Anyone who has grown up reading comics or graphic novels probably dreamed about creating their own at one point. For some, creating stunning art is easy, but crafting a storyline, not so much. For others, creating a world of comic fiction is simple, but the act of transforming their story into art remains a mystery. If you are looking for talented comics, artists and illustrators to bring your ideas to life, then consider hiring a comic book artist to help. Create epic graphic novels and mind-bending comics with the help of professional freelance illustrators.
Consider Hiring an Artist to Bring Your Ideas to Life
Have you thought of a great comic book idea but lacked the skills to artistically create what is in your imagination? Perhaps you have a full storyline for a graphic novel but simply lack the skills needed to create imagery that captures the senses. If so, then you are in luck. Hiring a comic book artist or graphic illustrator is as easy as hopping online and hiring an expert to help. There are hundreds of talented illustrators standing by to help turn the story in your head into a page-turning comic book that everyone will love.
Freelance illustrators can work with you to bring your vision to life through stunning illustrations, rich color stories, and nuanced imagery intended to entertain. Many artists that you find online are among the top illustrators in the industry. Each one boast years of practical experience, a diverse portfolio of personal projects, and hundreds of satisfied clients. There are also other benefits to working with an experienced freelance illustrator. You will gain an edge since they will know how to tread the line between creating imagery that sells and executing the author’s vision for their story.
Can You Hire A Illustrator Based on Genre?
You can select an illustrator according to their rate, location, and their experience. While this is true in most places, on many websites, you can also hire by genre. There are professional illustrators that focus on children’s books as well as those who are religious-based illustrators. Educational graphic artists and business book illustrators are also available for those creating content in these genres. There are many fiction, fantasy, mystery, and horror illustrators to choose from, many of which will suit your specific content style. From cookbooks and history books to memoirs and romantic fiction, there is always a talented illustrator that will be able to fulfill your project needs.
Nail Down Your Project Timeline
Writing the story for your comic or graphic novel will generally take less time that the actual art. It is important to have a realistic timeline that works for you and for the artist you hire. In general, graphic comics and graphic novels take three times the amount of time to draw than it does to write, edit, and publish in plain text form. For example, you can write the first page of a graphic comic in a half an hour. However, it will take three to five hours to draw the art for that single page.
When hiring a freelance illustrator, be clear about your preferred timeline and then get a rate for their services. Most graphic artists who work on comics or novels won’t agree to a rushed job. If they do, chances are you will end up paying a premium for their trouble. Going into the project with realistic expectations about time frames will save you both time and money.
Tips on Setting a Budget for Your Illustration Project
One of the most common areas authors struggle with when it comes to creating comics or graphic novels is the budget. If you are writing the story, but hiring someone else to create the artwork, it is important to price the project fairly in order to get the best results. It sounds easy on paper, but in reality, it is anything but. Illustrators and artists typically charge either by piece, or they will have a rate. Book covers, single pictures to add to a word-based book, and jacket art tend to be priced per piece. For full or partial graphic novels and comics, a work rate will generally apply.
When it comes to rate, the artist will either offer a per-hour or a per-day rate based on the complexity of your illustration requests. Rates can vary starting at $45 per page for a simple black and image ranging to $200 per page for a full-color, unique design. Per-day rates will vary depending on the artist and their creative style. You can expect to pay anywhere from $145 to $300 per day depending on your needs.
Things To Avoid When Hiring a Freelance Illustrator
Posting a project on a freelance marketplace platform makes finding an illustrator much easier. However, there are some things you should avoid. To start, when reviewing quotes for your project, did deeper than your first level of the internet. Chances are you will get a lot of results when in input a name, but that doesn’t mean that they are all accurate. In fact, only half of what you read online is based in fact; the rest is creative storytelling. Take reviews you find online with a grain of salt, and instead, look at their recent work portfolio. Any qualified illustrator should be able to point you to their recent work, whether online or in regular print.
Selecting an Illustrator for Your Graphic Novel
Once you settle on a timeline, budget, and other details, it’s time to find a collaborative partner. Make sure to keep an open mind when searching for an artist to give your story the best chance of coming to life. Working with a skilled freelance illustrator is very similar to dating. Each artist will have their own flair, personality, and way of doing things. It is important to find one that suits both your project needs and meshes with your storytelling style.