“Looking to hire artist for my manga!” - DISCUSSION

lol at first i thought this was an ad posting and i was like "why is it in quotes, are they being sarcastic???"

Welcome to DeviantArt though lol I never really liked it there to begin with, but I really jumped ship when the site did that major overhaul (when they changed it to that ugly logo and bumped the price up of the Premium membership program - excuse me, "CORE" program - without adding anything new to make up for the increased cost). Of course, the rabid FNAF, MLP and Homestuck fanbase didn't help either... or the front page "artistic" porn... or anything really, the site is long gone now IMO. Those "I'M GOING TO BE THE BEST MANGAKA IN JAPAN" pitches are just a small (but very annoying) piece of the bigger pie - and the pie is made of poo.

or offering commissions for $1 (or DA points... ugh)

Maybe it's just my conditioning from years of scavenging through DA like some kind of animal, but any time I see those "commission template" things, I throw up in my mouth lol You know the ones...

WILL DO
Portraits, fullbodies

Portraits
Black and White, $10
Color, $20
Background + $10

Fullbodies
Black and White, $15
Color, $30
Background + $10

etc etc etc.

like i dunno, if it worked for some people, good for you, but literally every artist did them and it always read like a shell-out for cash and it was just so fucked IMO lol

'I'm here looking for a real professional to make my zombie comic for free.'

answer: they don't exist. That's why they're professionals.

It's sad to see stuff like that on Deviantart, but at the same time, I'm not really surprised. I think I read something similar to something like this on Clients From Hell.

Explain them that as an artist, you need paid. They can get exposure insetad of $ for their writing, right?

Ergh, why? It's a thing people who work in the field of commission do so the buyer can get a sense of how much they are paying for the type of art they want. (Not only artist have these template though, even programmer on DA LOL) I rather seeing a commission journal with price already laid down than ??? price, I noted the person and they gave me a price beyond my wallet :/

Like I said, I think it's just because of the time I spent on DA and saw them everywhere. I get that they're handy as a template, especially for people starting out - they're not necessarily a bad thing, I just don't like them lol Also I find artists tend to under-sell themselves a LOT through these (even when their art is gorgeous and they should be getting more than $30 for a full color fullbody; they also sometimes do those INFERNAL DA POINTS) and that further conditions clients down the road to believe that artists should be obligated to sell themselves short at the client's whim (and for delusional things like exposure/gratitude/etc.) and comes back full circle with those horrifying clients that demand low prices, "threaten" to go to other artists that will do it for them for free, and claim that their work is the best thing since sliced bread so you'll make all the money when they become rich and famous.

It's just one of those things I've been conditioned to despise u o u""" (but again, doesn't make it a bad thing, some people do it really well)

Aye, yeah I tend to see a lot of artist underprice themselves a lot! But usually it's those artists that just started out in the commission world without any established client base so they kind of have to resort to underprice themselves to build up a fanbase just yet. I used to sell commission for gross DA points but now my price is way higher than that. It's nice that nowadays you can exchange DA Points into real money (by using widget when clients send payment, not by direct exchange, suck)

I HATE THESE KIND OF PEOPLE TOO ITS OKAY tho I never ran across one so that is fortunate. TBH I don't open commission work as much anymore and prefer doing adoptable selling my design just because I don't like dealing with people's attitude and demand sometimes T_T

Jeez, certainly glad this post was fake... I was cringing so hard inside. D:

@69Erocento I think I polietly disagree with your stance on posted prices like the $30 full body with background. I think this actually causes a lot more toxicity and price gouging than people think. Think about it. You inquire that the artist do a piece with your character on a background... but really how complex is that character, and what kind of background are we talking about? You go back on the customer saying that what he/she described is too complex for the price-point and they strike you down with false advertising.

