Need A Lead On A Semi-Professional Artist

[Devonai]

Hello all, as my fourth novel nears completion it is time once again to figure out what to put on the cover.  Those familiar with my work have seen a progression through my trilogy from a piece of stock photography, to a public-domain Spitzer Space Telescope image, to a 100% custom commission piece.

For the last book, I was able to find an extremely talented artist by the name of Kristie Moeller.  Unfortunately she can't commit to another project right now.  I'm looking for someone who can produce high-quality renditions of humans and weapons and be willing to do it for $200-$400.  I've found it difficult to get replies out of people just based on their websites, so if anyone has any leads I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

[Monkeyleg]

I know illustrators, but none of them would do it for that price. Any chance you could spend a little more?

[Devonai]

My plan is to self-publish with Infinity while I look for a traditional publishing contract.  As such, I'm already looking at $450 for self-publishing.  If the people you know have websites then I'll check out their stuff, but I'm already going to be throwing a lot of money at something that is essentially a "vanity" publishing (but with a high quality product and far better distribution).

I've made back my initial investment on my first book, but I'm not even close to breaking even on the second and third.  That's why I'm writing a stand-alone novel this time rather than a fourth book in the series.  I might be able to break even on this one unless my set-up expenses are too high.

Aside from the business aspect of it, I'm just trying to write the best novel I can, and hopefully a couple hundred people will enjoy it.  I see no other reason not to self-publish while I wait for traditional publishers and literary agents to consider the manuscript.

[geronimotwo]

how many drawings do you need?

[Devonai]

Just one for now, but if I can get a good deal then I would also hire the artist to redo the cover of my first book.

[Gowen]

Go look on Etsy.com.  Find somebody whose work you like.  A lot will work ridiculously cheap.  Please make sure you pay them decently.

[Jim147]

I'll check with my brother. He did some artwork for a BBQ place that I thought looked pretty good.

Last I heard he was drawing up tatoos for a very few people on the side. He does cabinetry and may be looking for some side work with new home building down.

jim

[CNYCacher]

PM sent

[Devonai]

Thank you for the leads so far, everyone!

[AJ Dual]

PM Sent. I've got a lead.

Complete pro, likes to paint, so your price range is do-able.

[Harold Tuttle]

http://www.deviantart.com/

[Devonai]

I might try Deviant Art again, but I've never received a reply from anyone on there.

[geronimotwo]

when you hear from my friend, i would be curious what you think of his portfolio.

[Devonai]

So far he's just sent me simple flat B&W line drawings, plus one illustration from the back of a CD cover.  I'm hoping he can do full-color artwork with more depth, but I told him as much so far.  Thanks again for making the connection.

[geronimotwo]

no problem,  i have always admired his pen and ink work.

[Harold Tuttle]

a buddy told me about this place, http://conceptart.org

[Devonai]

Thank you, I've contacted a few people who are looking for work, so hopefully they'll get back to me soon.

[Devonai]

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread.  I've signed a contract with a very talented artist, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he comes up with.