Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 LastLast
Results 1 to 30 of 156

Thread: What kinds of salaries do concept artists/character designers (video games) make??

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    jemelitie is offline Registered User Level 1 Gladiator: Andabatae
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    3
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    What kinds of salaries do concept artists/character designers (video games) make??

    Hey everyone...

    I'm a freelance illustrator, and I've just been offered a job as a concept artist/character designer.

    Would anyone be able to tell me what kind of salary concept artists/character designers make...in the video game market? I want to come up with a number that is competetive. I'm a good artist and I don't want to sell myself short!

    Help would be greatly appreciated!

    -Noosh

  2. #2
    Interceptor's Avatar
    Interceptor is offline Smooth Chocolate Level 16 Gladiator: Spartacus' Retiarii
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Brisbane, Australia
    Posts
    4,422
    Thanks
    497
    Thanked 676 Times in 247 Posts
    The more skill / experience, the better you'll get paid.
    * Help a CA artist! Visit the Constructive Critique section! *



  3. #3
    jemelitie is offline Registered User Level 1 Gladiator: Andabatae
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    3
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    well im kind of looking for numbers here....

  4. #4
    Seedling's Avatar
    Seedling is offline unsubscribed Level 16 Gladiator: Spartacus' Retiarii
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    4,881
    Thanks
    286
    Thanked 1,424 Times in 259 Posts
    Hello jemelitie,
    I posted some information about salaries in the games industry thread that I've been dumping info in. Click the link in my sig and scroll through until you see a title about game industry salaries.

    Gratz, and good luck!
    I think you are awesome, and I wish you the best in your endeavors, but I am tired of repeating myself, I am very busy with my new baby, and I am no longer a regular participant here, so please do not contact me to ask for advice on your career or education. All of the advice that I have to offer can already be found in the following links. Thank you.

    Perspective 101, Concept Art 101, Games Industry info,Oil Paint info, Acrylic Paint info, my sketchbook.

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to Seedling For This Useful Post:


  6. #5
    aesir's Avatar
    aesir is offline paranoid insomniac Level 7 Gladiator: Samnite
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Sacramento and Los Angeles
    Posts
    988
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 164 Times in 61 Posts
    how about this. You tell us, where the job is (what city), how big/well known the company is, how much experience you have, and then maybe we'll be able to guesstimate some numbers.

  7. #6
    jemelitie is offline Registered User Level 1 Gladiator: Andabatae
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    3
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    well theyre based in florida, but i'd be working off site. theyre one of the best sellers out there.
    i on the other hand, have experience in illustration but not gaming. they're interested in me, and i'm good.
    theyre not offering benefits, so im thinking that should factor into my price too.

    does that help?
    Last edited by jemelitie; September 27th, 2006 at 10:02 PM.

  8. #7
    Simon.Rain's Avatar
    Simon.Rain is offline Rotten and degenerate Level 6 Gladiator: Provocator
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Montreal
    Posts
    535
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts
    If you have some work we could see by any chance also =)

    You could start yourself a sketchbook

    I m just surious to see your work and I m sure it will help people find a number
    My Internal Organs ... my "sketchbook"
    To visit my portfolio, http://www.simonrainville.com
    my best friend

  9. #8
    Alzorath's Avatar
    Alzorath is offline Reply Hazy, Please Try Again Level 4 Gladiator: Meridiani
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    288
    Thanks
    10
    Thanked 14 Times in 9 Posts
    If memory serves...isn't the average 'entry' (ie first job in the industry) salary for an artist in the game industry $36k-$50k per year in the US, depending on skill/training/location/etc.?

    Your rate may be higher, but I wouldn't go lower than the minimum I mentioned.
    Alzorath's Sketchbook


    I support sketchbooks! - Subscribed to, and by:
    White Rose's Sketchbook | Matsign's Sketchbook

  10. #9
    dfacto's Avatar
    dfacto is offline Death by misadventure Level 11 Gladiator: Essedarii
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Bulgaria
    Posts
    1,820
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 30 Times in 18 Posts
    From what I've heard it's between $20 and $40k on average for starters.

    No practical experience in ther matter, but that's what I keep reading.

    Es fließt durch meine Venen, Es schläft in meinen Tränen
    Es läuft mir aus den Ohren, Herz und Nieren sind Motoren


  11. #10
    Gilles's Avatar
    Gilles is offline PencilPusher Level 5 Gladiator: Myrmillo
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    The UK
    Posts
    390
    Thanks
    100
    Thanked 34 Times in 24 Posts
    In the US the salaries are most of the time higher than in Europe. Then again in Europe you bound to get more benefits. I've seen websites saying that an average starting concept artist would make even $40k to $65. That number is in high contrast with what I earn a an concept artist. I think it would be good to go a bit higher than you would initially go for. This way it's not to shitty when they offer you less.

