For the people who don't already have inhouse graphics who do you go to to get graphics work done? I'm trying to get this purchased authorized through my CFO aka 'The Wife' but outside of the examples she says who wants to buy a game of lines and rectanges? That is the extent of my art talents.

I've tapped friend but none of them can draw. I've looked at eLance, freelancer, but their talent looks expensive. I'm only looking at spending between $100 - $500 per game, or what is the average you spend on game graphics? I know you get what you pay for, but I have no desire to make this my full time job, nor do I have hopes or dreams that this will support my family. I would like it as a resume builder.

Any advice is appreciated!

You could be looking at $250 a day for a good artist.

You should also consider the graphics are a major part of a game, a selling point, but the UI design, usability issues etc...Its all part of the job.

What you could try to do is find an artist to go 50 / 50 with either on this or other game design forums

M

So far I've done all my own and I'm nowhere near an artist but over the last few months I've improved alot but you could try checking a local college for a student that is taking art classes just be sure you create a contract that explains who own what what the terms are for payment and a clause to get out if it's not working for you

There are also websites where you can put on a job and freelancers will bid on the job.

These are not my fav sites and a lot of amateurs think they can do big jobs professionally and bid on them, but you get what you pay for usually.

Yes, graphics are a huge part of a game. The only problem is I can't spend that much. I'm not looking at even selling this game, I would like to make it a resume builder. If it sells great if it doesn't oh well. $250/day sounds reasonable but not off of something that I don't think will make money.

I didn't think about the college route that sounds like a great ideal.

Yes, I looked into those other websites and I was just floored by the amount of choices. This being my first foray into developing a game, not of low quality but with decent graphics, I don't know what I am looking for in an artist.

Thanks for the tips I'll give the college route a try and check freelance websites, there are a ton of those.

http://www.odesk.com
http://www.elance.com

You might try those. They are the submit work-get bid type of site.

Especially this guy who I'm thinking of hiring. His work is dynamite and he's $15.00 an hour minimum:
http://www.elance.com/s/c-design/10184/
http://www.elance.com/s/c-design/portfolio/10184/

Good work. I'll give them a try it's just hard convincing my CFO (wife) to spend money on something I don't plan on selling or I'm telling her it's just a hobby. Her thinking is how do we get our money back?!

Just tell her this is something you really want then show her the nice big present that you got for her usually works for me

I worked with Ian Garstang on my last 3 projects. His prices are VERY competitive. Ian is a great guy and a total pleasure to work with. I highly recommend him for any graphic work.

His game portfolio site is: http://www.koocachoo.co.uk
His main site (with his email address on the About page) is: http://www.debugdesign.com

Here is an example of an illustration he did for one of my upcoming games:

Good luck with your project!

Dave

Actually that graphic looks very nice! I may try and make contact with him I hope its reasonable.

Thanks Dave for the recommendation!

I am just trying to get on top of everything now as some time off over Christmas threw everything into chaos.

I think I will need to create a game graphic only email so I can keep everything in check.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

ian

I remember reading that thread about you over at Gamesalad. I might want some graphics from you in the future, if it's possible :)

I know I'm coming late to the party with this, but another idea is to tap your local colleges (especially if they have a good art program). There are usually some students there that are looking to build their portfolio, and having their art in a real product is a big plus to them when they go out job hunting. You can pay them less, since they aren't a seasoned artist yet, but they may still be able to fill your need. Turnaround times on art will probably be longer too as they have other commitments to their time.

Anyway, just another option.