How to write an “art quote request”

[PixelMine]

Heya, working on a few blog posts for my website and would like some feedback on this. Hope this helps


How to write an “art quote request”
Posting an illustration request is likely to get you 1-2 “my team can do this” responses and 2-4 “added” responses from individual artists (looking at the last 22 requests). On average, requests that include additional information get about 50% more responses.

The following are good tips to include in any art request when you contact an artist, no matter what medium you use.

Describe an Emotional “Vector”
“Blank paper is an artists worst nightmare”

It’s better to know what you want than offer a blank canvas to an artist. You should know what the artwork needs to accomplish, preferably stated as an emotion or action.

“I want a Profile Picture” is a blank slate, but “I want a Profile Picture based on my Minecraft Skin that makes me look powerful.” This is great as I can start to imagine poses for your minecraft skin etc.

“Redo my server logo” is less of a blank slate, but without specific direction. Where should I take that? “My current server logo is too playful. My community has matured and we need something more sleek.” is much better, since now I know what to do with that logo, what direction to take it.

“Make it [good/unique/cool]” is not a direction. If the intent is to focus on “quality” it is the same as just saying “please make art” since every artist is trying to make every new artwork higher quality than their last. If the ask is about “fit” then the ask is missing context. What would make this the best fit for your server?

Include Reference & Context
“No one can see what is in your head.”

What other artworks do you like and why? Provide a few images that capture something about the work you need to help the artist visualize what you have in your head.

Next, it is important that the artist knows how you intend to use the artwork so they can design it properly. Does it need to be used on Youtube? Did you know that the Youtube Banner size is full screen wallpaper for TV but that only the middle is used on web and mobile? Is it going on a website? Include a screenshot of the website. This also includes telling them a bit about your server. What is the unique feature? What kind of community do you have?

Any extra context you can provide will help the artist create something that fits your needs.

State your Budget
“You will always... always… get what you pay for”

Every artist is going to try to maximize the value of your budget. So knowing your budget will let them plan accordingly. If you know how much you want to spend, stating it will save you time.

Having “no specific budget” is really common. It’s hard to know what cost for art will be up front. You can always ask for examples of their previous work and the costs of each so you can better understand what a budget might look like for your project.

It is common that artists are asked to work on a restricted budget but it’s better just to let the artist know that at the start. This will help the artist plan that into their initial quote.

If you cannot offer monetary compensation, focus on what you are willing to trade (vouches, skill trade, resources, creative control, flexible deadlines, promotion etc).

Specify a Delivery Date
This one is pretty basic. Knowing if you have some event or date that the artwork will need to be used is important. Ideally specify a date and note if it is a hard requirement or negotiable.

“June 19th (Hard Deadline)”
“End of July (+/- 2 weeks)”

Remember: Stay Positive
“Vinegar and honey walk into a fly bar…”

The tone of your post says something about what it will be like to work with you. If the tone is upbeat and positive you will attract more artists.

Final Checklist

• Emotional Vector
• Reference & Context
• Payment Offer
• Delivery Date
• Positive Tone

 

[cxr]

Thank you for sharing this to the community, we honestly need more designers advertising themselves like this.
People are too lazy in general, if you are a designer PLEASE put effort in your clients.

 

[Ivan.]

Posting an illustration request is likely to get you 1-2 “my team can do this” responses and 2-4 “added” responses from individual artists (looking at the last 22 requests).

Why does that matter? It gives a clear understanding for the user that people are interested and have contacted them/is willing to work with them.

 

[Siliz Arts]

This is great advice for both clients and freelancers, in all honesty. Though, a lot of people don't like to talk about what they're wanting outside of DMs, which can be understandable to a point. The points you made are always in my first few questions, regardless.

Albeit, I wouldn't put so much emphasis on the bit about trading, as outside of this community, artists won't do that. And even with that, I'd think not even half of the available, active artists would accept trade for work. Plus, most of what you listed isn't, in any form, a type of compensation, plus it's against site rules to ask for vouches in trade for work.

I think you should also make some note that clients need to realize that every artist has different work schedules. Where one artist may take a day to complete a project, another may take two weeks. That doesn't mean the latter is lazy or isn't hard working. They have their own life to deal with and things to get through.

You also may want to make a note that I've had clients bring up to me.... a lot.... in this community. Several seem to think that just because an icon is 64x64, that it would warrant a cheaper price. Not realizing that it takes the same amount of work, regardless of what size it's saved in.