    Goodluck!

  12. #11
    0kelvin's Avatar
    0kelvin is offline ^That's a zero, not an O. Level 12 Gladiator: Laqueatores
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    2,245
    Thanks
    239
    Thanked 319 Times in 109 Posts
    $20k to $40k seems like a pretty accurate number for an entry level art position, however, concept artist is extremely rarely an entry level position. I would guess the salary for a concept artist would be higher than that, because it usually requires a number of years experience, either in games or a related industry. Plus, concept artists have a lot more responsibility and influence in the overall project than the average modeller or texture artist, and the market for concept artists is quite a bit more competitive.



    0kelvin
    www.WhereIsMyEyeball.com My portfolio! Go check it out!
    Sketchbook

  13. #12
    Mungus is offline User is Banned Level 4 Gladiator: Meridiani
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    245
    Thanks
    22
    Thanked 60 Times in 20 Posts
    $20 - $30 would be more realistic for a starter,
    A lot depends on the company, there are untold numbers of people wanting to get into games, so the companies can afford to be thrifty.
    With the bigger companies there will be extra perks like project/completion bonuses, shares, christmas bonuses, (from personal experience my last year of employment with a big publisher netted me approx. $7000 extra - including optioning my shares before jumping clear)

    But i wouldnt trade any money for my independence now,
    Let us know how you get on, best of luck

  14. #13
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Notqmah, VA
    Posts
    1,008
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
    http://www.gamecareerguide.com/featu...2006_game_.php

    the data is from 06, but there wasn't a huge change from last year to this year IIRC.

    http://www.bankrate.com/brm/movecalc.asp helpful to get a general idea of cost of living for your area if you're on the list of locations.

  15. The Following User Says Thank You to hito For This Useful Post:


  16. #14
    Seedling's Avatar
    Seedling is offline unsubscribed Level 16 Gladiator: Spartacus' Retiarii
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    4,881
    Thanks
    286
    Thanked 1,424 Times in 259 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by hito View Post
    the data is from 06,
    To add to this, if anybody is interested in the newest data, Game Developer Magazine outs out their salary survey every year in their April issue.
    I think you are awesome, and I wish you the best in your endeavors, but I am tired of repeating myself, I am very busy with my new baby, and I am no longer a regular participant here, so please do not contact me to ask for advice on your career or education. All of the advice that I have to offer can already be found in the following links. Thank you.

    Perspective 101, Concept Art 101, Games Industry info,Oil Paint info, Acrylic Paint info, my sketchbook.

  17. #15
    JL.Alfaro's Avatar
    JL.Alfaro is offline I ran with scissors as a child, please excuse me Level 11 Gladiator: Essedarii
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Californication land
    Posts
    1,838
    Thanks
    262
    Thanked 344 Times in 141 Posts
    I make a gafukenzillion dollars a year, have a mansion on a hill, drive big fancy car and a wacom tablet the size of your dining table.


    but seriously, I dont know- I dont do it for the money,, I do it for the nookie.
    J.L. ALFARO


    "Be who you are and say what you feel,because those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind."
    -Dr. Seuss



  18. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to JL.Alfaro For This Useful Post:


  19. #16
    Mr. Visions's Avatar
    Mr. Visions is offline Registered User Level 10 Gladiator: Equites
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    The Fortress of Solitude
    Posts
    1,619
    Thanks
    195
    Thanked 39 Times in 27 Posts
    Does anyone have rates for freelancers? Obviously they vary, but it's always good to know a bare minimum so that you're not getting ripped.

    - Visions

  20. #17
    JL.Alfaro's Avatar
    JL.Alfaro is offline I ran with scissors as a child, please excuse me Level 11 Gladiator: Essedarii
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Californication land
    Posts
    1,838
    Thanks
    262
    Thanked 344 Times in 141 Posts
    Visions- Im a freelancer, The rates go up and down, depending on the illustrations. On one job, I can charge from $350 - $950 per illustration- on another job I can charge $150 per character design, yet another $250. On the last project I worked on- I charged $3.50 per illustration, and I made a killing with a massive amount of illustrations. So it really varies on a per client basis. With your talent you should be up there on the $2k-up per illustration, brother.

