How to Outsource Art

Many clients and friends often ask me, “we have never outsourced art work before, how should we start?” “What things should I prepare for you (the outsource team)?” Here I can share some ideas, hopefully they will be useful.

I think for a game developer to outsource art works, he can follow the steps:

1. Sort out and make a full list of assets which should be done by the outsource team. For example, you may decide to outsource all or part of the background images, the animations, UI, etc. The background images are roughly done in two steps, line art and coloring, you may decide to let the in-house team do the line art, and outsource team do the coloring.
2. Find reference pictures for a style/quality guide. Look for pictures of in-game quality, to show the outsource team the art style and quality you need for your game. The reference pictures could be already done pictures in your game, and could be screenshots of other games.
3. Assign technical specifications. For example, if you outsource background images, or UI, you should tell the outsource team the image resolution you need them to be delivered in. The image size affects the labor amount and price.
4. Write down descriptions for each piece of assets. For example, for a background image, or a UI button. Write what you want, and your ideas.
5. Get a quote. After giving the above #1~4 to the outsource team, you can ask them for a quote. Then you can make a bargain with them. This step is important. Please don’t assign a test, before you get the quote. Chances are the team can deliver nice pictures, but you can’t afford them.
6. Assign a test. After you get a satisfactory quote from the team, you can assign a piece of art work as a test. It’s best to be a part of your incoming game, it’s the most relevant content for a test. During the test, you can watch the team, to see their way of processing things, working speed and above all, the art quality.
7. Proceed to the formal commission. Then if you feel the team is competent for your project, you can sign a contract with them and enter formal commission stage.

And during the production phase, there are two concerns I want to add:

1. Whether to give some info of the storyline and game play: No doubt this info would help the art contractors to do things better. Sometimes due to commercial secret concern or other reasons, you would not like to give this information. Nonetheless, make sure the description and reference for each art piece are clear, so that the contractor will be able to deliver precisely what you want.
2. When the game is released, share the news with the art contractors. This would give them a sense of engagement, and achievement. Next time they will be willing to work with you.