Honestly, price quotes are where it's at. I've experienced little to no toxic clients this way, because I just have them describe the thing, and I hit them back with a breakdown of hours and cost. If that's not the price they wanted, then they can just take that description they made elsewhere, no harm done. If this happens, I try not to make the inquiries embarrassed that they can't afford the quote, but rather maybe encourage them to tone back what they were asking for to fit their budget.

Then again, I don't do commissions through DA or Tumblr, so I don't know if that could make a huge difference in the clients you're dealing with. D:

Certainly agree with you on the whole false advertisement thing but it's why most artists often includes "depend on complexity". The prices in the template is not a fixed price but more or less a reference, a guide for people to have an idea of how much they are going to need to get a certain type of art from an artist. Sure price quotes is a way to go, but at the same time it can potentially create inconvenience for buyer like me. An example could be I wanted to commission this popular artist, they said send them note to ask, but because they are a busy individual they take approximately 3 or 4 days to reply back with the prices. In that 3-4 days I could have accidentally bought something and by the time I got the price quote, I no longer have enough budget to afford it

On a side note, in my own opinion and experience, having price template is just another thing for people to stop sending note asking you "how much is ____ and ____" (and most of them won't even be commissioning you after you reply with a price quote) the amount of note you can get over these matter can get ridiculous to keep on having to reply to being a DA artists T v T

Ahh, I guess I'm a more brash buyer than I realize, because it doesn't bother me to just ask. If something happens like you described, for example I have to make a car repair payment I wasn't expecting and don't have a lot of spare cash, usually I just am honest with the artist and say, "Hey sorry. Had problems with my car, and I don't have enough spending money to afford your art right now. I'd still like to get a commission from you in the future though! Hope we can stay in touch!" That sort of thing. Artists are people, and usually they'll understand your situation.

I suppose it depends where you advertise too, but to maybe deal with spam, you could close commissions until you've finished the ones you've got. Of course, you can always keep having example prices, I'm not stopping you. Whatever works best for your commissions.

Tbh I took that example straight from many people I know that exist on DA including my friends LMFAO They are some real impulsive buyer that can jump on stuff to buy without even thinking about how they should be using that money to pay for their commissioned artist. (and it's not even some important stuff like car or rent) Hence it could be hard to explain to an artist why they no longer have the money on hand.

I think I just find it's good to have price template because throughout the years, a lot of my customer wanted that from me. Also it's not so much of spamming, but borderlining more on the "question" T_T And they will do it whether your commission is open or close.

No worry no worry, it's good to hear other people's opinion about this matter too!

That is the best troll scenario I ever read, a delight to my tired from a whole day at work brain.
Thank you so much for sharing

I don't know if I will be attacked on this forum. O.o i feel this is has a tinge of writer hate here. But I understand the dislike for writers looking for free work and expecting great artists to do their stuff for free. That is something that always got under my skin. The current series I am working on is a join effort between House of Imagi a team that draws stuff for people and me a new writer trying hard to go professional. I pay my art team for every single piece of art they finish for me. We worked out an original contract in the begining but they were working too hard and not meeting deadlines. Instead of getting mad at them and telling them they need to work harder. I understood that art takes time and I.would rather have quality that quantity. I lowered the weekly page count but kept the weekly pay the same. We have worked out the contract multiple times and I always make sure it is in their favor since they draw so much. We have worked together for about 4 months now and no one has any complaints. I spend 90$ a week and they get done at this point in time 2-3 storyboards. I could not ask for a better team honestly.

But I do have to wonder sometimes when I go on forums and see these articles. Every time I see this I get a little sad. Writers who look for artists should pay the artist for their time. But what about artists looking for writers? Should the artist pay the writer to create content for him or should be demand the writer payment for his art? I feel it is one sided. While I agree art takes way longer than writing. I can usually pop out a roughdraft for a chapter in about 6 hours. I still wonder why the writer has to always spend all his money in hopes that something will come to fruition.

I will say it again though I do not condone the use of using writers/artists to further your own career. If you want to work something out with an artists both members need to understand that you both may act like a team but if its not paid for do not expect a lot from either side.

