Cost of Assets

[linchear]

I'm close to releasing my first ( game to the public (a 2D, tile scroller, with some interesting game play -- well at least my wife thinks so, as I have to tear her away from the game). It's playable, but all the art is just a mish mash of place holders.

I'd love to create the art myself, however, I realize that my skill in digital art sucks. I've been canvasing artists I know to help with art asset creation (tiles, sprites etc) -- paid. There aren't much assets to create for this game, so I'm just wondering how much artists out there charge for roughly 2 weeks of work (2D sprites with animation)?

Before I start seeking out artists, I'd like to know a general ballpark figure for the cost of assets -- music, visuals -- for a small game.

Also, I'm new here. So hi!

[Philippe]

http://forums.indiegamer.com/showthread.php?t=3835

This thread might help you get a rough idea. It contains a lot of discussion and a couple of numbers.

[LilGames]

Be realistic and estimate at least a few hours for a base sprite character design. Then add an hour per frame of animation for that character (though even that is being conservative).

[lennard]

If your game is close to done then you could also think about offering a royalty cut to an artist to reduce your risk.

[Davaris]

My advice is to find an Indie game you like and then find out who did the art. Then see if you can find an experienced developer to recommend them.

I'd recommend an artist by the name of Jim Abraham if you're not in a rush, because he's always got a lot of work on his plate. :) I can't remember his website off the top of my head but I'm sure someone here knows it.

P.S.
If you have a great game, don't skimp on the art. Get the best artist possible.

[janwinnicki]

(...)
Before I start seeking out artists, I'd like to know a general ballpark figure for the cost of assets -- music, visuals -- for a small game.

Also, I'm new here. So hi!

Hello :)


You know what? There are so many artists, so surely you can find the one (or two;) willing to work with your budget range. Of course - quality work requires to pay more, but don't ask for exact quotes in the forum thread. Find the artists, ask them directly and choose appropriate ones for you.

[linchear]

The funny thing is I know quite a bit of artists, however, when I qualify to them that I'm looking for game art, most run in the opposite direction.

[Sean Doherty]

My advice is to find an Indie game you like and then find out who did the art. Then see if you can find an experienced developer to recommend them.

I'd recommend an artist by the name of Jim Abraham if you're not in a rush, because he's always got a lot of work on his plate. :) I can't remember his website off the top of my head but I'm sure someone here knows it.

P.S.
If you have a great game, don't skimp on the art. Get the best artist possible.

Pretty sure Jim is working pretty much full time for Retro64 and is not available. He did some initial art for me and didn't have time to continue working on the project. That said, I ws mainly working a couple of assets at a time; which artist generally don't like. For my next game, I'm planning to get then to bid on the entire game and then just allocate a weekly budget. I hope this will work better.