Custom Work: How Much to Shell Out?

[Alscott]

For many years I've been interested in animating. I've had Anime Studio for awhile and I'm getting the hand of everything. I'm by no means an expert but I like to animate. Problem for me is: I suck at drawing. I have ideas and will eventually need to hire someone to do a job. On months when I have a little extra after paying the bills, can someone tell me how much I should be prepared to pay for jobs such as creating a custom character, background, etc?

Thank you.

[slowtiger]

You have to decide whether you do it for fun or want to go professional. For the latter, everybody involved will expect to be paid official rates - which you obviously cannot afford.

Doing it for fun is something best to do with a bunch of friends. I recommend to team up with some people sharing the same approach with you.

[jahnocli]

I guess what you are trying to say is, you need someone to help out. What that means is that, to be motivated, that person has to share your vision (as you probably won't be able to afford professional rates, as slowtiger points out). What THAT means is you have to have a vision to share -- scripts, storyboards, engaging characters, engrossing environments... I can draw, but I think it's actually easier to be a storyteller who sucks at drawing than an artist who can't tell stories...