I pay my artist because I expect some level of commitment. I work with volunteers on the side for other projects and when I do I work on their schedule. I do not demand art from a volunteer

Sorry if this is long or taken the wrong way I just wanna know peoples opinions on the reverse side as well since all I ever see is writers being taken as either cheapskates or buttheads and more often than not writers are never taken serious T.T I love it when an artist complements my writing I always get nervous thinking that my writing is horrible and that no one will aprriciate it.

That's a fair point. Can't say I've considered this too much myself to be honest, but I definitely agree that some compensation should be in order depending on who initiates the contract be it writer or artist, and broadly writers certainly deserve more credit than a thread like this may suggest.

That being said, I could definitely see cost of entry being a reason for why this isn't considered too much. As a writer, its possible to make due with a decent computer and a basic word processor. Now don't get me wrong, that's not to say that you will do that. Better word processors (including some specifically made for story writing and outlining) and purchased research material can add quite a bit to the cost. But for an artist hoping to perform at a professional level, the starting prices can be pretty steep regardless of whether you work analog or digital. Tablets and software are a one time purchase (if you're lucky), but can be anywhere from a bit expensive to absolutely wallet slaying, and you have to have a processor that can handle the stress that they entail. And while most physical art tools are quite cheap (I'm looking at you, Copics), they don't last forever, and that price can build up rather quickly.

Nah its fine! It's great that you're trying to develop your writing skills by trying out different genres - not to mention that you're cooperating with your artists to make sure you're not overworking them as well ^^! I'd say you're one of the few writers who acknowledge how much work goes into art, unlike the people who say their stories are going to explode overseas/online and that they'll provide compensation when that happens...

It depends. If I did a full lineart fullbody of a character, no background, I'd definitely charge more than $5 (they're buying a custom piece of art, not a coffee and donut) but you'd have to specify what "really small" means. And even then, that's just me. Different artists are comfortable with different rates, especially depending on their delivery time/resources needed/etc.

They're looking for people who already have written what they want to happen out, people who already know where their story is going and how to write it.

^^^ YEESSS THISSS RIGHT HERE!!!!!!! I can't even list the amount of "writers" who I've met, who have these great concepts for stories that appeared to be ready, until I asked them if the story is physically complete.

"No"

"Can you write the whole thing out in the next year?"

"No. It's impossible!"

And yet you're looking for an artist for this? Talk about putting the cart before the horse!

I can usually pop out a rough draft for a chapter in about 6 hours.

COME HERE AND LET ME HUG YOU!!!

I probably should've been a bit more specific. Small means a quarter of a piece of cardstock, and simple means just very basic lineart. If the design is particularly complex, I'd add a dollar or two, but the level of complexity of this sort of thing is about on this level:

Simple, sketchy, half-hour to an hour at most. Also, I'm only just getting started on commissions and have sold 1 such commission so far (and it's not one I'd be comfortable sharing so it might as well be zero in terms of publicity). I think that, on the off chance these become popular, I'd bump up the price a little to decrease demand so I can still create a supply while also having time to do my actual job and work on my comics.

17

I've done my research on collaborations. They often times do not work out unless it's the artist who is reaching out to a writer.If you are in fact a writer looking for an artist, you should have some knowledge of art yourself so that you can make it as easy as possible for the artist.

Take for instance the writer for Death Note (and Bakuman), Tsugumi Ohba. While he isn't all that great an artist himself, if you look at what he gave to the artist, Takeshi Obata, he mapped out the storyboards himself and drew where the characters would be, the dialogue, just about everything but the actual art. Which to an artist, makes the job so much easier.

So if you are a writer, here's what you should have:

1. An almost a complete story -
   Basically, you should have your concepts, ideas, and story all set up before asking for someone to draw it for you. You need a fully-realized story already done, with only the art left to be done. Of course, you need to be flexible for the artist if they don't like where the story is going or something, which leads me into the next point.

