Art for Longboards/mags?

[SoloRider]

i do some stuff for my friends,

30 dollars for a board under 33in
40 dollars for a board over 33 in
and an extra 10 dollars if i have to sand down an old graphic

For a comparison -

I've got an artist working on a deck for me in exchange for one of my decks that sells for $130 and a set of Paris trucks.

[rodgon]

that would be a descent trade for a graphic.

[SoloRider]

that would be a descent trade for a graphic.

That's what I thought. He's happy, I'm happy, life is good.

On a side note, any advice on a topcoat for acrylic?

[tankshell]

For a comparison -

I've got an artist working on a deck for me in exchange for one of my decks that sells for $130 and a set of Paris trucks.

Well my estimate of $50 was wayy off
I guess I just wouldn't think of paying more than a third of the price of a board for a graphic that isn't going to be seen a whole lot

[rodgon]

then you dont have a need for custom art. ^_^ if you dont consider it a big deal why should you pay for it? keep hte ugly graphic it has on already lol

[tankshell]

then you dont have a need for custom art. ^_^ if you dont consider it a big deal why should you pay for it? keep hte ugly graphic it has on already lol

Maybe my estimate was right then. It depends on whether the majority of longboarders consider custom art a big deal or not.

[rosewood thief]

so, what do you suggest i charge?

[rodgon]

pm me. ill help u out

[rodgon]

i sent this PM to him in response to all these questions.

i think it might help people understand how people and companies in Silversfish tend to work out their art needs

-------------------------------------------------------------

I do go by board size and i also do by level of detail, color or black and white, if they want it both sides or if they want it with clear grip or black with a design.

for people here on Silverfish you have to understand the level of people your selling to first.

there are the young kids:
they cant afford anything big, yet they still want something cool, they wont appreciate it as much but are still willing to get it, With these guys you need to see if they will throw in stuff you can use ( or sell) and then have them add some cash to the sell.

There are the starving students:
These guys have a little bit more money to use and they have some cool gear as well to trade for it. They will appreciate the art a little more and some know the value of it, alot of them will never ride the boards you do for them and will keep them as wall art. lol cash and goodies works well with them as well.

High buyers, collectors:
These are guys that do not mind buying more expensive boards, or pimping out there setups, they wont mind paying a little more for the art and they will certainly appreciate it more than the previous people. They know the value of art more ofthen then not and will not shy away from paying a fair price for some good stuff. These guys wil also trade for the art and they tend to have some of the best gear you can sell later on for higher prices. so cash or trades work for them as well.

Pro bono, non profit organizations:
these companies have no budget and rely on people helping them out with artwork for free or just for the exposure. these are the best way to get noticed as an artist, and also to make a name for yourself. Fund raising campaigns and stuff of that sort fit into this area. if you feel generous and have some extra time i would recommend doing some of these.


Small custom companies:
These are the small time builders, Arcane, legendary , dopamine fall into this category, they will pay a good price for your work and will most likely keep you as an artist on hand for future projects that fit you. You can trade services for boards too since its easier for them to do that, but you might want to get money more than anything out of these transactions.

Bigger companies:
Comet, S9, Loaded and such. These guys already know the game and know what to pay the artist. They will pay handsomely for the work beacuase it will be used in a good amount. They do everything by the books and you will more likely then not be made to sign contracts and invoice them. Also its not as easy to get work done for them since they have several artists in hand already, so your work has to stand out for you. Normaly competitions and design contests get you in the door for these jobs.


You will find out that you will have to charge different based on each client even if they fall into the same category. You will find out that some people just dont think art should cost that much either. and some that are completely the opposite. You will be putting your heart, soul and skills on t each drawing painting or design, so make it worth your while.

finding all this out is a right of passage to artists, that as well as getting shitty clients, getting ripped off and used are also experiences that you will go by as you grow as an artist ( it will happen no matter what ... trust me). you will find your worth as an artist as you progress, and as you get better you will want more money for your time. There is no set price for anything.

Its a whole how many hours per work done formula. so if you take 4 hours to do a board you charge 40$ for your making 10$ per hour. you think thats worth it? if so then your good, if not then charge accordingly. ^_^

hope this helps artist here on silverfish. I love you guys ^_^ keeep the art going!

[Steve E]

I am more or less looking for people who aren't trying to charge for their work. Build their portolio.. obivously you are further along than that. haha. Working on my website is not only fun, but it also puts some credibility behind my resume for when I graduate and have to start looking for a job [in this economy...]... I hope.

