I paid 1/2 up front which is a bit of a risk and I'll pay the other 1/2 once we have a final drawing without color.
That's pretty standard for most artists. I was requesting a 1/2 downpayment when I was doing art commissions for people, especially rando's that I didn't know from the forum. It's a mutual risk... I've been burnt before where I'd spend a lot of time and effort on their art, but then they'd go MIA by the time it was done. Putting money down solidifies your commitment to the final delivery.
Yes - definitely risky on both sides without knowing who you are dealing with. I didn't feel uncomfortable paying the 1/2 up front. Actually more risky for the artist since I could tell by the forum and frequency on the site that he/she was legit whereas I'm just some random person. It is working out nicely!
Looking good Javeryh!!
Thanks! I actually just got some feedback from the artist so we are getting closer. We are going to hold off on the marquee and control panel art until we finalize the color scheme for the side art. Keep in mind that I have WHITE buttons, t-molding and balltop.
Here are 2 possible color schemes. The one on the left may be a little too blue/bright if that makes any sense but I like it better than the one on the right because the robot really pops off of the background. I do like the purple in the one on the right but it is too close to the gray metal of the robot so it doesn't stand out as much. I believe that this is just a mock-up and the final rendering will have everything colored in the lines, proper shadows and shading, etc. but we have to figure out the colors.
I was thinking of asking to see the sky in orange (instead of blue) but I'm afraid it would swallow up the red cape on the robot. Maybe yellow? I'm open to suggestions - I think it is easy for the artist to swap colors since this is all digital (but I'm not entirely sure).
I also think the border should be a different color - too much blue - but not sure what would work.
Next up is a close-up of the robot:
I think instead of neon green for the lasers and the ears I'm going to ask for neon red or hot pink and match that to the rectangular lights in the UFO. The green accents don't look quite right to me. I'm not sure though.
Here is the art without the profile of the cabinet side:
I do like where this is all headed - I think the idea is solid and we are just refining it now. I'd love to hear feedback.