What are the common salary ranges for game artists and/or designers? If there is a wide range, please provide examples of the type of position and the level of the company, etc...I just want a general Idea, but the generality should be close to the mark...can anyone answer this?

Salary ranges vary based on location and all that. The "Game Developer" magazine (latest one out at the moment) has a list of salary ranges, splits it up over areas etc. I suggest going out and picking up a copy before a new one hits the news stands.