I need artwork for a book!?

Question

I am publishing a book, and i would love to have local artist/friends art work in it. Whats the best way to get free art (i cant afford to pay for the rights to the art) or advertise to get local artists attention, without it costing me? I need ALL sorts of art themes cute/love to dark/death sorts.

all help appreciated and if you have some thing you would like to show me, please let me know!

thanks!

Answer 1

i am a graphic designer. what help u can get from me think.

i can give some time 4u.

good wishes.

Answer 2

Artists are the least likely to be able to give away their artwork. Honest. Even if it's for a charity- since 1966 we can legally only deduct the cost of materials on our taxes!! But the person who buys the art to donate for charity-can deduct the whole purchase.

If you  want some art-some sort of honorable restitution should be forthcoming..the artist has time and materials involved-and may give up time for you that could be used for  a project that pays actual money..People forget that part. When we do art fairs-the booth sometimes cost over $700...WE don't set up for free-there's frames-mat-glass hotel-if you make a grand-you could still be in the hole. Buying a tent to house your booth that won't fold up like an umbrella when it rains-is over a grand--if you have paintings--the walls to hang your art on-new-are a grand as well...Being an artist is hard work-and people always try to weasle out of paying.

But you need free-which is not every artists dream complement-we too need to feed ourselves, -and our kids need braces  too-and very much want to be able to continue still being artists!  

But don't loose heart--Tell you what...bet you could trade. Lots of us LOVE trade deals. I traded artwork for both my kids baby shots...my dentist has one of my pieces on his living room wall..and each of my kids have great toys-- train sets and whole complete sets(plural!) of Playmobile!!

Also many of us artists like each other's artwork -or need a website-or business cards---maybe you have something you can trade. If you are not an artist--maybe they need curtains--cook fancy meals for a special ocasion-maybe some gardening--I have some way too healthy looking thistles REALLY that need pulling..Ask.

Ask your artists about a trade...but be fair--and understand-most people need to think about a trade for a while--they'll want to know what you have..maybe see it--and realize they NEED that commodity you have to offer..

Honestly--getting money us really what we want and like you really need-because people very often try not to pay us---I mean even people at a fast food place want and deserved to be paid $-how else do you survive?..But artists are also inventive-and may be able to be talked into some work for you.

Make sure you give them time to do the task...if you have a time table-let them know-as that artist may have a paying client that will have to come first-and as you know money is always an issue.