Commissioning an artist?

[2Fresh2Clean]

How can I commission a grafitti artist? How can I find them or have them find me? And I don't mean big guys like Futura either, but rather up an coming guys. And what happens once you print that work on a shirt, do they get a cut of profit or something? I have never come across any topics on this subject before, and I searched a few forums! I've seen alot of artists work on tees like Stussy, but I have always wondered about the behind the scene details on how it's done!?

[sugarbooger]

there is no set way to do it.
you can pay them an outright one time fee to do a custom design for you.
you can pay them for use of some work they've already done. you can retain ownership of that work, or just pay them for the use of it, and they can retain ownership.
you can pay them royalties for sales made on products or art they've created for you.
you work it out with the artist.

[2Fresh2Clean]

How can you get on touch with some of these graf artists?

[steppingrazor]

if you need writers for a design job, PM me, we can take care of anything you need.

[owensA]

I read an article where the cops caught some graff artists through their myspace pages, maybe try myspace then? Just my random 2 cents.

[zev 1]

I got a couple dudes from the NYC/Philly/Jersey area. PM if you want

[jjs home]

if you don't KNOW any graff artists personally do you really need to try to make clothes that totally bastardize the art

[camthraxFHK]

^^^ I dont want to make as harsh of a statement, but he has a point. I feel like most collabs with artists happen because the brand knows the dude. I mean, I'm weird, but I have tons of friends who write...

[silverfish]

How can I commission a grafitti artist? How can I find them or have them find me? And I don't mean big guys like Futura either, but rather up an coming guys. And what happens once you print that work on a shirt, do they get a cut of profit or something? I have never come across any topics on this subject before, and I searched a few forums! I've seen alot of artists work on tees like Stussy, but I have always wondered about the behind the scene details on how it's done!?

I've commissioned a number of artists (for my
Silverfish Gallery - check sig link for examples)
and the basic set up is the same: unless stated
otherwise, you're usually only "buying" the
physical artwork and NOT any other rights.
This isn't always the case but the artists
usually retain reproduction rights so they'd
be free to make prints, posters, mugs,
mousepads or include the work in collections,
books, etc..
If you wanted an artist to create a design/image
for your own personal enjoyment, that might
cost XX dollars. Unless you worked something
out in advance, if you wanted to use that
design on shirts and then sell them, it may
cost you XXXXX dollars as you're using the
work to profit. Depending on the artist, you
might pay a flat fee for the reprodiction rights
or a % of the sales. A (high) flat fee is many
times preferable (for the artist) so they don't
have to rely on you being honest reporting
sales figures and having to work out their cut.

Note that the above aren't hard & fast
rules but it has been my experience and
may give you an idea of how to proceed.

Do a google search for "graffiti forum" and check
out some of the results. If that doesn't work for
you, visit altpick (http://altpick.com/) to locate an artist who uses
a specific style.

Hope that helps.

[2Fresh2Clean]

^^ That's what I'm talking about... REAL HELPFUL ADVISE!!! I was interested because I might have some upcoming work for an artist and I want to do my research. Have you found most artists prices to be resonable?

[silverfish]

^^ That's what I'm talking about... REAL HELPFUL ADVISE!!! ... Have you found most artists prices to be resonable?

Ah, here's where it get's tricky. "Reasonable"
is a relative term and doesn't have the same
meaning for Donald Trump as it would for me
(or you, most likely).

Price can depend on a variety of factors.
And again, the following is based on my
experience with artists, mainly dealing
with a comic related character/theme.

If you've decided on an artist(s) who you'd
like to approach, the following are some of
the factors that can influece the final cost:

1) Do they have time now or in the forseeable
future to take on such a project?

2) Are they interested in your project? Even if
they have time, some artists might pass if the
subject matter doesn't appeal to them.

3) Level of experience - an experienced artist
would probably set a price higher than an up
& comer would (unless this new guy was cocky
and has overvalued the price of his work, but
you'll probably know if that's the case.)

4) Deadline involved - if you're in a rush and
the artist is interested, expect to pay more
than if you have no set deadline and are willing
to work around the artists schedule.

As each situation is different, any prices I
quote would be meaningless in relation to
your situation. I will say that I have no
set deadline with my project and that has
been a major factor in some cases when
artists have wanted to work with me but
were busy when I asked. This has also had
an impact on the final price - I have gotten
free artwork for having an unusual concept
and for being patient but I have NEVER
contacted an artist expecting free work -
this is a serious no-no.

Some artists will ask if you have a set
budget and if you do, let them know.
If it's not worthwhile, they'll probably say
so right away but on the other hand, if
you're idea hits 'em, they may be willing
to work within your range.

[2Fresh2Clean]

^^ Interesting read! Have you worked with anyone that sticks out in particular (for good or bad reasons)?

[ENEME]

dude.. look no further im right here!!!:) hardest graff in the whole forum. we can split the profits 50/50

[silverfish]

^^ Interesting read! Have you worked with anyone that sticks out in particular (for good or bad reasons)?

Well, I'm happy to say that the majority of
my dealings with artists have been, for the
most part, positive. Nearly all turned in a
quality piece of art with many taking the
limited subject matter (a silverfish) and
creating something rather beautiful.

I really have no horror stories regarding particular
artists. Some have chosen not to participate due
to my choice of subject matter (they hate bugs!)
but I don't consider that to reflect badly on the
artist. A few have kept me waiting for months or
years but that is probably due to my "no deadline"
policy more than a reflection of their work habits.
In these cases, the art is usually not paid for up
front but rather upon completion or at best "half
now, half when finished".

Looking around the home I have a number of
pieces framed and these are works that either
my wife or I (or both) especially liked. All of
the following were smooth "transactions" with
no major delays delivering the art. In no
particular order:

Amanda Wachob
Kat Saito
Sour
Francesco LoCastro
Tim McCormick
Aaron Jasinski
Stuart Sayger
Andy Lee

Vists the Gallery via my sig link to see their art.
Links to their websites are listed there as well.
Note that some of these works are on small
trading card size (2.5" x 3.5") paper. This is
at my request. Many artists enjoy the
challenge of working on such a small page
tho' some opted to supersize it a bit.

If you see something you like, I would encourage
you to contact the artist with your inquiry.
Explain what you have in mind and ask if
they might be interested. All of the above (as
the others in my Gallery) are professionals
and you can expect to receive quality work
for you money.

[steppingrazor]

sour was just in here about an hour or so ago. tim mcormick is dope.

ive got a couple andy howells, a russ pope, a small thing from steven daily and a painting from george thompson.

[silverfish]

sour was just in here about an hour or so ago. tim mcormick is dope.
ive got a couple andy howells, a russ pope, a small thing from steven daily and a painting from george thompson.

Sour - Get out!!

Always nice to meet another art lover, step.
You have those works on-line to share? I'd
love to see 'em.

[HostileProduct]

silverfish your posts take a similar format to those of poetry...........

[silverfish]

silverfish your posts take a similar format to those of poetry...........

Uh, I'm guessin' that's a good thing?...

Haiku to you!

[silverfish]

I recently learned of an artist (who has worked
in the comic field) who now requests buyers to
complete a standard Transfer and Sale agreement
(TAR) - click here (http://www.barrywindsor-smith.com/galleria/tar.html).

Basically says that Copyright and reproduction
rights for this drawing are retained by [the artist]
and sale of this original is subject to a standard
Artist's Reserved Right Transfer and Sale Agreement.

I'm told this is similar to "droit de suite" (http://www.caslon.com.au/droitprofile.htm)
which is a practice in the fine art field.

This may or may not have an impact on
2Fresh's situation but additional information
nevers hurts.