I need help estimating how much certain 3D models might cost me. A good example would be like the units on the Heroes 6 batllefield.
Example:
[media][/media]).
The only difference would be that I need lower detailization because I don't need close-ups. So how much can I expect for a single model:
- Just the model + textures ?
- Rigged model ?
- 3-5 animations ?

I would need around 20 such models. How long can it take a single person to do all of them? Or is it TOO much? (really inexperienced here).

Another way to approach this: What can I expect with say 500$ for a single model?

I'll be very glad hearing from people that actually contracted work similar to this. =)

From my experience, it all depends on the quality you want, but I've been able to get animated characters for my games done for about 100$ each (and they usually take one week to create)

Another way to approach this: What can I expect with say 500$ for a single model?

USA:
A video game artist earns around $ 50k-70k, when you want to invest $10k an professional artist has around 2 month of time to finish 20 models, this would be 2 days per model or 16 hours, which is not really much. I fear, that for heroes 6 quality models including rigging and animation, you need a lot more time and therefore money.

Thought artist living in other countries could demand less.

Take a look at websites which sell models, thought they are not unique, you will save a lot of money:
dexsoft
turbosquid
3drt

From my experience, it all depends on the quality you want, but I've been able to get animated characters for my games done for about 100$ each (and they usually take one week to create)

Can you provide some screenshots and a price tag to give Nordri a hint of which he could expect for $100 ?

Relfos,
Thanks, my first impression was that 100$ is way too low. Had a peek at your posts, are we talking about models like here: www.sushiquest.net?

Ashaman,
That's reasonable. Would it be wise to count on 150-250 for a full day of work (if we look wider than just USA)?. So it all goes down to how long does it take to create a single model. For a start - how long can it take to create a heroes6-level model? Several animations for it?

Based on the above, if I want to lower the price&quality then what should I focus on? (I think this is a question for a person that is really familiar with the production workflow)

Thanks.

PS: I know that models like in heroes 6 are out of my league and I don't really need that much detalization. But I think they can serve as a good example so we don't end up discussing abstract models of undefined complexity.

Oh, and thanks for the links. I considered stock art but my main fear with this route is that I would end up with models from different artists, different styles, different color ranges, etc. But I would be interrested in hearing from people who went with this as well!

Based on the above, if I want to lower the price&quality then what should I focus on? (I think this is a question for a person that is really familiar with the production workflow)

There are not many artist lurking around in this forum, sadly (most are developers/coders). I'm at best a noob artist (need too long for less than decent art ;-) ), so I can't help you here.

Best to ask at a game art focuses community like polycount, they will give you a much better estimation of costs and time.