Firstly, let me just state that this is not a request for help - I realise the title could potentially be misleading, but I'm not quite at that stage yet, and am just interested in getting some advice on the topic. Now that that's out of the way, onto my question... I'm starting to get near the stage where I'm going to want to replace the crappy programmer-art placeholders I've been using to develop my project (what the project is isn't really relevant for now) with some proper art, and so naturally, I'm intending to make a Help Wanted post to find a suitable artist when the time comes. Basically, I'm wondering about what information I should include, and if there are any particular questions I should ask, in order to a) get myself the best possible artist for the task, and b) make sure the artist knows exactly what's required of them. I've come up with a list by myself, but I'm just hoping for any input you may have on the topic, or perhaps just a confirmation that I'll be going about it the right way: I'll actually be needing a small number of 3d models created, textured, and then some 2d images created from those (both the images and models will be used). Info I'll be giving (2d images): -Number of images required -File format/bitdepth of images -Expected size of images -What angles/size of the model should be put into the image, and how they should be arranged (I'll actually be providing a tool to aid with this, with a help file explaining it's use and an example of using it) (3d models/textures): -Number of models required -Concept sketches, and examples of similar designs (but some creative freedom will be given) -Specific key colours that must be included (to be re-mapped by the engine for player decals) (general): -Payment info Apart from asking for some sample work (and a brief list of any previous projects), is there anything in particular I should ask of a prospective artist? Thanks in advance for your time.

First of all, i think most of the regulars around here already know your name, so we at least know that you're not a gamedev flyby who's just peppering the internet with "Help me make my 1337 MMORPG" requests. Failing that, your local forum user rating should make people realize that you are serious about what it is you are doing.

You've already mentioned it, but as for asking for an artist or any help in general, make sure you ask to see some previous work. Even better would be to ask if they have any other projects that they have been a part of. The likelihood of getting a deadbeat is high, so always qualify them first. They may want to help, but have no experience in actually *doing* anything. But if they've been manufacturing models for some game mod and have a proven track record, that's someone you can count on.

What about what the artist would need to know. I personally know more about making 3d models/textures for rpgs and shooters than rts', and ect and perfer rpg over shooter anyday. I think if they were deciding between two projects a brief description of the game would help. I also think telling them what models/textures are needed would help as well.

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Original post by Neo-Anarchist I think if they were deciding between two projects a brief description of the game would help. I also think telling them what models/textures are needed would help as well.

Yes, I always include a brief description of the project in any post I make, so I'd forgotten to mention it, but there would of course be a summary of the project, along with some programmer-art screenshots, and possibly a small demo version using placeholder graphics available on request.

As for the models/textures, I've already listed that I would be including the number of models needed, as well as concept art of what they should look like, so unless there's something I'm not aware of, I think that has that covered as well.


Thanks for the input from both of you.

btw the best way of asking the artist for the previous work is asking him/her for his/her portfolio.

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Original post by LinxMelq btw the best way of asking the artist for the previous work is asking him/her for his/her portfolio.

I'd figured so, but I won't be excluding those without a proper portfolio if they can demonstrate the required skills and attitude.

That would be nice to people that -by any cause- don't have a portfolio at the moment of apply. Showing some work can be -almost- the same as giving the portfolio url.

For example, due to a remodelation on the web design I have all my portfolio offline atm. I hope to finish the web asap, but meanwhile I can't do other thing that show the last piece of work I've done.

So I really think that such "tolerance" is very kind of yours.

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Original post by LinxMelq That would be nice to people that -by any cause- don't have a portfolio at the moment of apply. Showing some work can be -almost- the same as giving the portfolio url. For example, due to a remodelation on the web design I have all my portfolio offline atm. I hope to finish the web asap, but meanwhile I can't do other thing that show the last piece of work I've done. So I really think that such "tolerance" is very kind of yours.

Well, as long as prospective artists can still provide some samples of artwork, I can only increase my chances of finding suitable help by considering those who may not have a proper portfolio set up. Thanks for your input. [smile]