People! What’s good? (Legit let me know. Hearing how y’all are doing and what y’all are accomplishing keeps me sane.) Today’s topic is how to work with an artist. I have many, many horror stories with clients from over the years. Recently, as people have tried to work with artists like we do, I’m hearing some horror stories. These generally come from miscommunication or unrealistic expectations, so let’s kill all those now.
#1. Know what you want.
Artists are not telepaths. We have creative minds, and if you don’t tell us exactly what you want, we’ll draw what we envision based on what you described. Sometimes, if you trust the artist, this goes well. But often, an artist will complete 90% of the drawing and the commissioner will say, “this is nice, but can we change the whole drawing?” Don’t do that. You can’t change your mind once the art is practically done. Come into the drawing with a plan and request progress photos from the first sketch so that you can carve out the drawing as it takes shape.
#2. Be clear with your intentions for the art.
If you want something for your sister’s birthday, tell us. I’d you’re a multinational corporation that things anime characters is gonna appeal to the youth, tell us. If you’re a pervert that wants all your fantasies displayed for you in 2d form... I shall direct you to the land of Twitter. The intention of the art provides context for us to work with when conceptualizing and pricing the art. I won’t draw a children’s book in the same style I’d draw hentai. I won’t take 3 weeks on a painting if somebody needs a birthday present tomorrow. I won’t charge Disney the same price I charge one of these SoundCloud rappers.
#3. Remember the market is very saturated.
I won’t say the digital art market is over saturated, because there’s a slope of skill, availability, and price that’s keeps everything balanced. However! If an artist is too expensive or unreasonable, leave. A lot of artists are trained to draw from life, or trace, or breakdown existing art styles and transmute them into new pieces. If you really want a piece done, there is many out there who can do it. You just have to find them.