Other than those points, this is a great little bit of info. Thanks for all of your hard work~

 

[PixelMine]

Why does that matter? It gives a clear understanding for the user that people are interested and have contacted them/is willing to work with them.

It matters because most Requests generate <5 responses and for a marketplace with so many artists offering their services and most responses are fairly standard. I think that can be improved.

I'm hoping that helping clients build more detailed briefs they will be able to get better end results and generate more interest in their projects.

My point about standard responses was maybe a bit unclear and maybe a topic for another article on client management. Basically saying "we can help" or "added" is a missed oppotunity to display value.

There is a really great book on this topic by Patrick Lencioni called "Getting Naked", which should be required reading for any consultant to be honest. It's all about showing value and gaining trust with clients.[DOUBLEPOST=1621178248][/DOUBLEPOST]

This is great advice for both clients and freelancers, in all honesty. Though, a lot of people don't like to talk about what they're wanting outside of DMs, which can be understandable to a point. The points you made are always in my first few questions, regardless.

Albeit, I wouldn't put so much emphasis on the bit about trading, as outside of this community, artists won't do that. And even with that, I'd think not even half of the available, active artists would accept trade for work. Plus, most of what you listed isn't, in any form, a type of compensation, plus it's against site rules to ask for vouches in trade for work.

I think you should also make some note that clients need to realize that every artist has different work schedules. Where one artist may take a day to complete a project, another may take two weeks. That doesn't mean the latter is lazy or isn't hard working. They have their own life to deal with and things to get through.

You also may want to make a note that I've had clients bring up to me.... a lot.... in this community. Several seem to think that just because an icon is 64x64, that it would warrant a cheaper price. Not realizing that it takes the same amount of work, regardless of what size it's saved in.

Other than those points, this is a great little bit of info. Thanks for all of your hard work~

Yeah there is a lot to go into about negotiating deals and managing clients. I'll definately have some future articles about those, probably much longer

Thanks for the feedback on the payment section. I'll rework it a bit or omit the option for trades completely. It is definately a MCM thing to accept trades for services, not so much "in reality"

The point about graphic size I've not had for a while, but it does pop up now and then. I'm really curious what other common asks you see from clients?

 

[Ivan.]

It matters because most Requests generate <5 responses and for a marketplace with so many artists offering their services and most responses are fairly standard. I think that can be improved.

I'm hoping that helping clients build more detailed briefs they will be able to get better end results and generate more interest in their projects.

My point about standard responses was maybe a bit unclear and maybe a topic for another article on client management. Basically saying "we can help" or "added" is a missed oppotunity to display value.

There is a really great book on this topic by Patrick Lencioni called "Getting Naked", which should be required reading for any consultant to be honest. It's all about showing value and gaining trust with clients.[DOUBLEPOST=1621178248]

well said lol - agree

 

[Siliz Arts]

I'm really curious what other common asks you see from clients?

The ones that stick out the most would be :

- Will you edit this piece I have? - I won't do it. No respectable artist will. Even on the off-chance that the client HAS purchased the editing rights, it's still an icky thing to do. Just go back tot he original artist or get new work. That being said, if there's something you want edited on a piece I did for you, and I still have the source file, I will be happy to within reason.

- Will you add <insert thing> to my commission? - Yes, of course. I will always add things to your commission UNLESS I don't think it will fit. And if I don't think something will fit with the current look, I will say so. The client should be happy, but it is still also my work. I want it to look great, as well. That being said, clients need to know and accept the fact that if something is going to take more time than you've paid for, then it should be compensated.

- Can you have this done by <insert date>? - I can most certainly try, but I make no promises. I only make guarantees on delivery dates if an expedited fee is paid. This fee is to push your commission to the front of the list, past any other commissions I have and giving it priority over other things in life that it's able to be pushed in front of.

- Can I have a discount? I'm in a discord with over 5,000 people and I'll @ you! It'll definitely boost your sales!!! - No. Most certainly not. This never works. This isn't an okay thing to offer and it isn't something any self respecting artist would accept. It does not help boost our sales. Most of the time, people just get upset that you've mass pinged everyone.

That's all I can think of for the time being, but I'm sure more will creep up haha.

 

[xLuffy]

Thank you for the share, that actually helps artists quite a lot with communication from buyers.