Resource Breakdown: Artists

There are a lot of reasons for the Indie author to utilize freelance artists. The unspoken reason: everyone loves character art, especially the author.

Why hire an artist?

1) Unless you're one yourself, their skills are more honed than your own.

2) It's what they do for a living, so you know you won't have to hound them like you would your artsy cousin who never returns your emails or always seems to get busy when you ask them to make something for you.

3) You can use the art for semi-promotional things like blog tours, sneak peaks, etc. (These types of activities fall under "personal use", while using the art for an official promotion product, like a mug or bag, that's meant to generate revenue falls under "commercial use." Artist's prices and terms vary when it comes to commercial use, so be sure to read through their requirements!)

4) You get to utilize the Pinterest boards you've made for your stories! (I've found that a majority of writers have more than one-*cough* dozen *cough*-on both counts, so you're not alone.)

A note: None of the links in this post are affiliates in any way, shape, or form.

James Art Ville:

He's the guy to go to if you want affordable, family friendly comic-style art. He does a wide range of commissions, and is willing to talk in regards to longer term commissions like graphic novels. He's worked with Bryan Davis, illustrating not only a graphic novel, but also interior pictures for the series Wanted: Superheroes!

I've gotten a handful of commissions from him (all fanart), and they're amazing. My favorite has to be the one of Achaka from King's Quest. So cool. I got a physical copy of it as a gift, and I have to say: it looks even cooler in print. The colors are darker, the glow a less diffused, and the details more obvious. It is currently available in his shop if you'd like a print of your own to commemorate this silent warrior from the classic choice-driven video game.

Laura Hollingsworth:

Though her commissions are currently closed, she does usually have them open throughout the year. She does traditional art (watercolor, marker, and more) as well as digital. While she appreciates reference pictures, she can also work with detailed text-based descriptions. In addition to doing commissions of everything from characters to book covers, she writes and draws her own comic: The Silver Eye. She works for full price, and is definitely worth it.

Below is a watercolor portrait I commissioned a few years back. (Of Shania, a character from a fantasy-steampunk story, Dead in Sleep, that I shunted to the side due to workload. One of my goals for the year: finish my current...how many projects are actually active...ah, 3. Finish my current 3 projects, then try and tackle Dead in Sleep again. Hmm, could've sworn it was at least 5 active projects...)

Star Prichard:

Another full-priced artist with her own comic (Castoff), Star Prichard has a much narrower availability for commissions. She typically opens slots to her Patrons first, then offers any remaining slots to the general public. If you want to hire her for character portraits, be sure to keep an eye on her social media platforms! Her artwork is digital, and is limited to characters.

I really wish I had opted to go for color when I commissioned her, because she nailed a fire elemental of mine. (Braxton. From another project I had to set aside, Renewal of Spirit. I am also hoping to finish that one before the end of the year. I was so *close* to finishing, but alas I drowned myself in edits. My 2 month break has been a little over a year.)

What artists do you recommend? What concerns do you have in regards to working with one? Are you one yourself? Let me know in the comments below!