Freelance work

FireSttorm

I am interested in doing freelance work, and maybe using freelance artists for my own personal project.

But I wanted to ask from anyone who has experience with this, what are the contracts like? And is this a good idea for quick inexpensive development? And what problems can arise? And are there any sources on what the typical pay is, or is it very dependent on the negotiations?

Neo_God

You're in for a treat!
http://boards.polycount.net/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=171076&an=0&page=2#Post171076

FireSttorm

Thanks that is a great thread and it has helped out a lot.
But as they keep mentioning, what makes a good contract? A lot of that thread is complaints, but the main reason I am posting is for an idea of what the ideal contract and relationship to the freelancer is.

edit: oh and also, what is the best way to contact artists. Is just posting on forums like this enough, or is it acceptable to e-mail artists that have good work on the net.

Cybroxide

I put my email address on nearly everything i can in hopes a possible employer might email. So, from my position I'd say its fine, especially if they make their address readily available.

firestarter

There`s a bit more `contract` focus here: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=53377
"And is this a good idea for quick inexpensive development?"
No, a professional freelancer will charge more than a salaried employee, on account of the amount of downtime between contracts, paying for their own software, equipment etc...
Edit: Seems there`s a huge gap in the understanding of the value of commercial art these days within GameDev, so I sought out a pretty inexpensive contractor that has both qoutation and client referrals. Beneficial for hobbyists and CheapAss Outsource Companies to take a look at too, I hasten to add.
http://www.silversnakestudios.com/rates

FireSttorm

What about international contract problems?
And how is the money exchange preferably done?