How to hire digital artists
There’s no question that digital technologies have enabled more people to become artists. Tools such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Pixlr enable artists to create their own photo collages, comics, digital paintings, and other works of art.
So how do you hire digital artists? What follows are some tips for finding top digital artists on Upwork.
How to shortlist digital art professionals
As you’re browsing available digital art consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the freelancers you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Industry fit. You want a digital artist who understands your industry so they can come up with designs that will resonate with your target audience.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., editing photos for a magazine cover with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular digital artist.
How to write an effective digital art job post
With a clear picture of your ideal digital artist in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a freelancer to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective digital art job post should include:
- Scope of work: From character designs to abstract illustrations, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, art styles, or design tools, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to bring your digital art project to life? Log in and post your digital art job on Upwork today.
DIGITAL ARTISTS FAQ
What is digital art?
Digital art involves using digital technology as part of the creative process or presentation. A digital artist can help you design characters for animations, create graphic prints for T-shirts, and create other works of art.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in digital art consultants:
- Digital art and illustration
- Graphic design tools such as Adobe Illustrator
- Project-specific expertise (e.g., concept art for a video game)
Why hire digital artists?
The trick to finding top digital artists is to identify your needs. Do you need someone with strong illustration skills to create concept art for a film? Or is your goal to launch an ongoing webcomic and you’re looking for a certain art style? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a digital artist?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced digital artist may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
- A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their digital art services more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.