, it won't. The pacing will always be the same slow, camera shutter speed. Click... click... click... click...
Yes, I understand it could limit the pacing. However, it improves suspense and surprise. The resolution/climax/punchline/sight gag isn't given away prematurely before the reader goes through the build-up. But, as in so many things in life, there's always trade-offs. Hopefully, this trade-off will be worth it.

Thanks for looking it over and the input!
Pumpkin Pie
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Post by Pumpkin Pie »

Minor change. Adding offer to pay for finalists to do some examples.

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Title of job offering: Webcomic seeks artist-for-hire

Job description:
New science fiction character-driven webcomic is being launched and seeks a skilled pencil artist to convert rough storyboards into a desired artistic style. An example of the desired style is the top illustration (man looking into crystal ball) at this webpage: http://www.dominic-deegan.com/fanart.html

That illustration will be how the final version will look for the webcomic. No inking or coloring will be done ... except for a very selective limited use of color pencils. Panels done as large single borderless panels given their own webpage and sequenced together as a series of webpages for each episode. While the webcomic is science fiction, technology is largely invisible and there will be far more nature settings than city. Work will contain nudes, but no XXX. More along the lines of idealized nudist camp nudity. Artist should be classically trained in human and animal anatomy, perspective, and observational technique.

This will be contract work that will be paid on a per panel basis and upon acceptance of each episode. Normally fourteen panels per episode. Rough storyboards scanned and sent to artist with artist scanning in for webcomic publication the finished panels. The artist's scans will be what will be shown on the webcomic. Originals are then to be mailed. How soon the artist finishes each episode will largely determine pace of release of episodes to the public.

Artist will receive credit after each episode listing on the website's index page, i.e., "Art by: [artist's name]" The artist name can be hyperlinked to their website or where their portfolio is listed on another website. Additionally, the artist will get a write-up on the website's "Cast & Crew" page ... which can include a photograph of them, episodes they've drawn listed, and a hyperlink to their website or portfolio on another's website given.

This job contract is only for the first sixteen episodes. 224 panels. Two main character, two animal, and one futuristic ship concept drawings done beforehand. Once concept drawings are acceptable, episode work is to begin. Communication will be done largely via email and YIM. There is a potential for an on-going contractual relationship.

If interested, include in your bid a link to your portfolio and examples that you can do the before-mentioned style. If it is a tie between two or more artists, will offer to pay to have them convert two photographs and one panel of the rough storyboard into the desired artistic style. Artist selection will be largely based on comparison of artwork (portfolio and possibly asked for examples) and how much was their bid.
DOOM2099
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Post by DOOM2099 »

Well, me personally, I would want a set amount per page etc. Bidding is all well and good, but cold hard figures is what I am looking for in this post. I'm sure others are as well.
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Zx14 vs hayabusa
Last edited by DOOM2099 on Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Pumpkin Pie
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Posts: 104
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:32 pm
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Post by Pumpkin Pie »

DOOM2099 wrote:Well, me personally, I would want a set amount per page etc. Bidding is all well and good, but cold hard figures is what I am looking for in this post. I'm sure others are as well.
That's what I would expect in one's bid.
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