How do I find artists for a project?

Question

I have been designing a web game for the past decade and I'm finally ready to start the implementation. I'm a professional software developer, I make web applications on the job all day long, so I know that I can turn my ideas into running code, no sweat.

On the other hand, I have no talent whatsoever when it comes to graphics design, sound, or music, and I could also use some help with the visual design of the web site.

How do I find people who would be able to fill in the skills I lack to make this project a success? I'm happy to pay for the work, hourly or points on revenue or whatever it takes. I don't know how to get in touch with the right people or figure out if applicants are any good.

Answer 1

If you're near any colleges, I would suggest contacting art and music departments to see if they're any students in those areas interested in working on your game.

A project like that, should it be successful, would look really good for them that early in their career. :D

I remember in college, a bunch of CS students started a game project and we enlisted the help of students in the art departments because we lacked the artistic talent. :)

Good luck!

Answer 2

You have probaply plenty of options. The most obvious two are:

1. Go where the artists are.
   For example you could browse a site like deviantart.com and contact an artist you like. Go to colleges and universities and contact students.

2. Go to an artist you already like.
   Have a look at the credit of games you already like the artwork of and try to contact that person. That's what the credits are there for.

It's also a matter of your budget. In the first you might find "cheaper" but not so professional artists, yet helping them to get a stand. In the second you find experienced artists who probably need more money.

Answer 3

• TIGSource Forums
• GameDev.net Help Wanted forum
• IndieGamer Art Portfolios forum

This question, not being about programming per se, would be better suited to gamedev.stackexchange.com or the GameDev.net forums, by the way.