Food Clerk by day, Fantasy artist by whenever.


byobattleship
@byobattleship

From a chat with @WobblyPython the other day, a tip for indie devs commissioning art: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.

Artists haaaaaate being given vague prompts or "make what you think looks good". They want details, they want opinions, they want to be told "use these specific colors".

Artists aren't mind-readers! They don't know what you want. If they try to guess, they can put a lot of work into a piece that you don't like, and then what? Are you going to refuse to pay for it? They're not getting that time back.

Before commissioning someone, do your homework:

  • Find references, i.e. pieces that are similar to what you want
  • Give context on what the art will be used for
  • Give as many details as you possibly can

More generally, cultivate yourself! Experience art and develop opinions about it! This doesn't have to mean going to museums, though you can do that. Art is everywhere! It's in games, TV, cartoons, literature, advertisements. Examine it! Figure out what you like!


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