Also don’t worry about the scheme in the photo. It can be whatever colors you think complement the character art or whatever you think just looks good. The photos are stand-ins… nothing more.

As for paying you… I kind of wanted to keep everything free because I don’t have a ton of disposable income. Unless one of my parents decides to miraculously pay for my housing, I’m sinking 380/month right now, ignoring food costs (which are significant, as I’m feeding both myself and my girlfriend).

That said, I would very much love to see your art in the game. Maybe we can work something out.

On the other hand, paying you 2$ an hour seems almost insulting. Your skills are clearly worth more than that. I take it that you’re offering that cheap because you don’t have any more lucrative prospects?

I have some questions, though:

1. How long did the redraw of the above background take?

2. How long would it take to color it without going whatever extra miles it takes to make it as beautiful as, say, this? I ask because I’d like more than sketches, but definitely don’t need something as intense as the linked artwork (it’d be nice, but I imagine it takes a lot of time and effort).

3. Would you be willing to release any art you make for my game in some sort of creative commons license that allows redistribution and remixing?

I’d love to have your art in my game, and I’d be willing to pay for it if need be, but I’d rather you not waste… 30 hours per background, or whatever. I’d be happier paying you a bit more per hour and using a bit less of your time.

Anyway, looking forward to your response.

Sample redraw of the background in the image above

Just $2 per hour, and I’ll be at your command for whatever art resources you require until school starts.

My fragile ego is due mostly to the fact that while people seem to think my work is good, nobody thinks it’s worth paying for. Do you know I’ve been told things like “Your skills are still a few years short of professional” and “Really, with computers your perspective skills are less relevant these days”?

A paid commission would go a long way toward restoring my confidence.