Big ups to you artists out pursuing what you love as a career, though. Good luck!

[rodgon]

I am more or less looking for people who aren't trying to charge for their work. Build their portolio.. obivously you are further along than that. haha. Working on my website is not only fun, but it also puts some credibility behind my resume for when I graduate and have to start looking for a job [in this economy...]... I hope.

Big ups to you artists out pursuing what you love as a career, though. Good luck!

I know that you are looking for someone to do it for free, but even if they are students looking to build there portfolio, they should never do the work for free. I know you mentioned that you had a small budget to work with before ( and this is in no way bashing you ) but you would be suprised at how many times people take advantage of student or up and coming artists like that. Yeah they might be looking to put something cool for their portfolios and all, and yeah they do need the experience as well, but doing it free of charge just for the piece is not or should not be an option.

I dont think all artists will agree with me, specially the ones trying to make a name for themselves, but there should always be some sort of compensation besides from the art piece itself. This also goes for video editing and promotional material.

Im just trying to have the future artists that look at this thread to understand that your work is worth a value. Do not sell yourself short guys and girls.

[SoloRider]

Im just trying to have the future artists that look at this thread to understand that your work is worth a value. Do not sell yourself short guys and girls.

Words to live by.

+2

[ArthurW]

Weeerd. I don't think artists really understand that doing work just for the experience or portfolio is often times not worth it.

Unless you're working for a really notable/well-known company that pretty much exemplifies awesomeness and top-notch work, little unknown credits in your resume don't mean much to other employers.

Especially considering that people looking for freelancers (except, of course, the big names) don't normally look at resumes.

So yeah, some sort of tangible right-now payment is always good. Could be money, could be a free advertising spot on some magazine, could be a longboard.

[Steve E]

I know that you are looking for someone to do it for free, but even if they are students looking to build there portfolio, they should never do the work for free. I know you mentioned that you had a small budget to work with before ( and this is in no way bashing you ) but you would be suprised at how many times people take advantage of student or up and coming artists like that. Yeah they might be looking to put something cool for their portfolios and all, and yeah they do need the experience as well, but doing it free of charge just for the piece is not or should not be an option.

I dont think all artists will agree with me, specially the ones trying to make a name for themselves, but there should always be some sort of compensation besides from the art piece itself. This also goes for video editing and promotional material.

Im just trying to have the future artists that look at this thread to understand that your work is worth a value. Do not sell yourself short guys and girls.

I get where you're coming from, and graphic art is probably different than my own field-- advertising. At this point, it is not a website with any sort of profits in mind, so I am not ready to pay someone for the art.

I look at this as sort of like an expirement. I know I am going to have to put in plenty of unpaid hours to truly learn the industry. I figured there is no better way to learn how the real world works than to try and market my own organization.

Just like an internship, or industry standard resumes. Most prospective jobs for me want 5 years experience in the field regardless of where your degree is from. That's a little bit of a reason why I am started this website... We're in the Information Age now, and no one has ever seen anything like it. Everyone knows of Twitter, and with a simple text to 40404, you can broadcast a text message to 2.5 MILLION PEOPLE. That's insane!

I know that was definitely off topic, but it's a rant I've been kind of living by, and a little bit of an inspiration behind the building of my website. Just a big expirement.

[ArthurW]

You can text to 2.5 million people with 40404?

I'd assume that costs a lot of money... but then again, I rarely text.

[Steve E]

You can text to 2.5 million people with 40404?

I'd assume that costs a lot of money... but then again, I rarely text.

That was in reference to Twitter.. their number is 40404 and a simple text to that number updates your blog instantly. From there, however many 'followers' you have that turn on their 'mobile updates' get the message. I believe Ashton Kutcher has the most followers at 2.5+ million (i googled it lol).

100% free

[rodgon]

twitter... dont even get me started... lol

[Steve E]

believe me i was with you. who the #### wants mobile updates of 140 character blog entries?

it VERY useful for businesses though. these social media outlets are marketers' best friends right now.

stop fighting it!! it's taking over the world. haha: LandyachtzLongboards (Landyachtz) on Twitter

[ArthurW]

Wow, Ashton Kutcher?

I thought he was a has-been that just kinda lurks around in commercials.

I guess the ladies love him. lol

[SoloRider]

Bringing this back to the top.

For a comparison -

I've got an artist working on a deck for me in exchange for one of my decks that sells for $130 and a set of Paris trucks.

This is what I got for my trade:



I couldn't be more pleased.