2. Flexibility and teamwork -
   If you somehow got an artist working for you, you need to work with their terms. If they don't like something you wrote or if they want something to change with the presentation, or really anything, you have to be willing to compromise. For once you let an artist draw your story, it's no longer just your story. It's both the artist and the writer's. So you cannot hold the artist's ideas or thoughts for granted just because your story is your creation. If you cannot compromise, draw it yourself.

3. Knowledge of comics -
   Much like how the Death Note Duo worked, both had a lot of knowledge of how a comic should be made. As a writer, you should have the skills on how to write a script, or even draw a bit of storyboard. There is a large difference in writing a book and writing scripts for comics. If you just thought, "I have an idea that would work great as a manga! I should hire an artist!" you may need a bit more on your side.

4. Willingness to do SOME art -
   A part of teamwork is the willingness to provide any help necessary for the artist. Things like applying screentones (if you're working traditionally), filling out flats or colors (if you're savvy), or willing to learn a bit to lessen the load (like inking backgrounds or filling in darks) can lift loads of burden for the artist. So maybe have some experience in artwork?

5. Communication -
   This has to be the biggest thing out of everything. When it comes to team projects or even hiring someone, you need to be good at communicating what needs to be done. From costs, to writing issues, to just brainstorming, you need to be in contact with your artist to see what they need, if they're good on a project or if they just need some more time, everything needs to be open for both sides.

6. Pay -
   That's between you and the artist, but know that the artist is working for you and art ain't easy. Most people can write pages of fantasy or make up an idea, but not everyone can apply this to paper as a comic. It's quite hard. So you need to set the right payment for the right content.

So the basic thing is that if you absolutely need an artist, you need to be as easy to work with as possible. Have a fully-realized idea, be ready to compromise, and communicate. Without good teamwork, nothing will get done.

Hey everyone, I've been following this thread just around the time I've been looking to hire an artist, I put up an advertisement for an artist on here and on reddit, just curious if you guys think the ad I placed sounds OK? It's my first time looking for a collaborator so I'm hoping I don't sound like a total noob! The thread is here:

http://forums.tapastic.com/t/seeking-artist-collaborator-with-unique-style-paid/119745

Just let me know if I sound like a dumbass and I need to edit my post?

... wow that is horrible :(((( This is why I barely use forum anymore TBH I often encourage artist to increase their prices when I saw their arts are worth so much more than they price them to be even though it means I have to spend more to commission them. But like REALLY. Some talented artists underprice their works so hard I feel bad for them, and some other artists who show little to no effort in their artworks made thousand off of it. DA is a strange place I have to admit, cringeworthy dramas left and right, I hate it but I love it at the same time. I don't see myself leaving DA anytime soon though, just casually ignore the bad side of it.

Your words actually reminds me of my last commission clients who was kind of annoying... T_T When a customer said they like your artstyle, commission you but ask for 3438298291 revisions of the work, going as far as "here resize the hips, scale down the legs like this, make the arms shorter, also make the neck longer and the head smaller" <- this is way too harsh on an artist I know they didn't mean it the bad way but I felt like it was a blow on my art skill ;;_;;
_{P/s: It was a chibi commission........}

It does suck seeing people charge so little for their work when they definitely need to be charging more! I can't count the number of times I've seen a really talented artist charge so little, like one example was from a while back - the artist had really stellar traditional art and...$15 dollars for a full body.

Popularity is a factor here. You say artists who show little to no effort make thousands - often times because they've got a HUGE following who are full of people willing/capable to drop money on whatever price-y commission they offer - even if the art is lackluster or unpolished. I feel like the issue is that often times people charge so little because its the only way they can get commissions. For example myself, I used to charge $35 for a rendered piece like this12, and I got commissions for it - but ever since I bumped the price up to $70, I have gotten no inquiries for one at all. It's crappy but sometimes it's just the way it goes People advocate raising prices but no one is willing to pay once they get too '''high'''' unless you're extremely popular