Top 10 Tips - How To Work With Artists 

I feel like I'm in my element here! I *love* commissioning art! It's the only "frivolous"/"luxury" thing I spend my money on. XD This was a great list, Erin! Here are a few things I want to add from my experience as a client. In general, the artists I've commissioned have been super chill and I've never ordered anything really expensive or anything for commercial use. If something is out of your budget, it's okay to ask "What detail can you offer for this budget?" or "What options are available to reduce the cost?" Of course, this depends largely on the artist. I've worked with artists who offered me illustrations with a simpler style and shading. Some artists are steadfast in what they offer and if that doesn't work for you, you can thank them for their time and decline their services with something like "I'm sorry, but this level of detail is outside my budget." *DO NOT* say "That's too expensive." or "Your prices are too high." Many artists struggle with setting prices that are worth their time and skill, and comments like these can damage an artist's self-worth. Also, this'll just piss them off. I'm typically a little wary if an artist only offers a final piece without offering sketches and WIP updates. From an artist's POV, offering progress images can reduce the chances of major edits. I have personally never encountered an artist who didn't offer some kind of WIP update. For character references I haven't made myself, I'll usually make a collage of images showcasing the character's skin tone, hair, clothes, accessories, etc. It helps the artist to have all this in one file. Canva is a great website that offers free photo collage templates. (great for making aesthetic boards too!) If your commissioned art blows you away, scream about it! Explode over how much you love the art. Tell them how much it made you cry, or how loudly you're screaming internally because you're in the office. XD Artists thrive over these kind of reactions! Lastly, be sure to tip your artist! Especially if you think their prices are too low for what they offer. Plus, it'll surely make their day. ^_^ I....think that's it? I kinda went on a rant there. Let me know if there was anything useful in this text wall. ^^"

This is so helpful! Commissioning artists can be so overwhelming and nerve-wracking but you make it sound much easier :D

I’m suddenly reminded of all the memes Writing About Writing posts on Face Book about artists not doing it for the “exposure”, that they deserve to be paid in full. I can’t say those memes are wrong. Artists need groceries too. Great video, Erin!

I SO needed this. It should be easy to get on the same page with a fellow creative-same language, right?-but the dialect seems pretty different at times. This is a great list to fall back on when in doubt!

Wiggles!! Lol! With two kittens right now I know that so much of the time us spent saying no!