    I always try to work with my clients budget, but I never sell my self short. If you feel you are selling your self short, you probably are. And don't worry if the clients feel you're over charging them, once they look around for other artist, they are sure to come back with a better offer (happens all the time). They get what they pay for.

    -JL
    J.L. ALFARO


    "Be who you are and say what you feel,because those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind."
    -Dr. Seuss



  21. #18
    Elwell's Avatar
    Elwell is offline Sticks Like Grim Death
    Level 17 Gladiator: Spartacus' Dimachaeri
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Hudson River valley, NY
    Posts
    16,180
    Thanks
    4,879
    Thanked 16,659 Times in 5,018 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by JLAlfaro View Post
    On the last project I worked on- I charged $3.50 per illustration, and I made a killing with a massive amount of illustrations.
    Good on ya' if you can make this work, I guess, but three fifty??!!! What the hell were they, stickmen and smiley faces? Even if you're cranking out ten an hour, that still sucks.

    Tristan Elwell
    **Finished Work Thread **Process Thread **Edges Tutorial

    Crash Course for Artists, Illustrators, and Cartoonists, NYC, the 2013 Edition!

    "Work is more fun than fun."
    -John Cale

    "Art is supposed to punch you in the brain, and it's supposed to stay punched."
    -Marc Maron

  22. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Elwell For This Useful Post:


  23. #19
    JL.Alfaro's Avatar
    JL.Alfaro is offline I ran with scissors as a child, please excuse me Level 11 Gladiator: Essedarii
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Californication land
    Posts
    1,838
    Thanks
    262
    Thanked 344 Times in 141 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by Elwell View Post
    Good on ya' if you can make this work, I guess, but three fifty??!!! What the hell were they, stickmen and smiley faces? Even if you're cranking out ten an hour, that still sucks.
    Yeah, basic line cartoon type of drawings, some inanimate objects- there was more to it but I made a k in one day- not bad in my neighborhood.

    What do you charge Elwell?
    Say if I wanted one of your spiffy paintings for my book cover? spit it out man
    J.L. ALFARO


    "Be who you are and say what you feel,because those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind."
    -Dr. Seuss



  24. #20
    Dile_'s Avatar
    Dile_ is offline WORK IN PROGRESS

    Level 17 Gladiator: Spartacus' Dimachaeri
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    sweden
    Posts
    7,511
    Thanks
    1,692
    Thanked 1,212 Times in 623 Posts
    [I made a funny post and I hope I wasn't quoted ]
    Last edited by Dile_; July 31st, 2008 at 09:30 AM.

  25. #21
    Seedling's Avatar
    Seedling is offline unsubscribed Level 16 Gladiator: Spartacus' Retiarii
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    4,881
    Thanks
    286
    Thanked 1,424 Times in 259 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by Dile_ View Post
    Now I'm not in any way questioning Vision on his talent/skill.. Leave him out of my question! !!!

    Isn't 2000 / TwoThousands / 2k ( dollars! ), a bit much, for just ONE /1 illustration ?
    I imagine that's about right for a book cover by a sought-after illustrator. *educated guess*

    [edit] I should have checked to see if there was a page 2 before posting my answer.
    Last edited by Seedling; September 9th, 2007 at 11:34 AM.
    I think you are awesome, and I wish you the best in your endeavors, but I am tired of repeating myself, I am very busy with my new baby, and I am no longer a regular participant here, so please do not contact me to ask for advice on your career or education. All of the advice that I have to offer can already be found in the following links. Thank you.

    Perspective 101, Concept Art 101, Games Industry info,Oil Paint info, Acrylic Paint info, my sketchbook.

  26. #22
    Brun's Avatar
    Brun is offline student/freelancer Level 7 Gladiator: Samnite
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    934
    Thanks
    250
    Thanked 204 Times in 166 Posts

    reply

    well, I would guess that 2000 (2K) is a good price for a tallented guy, it may seem like a lot, but even here in belgium (were illustration 'n' concept desings are something foreign) I (as a 19 year old kid) have earned 250 bucks on making a illustration (i did 2 of them so i was payed 500$)
    so it i guess that 2000 is a possibility, yes i'm quit sure about it

  27. The Following User Says Thank You to Brun For This Useful Post:


  28. #23
    janni is offline Registered User Level 5 Gladiator: Myrmillo
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    313
    Thanks
    251
    Thanked 42 Times in 29 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by Dile_ View Post
    Isn't 2000 / TwoThousands / 2k ( dollars! ), a bit much, for just ONE /1 illustration ?

