I am not an artist, nor do I make a living from my hobby business —although that is the pipe dream.
As someone who recently put out a call for artists for my card game across my social media and has been inundated with responses, here are some suggestions that would make sorting through them all more helpful to me and more likely that I will pick you.
I replied to or edited my various social media posts to add some clarifications. For future calls for artists, I will definitely include that information up front as that will help artists determine if an inquiry is worth their time, etc.
NOTE: If any working artists have any additions or corrections to these suggestions, I will gladly amend this post.
1.) Have a portfolio page that showcases your art by categories.
If you are just getting started your portfolio will be small. But breaking it down by category lets those looking for an artist know what sort of art they can expect.
Breaking art down by categories makes it easier to see if you might be a good fit.
Some how have reached out only seem to have their art on Instagram, which is just a stream of images and it is hard to tell what categories you work in.
If you draw portraits, character portraits, landscapes, scenes, etc. give it some categories. Also, if you work in only certain media, make that clear.
Take a look at other artists portfolio sites and see what categories they use and if there is a category no one else has, then you may have a new niche you can become the go to artist.
For example, some artists have experience doing Twitch specific art. While that isn’t a card game, I’m renewing my efforts on Twitch, so I will be reaching out to them once I get the card game project into the final stages.
2.) Have a general price sheet.
List the types of things you’ve done and give a fair price for your time, etc.
Don’t let prospective clients lowball you. There should be fair payment for good work.
Explain what you do to get to a final result. For example, initial sketch of idea, final image with X changes, any differences for line art verses full color, etc. Do you require a specific amount up front?
3.) Indicate what methods of payment work for you.
For example, I only send money via PayPal and will not be adding a new method as that just makes things more complex for me. I will make that clear in future requests for art.
One artist that contacted me only accepted payment in some app I’d never heard of. If you only accept one form of payment, make that clear.
If you live in a different country than the person requesting the art, understand how that may affect payment and delivery of the art. Digital art probably won’t be an issue. However, I believe some countries may not allow PayPal.
4.) Ask clarifying questions to help us asking for art do a better job of explaining a project.
As mentioned, when a creator puts out a call for art, we should include enough information to let artists know if this is a job for them.
