Hello all! I will be writing a simple little guide about commissioning artists; how it normally works, what you should think about and how the process normally goes. For a more serious and throughout guide, please read DeviantArt's own guide lines:
forum.deviantart.com/jobs/offe… Personally I feel that while those guidelines have very valid points, the seriousness of them applies more to work involving larger amounts of money. How you hire and artist and what you agree to though is up to you.
Please note that all artists are different and that this is only a guide, and the reality can differ a little depending on who you hire.
Contact First and foremost I would like to say to those that has never hired an artist before - don't be scared! I know many are nervous about approaching an artist, simply because they don't know how things work, or exactly what they want done. Even if you approach an artist for the first time without any ideas of what you want, the artist will tell you his or hers requirements, price, and what info you need to provide and you will come up with something together. The artist is happy to help with all this, but if you wish to prepare a little before the approach, think about these following things and provide as much info as possible when you contact the artist:
-What you want made, obviously. In this group if will mainly be portraits of World of Warcraft based characters. Include race and gender, and the number of characters.
-Bust, half body or full body
-Any specific background
-Complicated or simple gear
-Specific pose or situation
-Any extreme looks
-A very brief description of your characters personality
Details, such as appearance of your character can be sent after the deal has been closed.
Price and PaymentThis of course differs from artist to artist. Some has a set price, some adjust their price depending on the amount of work. Be sure to agree on the price in before hand! Most artists uses PayPal as payment method, but this can also differ.
Some artists might accept in game gold, but it is not very common.
Make an agreement with the artist how and when he or she wants to be payed.
The Process The artist will let you know what information to provide. Normally this include screenshots displaying looks and gear, maybe from different angles, a description of the characters personality and/or other artworks made of said character, and/or reference pictures, as well as your own description of your characters look, including details not shown on a simple screenshot.
Artists works in different ways, but in most cases you will get process updates. Many artists wants you to look at the sketch for example, to make sure that pose and looks is about what you had in mind. When you get process updates, keep in mind that it is a work in progress, and that quality shouldn't leave you disheartened. In the end, your piece will be of the same quality as the artwork you have already seen made by the artist. However, don't be scared that in as early stages as possible ask for changes if something doesn't feel right or look correct. In digital art, changes can normally be made quite easily.
The Finished ProductWhen the artwork has been finished and payed for, then you are free to put it up wherever you want. To properly credit the artist is always appreciated!
Edit: Adding this! It's definately worth a read!
www.deviantart.com/journal/If-…
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