    Did I got that right ? How long does One of "those" paintings take you to finish then ? 1 day ? 3-4 days ? 10 days ?

    I'm confused... because if thats what a good illustrator/artist make... Then "starving artist" doesn't make any sense to me at all....

    please enlighten me
    NO it is isn't a bit much. It's realy all relative as it has already been pointed out. Your Salary depends on your experience, your skill at what you do, your skill and negotiating salaries, the client you're working for, the project you're working on.

    A cover-illustration for the german weekly magazine "Der Spiegel" pays 4k to 5k flat (€...). A cover for a small RPG-magazine might pay just 300 bucks.

    Some Freelance Concept Artist make 150$ a day, some make 1500$.

    Generaly speaking when you're working with a client who is used to work with artists on a regular basis it will be a lot easier to get good rates and make a proper living out of it. If you're good it works well, there is tons of stuff out there that has to be drawn. If you you encounter a client who is not aware of the fact that artists charge money for their skill and work you better run for your life. If you're in a position where you have no options be prepared to lower you rates if you want the job. That's the whole mess realy. That small cheap clients always find somebody who works cheaper than you... and unfortunately some of the big ones do it too. They let you pitch against eachother and/or don't pay at all. So starving artists are no myth.


    EDIT: oh crap, i overlooked the second page too... must be the new color scheme.
    Last edited by janni; May 16th, 2008 at 12:01 PM.

  29. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to janni For This Useful Post:


  30. #24
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Notqmah, VA
    Posts
    1,008
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts

  31. #25
    Mr. Visions's Avatar
    Mr. Visions is offline Registered User Level 10 Gladiator: Equites
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    The Fortress of Solitude
    Posts
    1,619
    Thanks
    195
    Thanked 39 Times in 27 Posts
    Thanks alot guys, these comments and links are very helpful. Feels good knowing you guys have my back -

    - Visions

  32. #26
    Robert.B's Avatar
    Robert.B is offline JOGGING THROUGH GREY MATTER Level 13 Gladiator: Retiarius
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Orlando Florida
    Posts
    2,805
    Thanks
    702
    Thanked 605 Times in 306 Posts
    I have a buddy who does motion graphics and web design and makes $100 and hour with an in house position, but I think he only works so many hours a week.
    Site
    BLOG

    SketchBook



    "it's much easier to scale up from simplicity than to scale back from complexity"

  33. #27
    Mr. Visions's Avatar
    Mr. Visions is offline Registered User Level 10 Gladiator: Equites
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    The Fortress of Solitude
    Posts
    1,619
    Thanks
    195
    Thanked 39 Times in 27 Posts
    My jaw dropped.

  34. #28
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Notqmah, VA
    Posts
    1,008
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
    damn. how many hours does he work a week at that rate?

  35. #29
    Justin.'s Avatar
    Justin. is offline Waffles Level 15 Gladiator: Spartacus' Hoplomachi
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Pasadena, CA
    Posts
    3,535
    Thanks
    236
    Thanked 307 Times in 195 Posts
    Well, 100 an hour at 1 hour a week is 5200 a year.
    100 at 10 hours a week is 52,000

    I would guess anywhere between, 10 and 25 hours, but at either end he is a very lucky guy.

  36. #30
    Justin.'s Avatar
    Justin. is offline Waffles Level 15 Gladiator: Spartacus' Hoplomachi
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Pasadena, CA
    Posts
    3,535
    Thanks
    236
    Thanked 307 Times in 195 Posts
    Also, I read in a book about Rockwell that even through the DEPRESSION, he was making 40k a year. I am not sure if this is 40k now or 40k then but if it was 40k then than damn, that's over 150k by todays standards I believe...

Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. [FPS/ 3D Open RPG] Game studio looking for Concept Artists, Character Designers
    By doveiya in forum Collaborations and Non Paying Projects
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: May 3rd, 2009, 12:12 PM
  2. Help us make video games you enjoy!
    By jsbegy in forum THE ARTIST LOUNGE
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: March 4th, 2009, 08:11 PM
  3. Seeking al kinds of concept artists
    By Shocker Toys in forum JOB LISTINGS & EMPLOYERS
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: October 10th, 2006, 04:26 AM
  4. Character Designers Needed - Games
    By MPH in forum JOB LISTINGS & EMPLOYERS
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: March 20th, 2006, 03:42 PM
  5. Cross your top video games to make one game!!
    By Presence in forum THE ARTIST LOUNGE
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: November 21st, 2004, 06:24 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •