How to hire game artists
Game artists are responsible for the overall art direction of a video game. Whether you need someone to sketch character art for a virtual card game or stylize the user interface (UI) for a mobile puzzle game, game artists are here to help.
So how do you hire game artists? What follows are some tips for finding top game artists on Upwork.
How to shortlist game art professionals
As youโre browsing available game art professionals, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the independent contractors you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Game genre. Adventure, fantasy, horror, or space? You want a game artist who can create art that will fit with your video game setting.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., designing skins for 3D character models in a battle royale game).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what itโs like to work with a particular game artist.
How to write an effective game art job post
With a clear picture of your ideal game artist in mind, itโs time to write that job post. Although you donโt need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for an independent contractor to know if theyโre the right fit for the project.
An effective game art job post should include:
- Scope of work: From concept art to setting design, list all the deliverables youโll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain game types, design tools, or technologies, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to create visually stunning character designs, environments, and other elements for your video game? Log in and post your game art job on Upwork today.
GAME ART SPECIALISTS FAQ
What is game art?
Game art refers to the aesthetic aspects of video game development. Game artists design the objects, character models, settings, and environments that make up a video game.
Hereโs a quick overview of the skills you should look for in game art professionals:
- Game art design
- Digital illustration
- UI/UX design
- Concept artistry
- 2D/3D design, modeling, and rendering
Why hire game artists?
The trick to finding top game artists is to identify your needs. Are you looking for an artist to sketch concept art for a fantasy role-playing game (RPG)? Do you require experience with 3D modeling software such as Maya?
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 game artist?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced game 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 game art more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.