New artist...what do I charge?!

[Dark Eternal]

Hi I'm 20 years old and I do alot of different stuff, but I was just offered a job by two writers to do conceptual artwork for a series of fantasy short stories. He would like to know what kind of rate I would want, how much for the rights to use my characters, etc etc.....and I have absolutely no idea what to say.

Any help from you experienced artists on how to not screw myself over, or overprice myself would be greatly, greatly appreciated!

Thank you

[otis]

Any help from you experienced artists on how to not screw myself over, or overprice myself would be greatly, greatly appreciated!

LOL! Asking others how to price YOUR work is a sure way to screw yourself!

[Dark Eternal]

I see what you're saying, but I figured there would be a kind of ball park industry standard to go by, or had hoped there was. If this is not the case then I'll just throw out a number I feel appropriate.

[Qitsune]

This might help:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=97244

[zan9000]

LOL! Asking others how to price YOUR work is a sure way to screw yourself!

I'm pretty sure most other people on the board would rather help other artists, not screw them over. Thats what this place is about.

This is also another good link if your going into the buisness: http://www.artbusiness.com/artists.html

[Magic Man]

Pick up the Graphic Artist's Guild guide, you can find it on Amazon, its an excellent source of info.

m

[Jason Rainville]

LOL! Asking others how to price YOUR work is a sure way to screw yourself!

Just like asking others how to improve YOUR work is a sure way to screw yourself!

Dark Eternal, I think I have my GD priceguide lying around, and I THINK it may have included some illustration stuff in it. I'll see if I can dig it out.

[DavePalumbo]

keep in mind that GAGH prices are gathered from working pros and high profile companies, it is to be interpreted as such. Small publishers working with just-out-of-school illustrators will rarely be working at the same rates. The info is good to have, but don't ignore that these are the prices paid to guys with many years of experience and credibility. If your publisher can't pay that much, it doesn't (necessarily) mean that they're trying to cheat you.

[otis]

The GAGG is only a REFRENCE POINT. Prices are determined by many factors not related to your art. A basic course in economics and business would be a better starting point. Ever hear of supply and demand?

Just like asking others how to improve YOUR work is a sure way to screw yourself!

Wrong. That has nothing to do with pricing.

My point is, you will never price your work properly by having others telling you how much you should charge.

[Jason Rainville]

Wrong. That has nothing to do with pricing..

Of course it doesn't. I'm making the point that people come here for advice on everything art related, what's so absurd about asking about pricing? The guy has NO reference point, he could easily be screwing himself by just shouting out some random number. Best to at least try to give him somewhere to start.

Dark Eternal; sorry, looked all night but I guess it's lost to the wind...

[otis]

Rhine..we are on the same page. I just don't want the kid to expect someone blurt out a price for him. I don't care what he charges, as long as HE comes up with the price.

There really is NO formula for pricing. Only supply and demand.

[GriNGo]

Just like asking others how to improve YOUR work is a sure way to screw yourself!

That is BS.

[DavePalumbo]

That is BS

actually, I think it was sarcasm