SketchroundThe problem isn't finding artists
A paid art post on a game-dev forum can draw dozens of replies in a day, with quotes that differ by ten times. The hard part is comparing them: one price includes three sketch rounds and a turnaround sheet, another is a single flat image. Ask everyone the same questions and you can compare like for like.
A brief that gets comparable quotes
- The deliverable, exactly. “One character, front view, full colour, transparent background” is quotable. “Art for my game” is not.
- Where it will be used. In-game sprite, store capsule, Kickstarter page, merch — this decides the licence and the resolution.
- Your style references and the game's palette or existing art, if any.
- Start small. If you'll need a whole cast, commission one character first. It shows you how the artist works before you commit the budget.
Agree these before work starts
- A commercial licence covering the game, its store pages and marketing. Name merch and sequels if you want them.
- Sketch rounds included, and the file format (layered PSD, PNG at a stated size).
- Hand-made work. Ask for it in writing. Store platforms and players increasingly ask about AI-generated art.
How it works here
Post one brief. Approved illustrators reply with a price, days needed, sketch rounds included and a sample — all in the same shape, side by side. Illustrators can ask you questions on the brief before they quote, and you answer once for everyone. When you award, you pay; we hold it until you approve the final files.