Hiring information

04-Oct-2003 How to get Markatron to draw robots for you!
The following section is quite lengthy but outlines important points as well as items that protect me and you during the deal.

Price points

(s/h and secure packing included, insurance optional on request)

1. $45 - 8.5x11 b/w pencil drawing (one per mode)
   Examples: Neo Primestar and Jazz and Machone and Dee-kal Christmas

2. $60 - 8.5x11 b/w inked drawing (one per mode)
   Examples: super hero Backlash and Thundercracker

3. $70-80 - large b/w pencil drawing (depending on complexity)
   Examples: BW Dragon Megatron and Armada Dark Fleet Galvatron

4. $90-120 - large b/w reduced to inked 8.5x11 (depending on complexity)
   Examples: Armada Thrust and Rumble

5. NOTE: Surcharges will be levied when a single picture must contain more than 3 characters portrayed in full body, portraits or bust shots are not necessarily extra on a page.

Request for services

Keep in mind that other art deals are on-going but please enter your request ASAP and I will schedule you.

Your request may be as broad or specific as you wish.
Some people merely suggest a Transformer character (existing or fanfic) and say "draw it however you want to" to "I want to micromanage you!". Either is perfectly acceptable given time constraints on other projects. Certainly, the more specific you get, the easier it will be to come up with pleasing works.

Existing pictures, tech specs, and suggestions for poses / situations are helpful but not required to request Markatron help.

Before any money changes, Markatron basically conducts an introductory interview of what exactly will be asked for. Here, you may declare the price points to use, the subject of the drawing, and any suggestions.

Legal Issues

Your fan character is yours. The Transformer characters are reserved by either Hasbro, Takara, and/or Marvel. Art I make will have my initials and credit for drawing must remain on the image.

Artistic Method

At this point, we have a formal agreement for work. You have requested the subject and format of the artwork and I have scheduled time for you.

Earnest payment of about 1/3 the final cost of the drawing is due before the prototype is sketched.
Here we sketch until you are satisfied with the rough look and feel.
This process can take several iterations before the final sketch is considered done.

Once the "final sketch" is approved by both parties, the next 1/3 cost is due before the final drawing is made.

After the final drawing is completed, the final 1/3 of the cost is due.

Modifications to the "deal"

Unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances, please do not "downgrade" an art deal after I begin working on the final pieces. Once I go past the prototype sketches, I will be working on the final drafts at the format you specify.

Now, you may add to the project (again, permitting with time constraints of other people's projects). In other words, you may request additional pieces (in any format). Sometimes, you may need another pose. I can either attempt to fit it on an existing page (like a small head shot). But sometimes (and we can work it out). Additional material that calls for a whole new sheet will be extra cost.

I will never pull a bait-and-switch on you. I won't force you to upgrade to a higher price point or format without your concent. If I believe that a project needs to be on more sheets or on bigger paper, either we will re-negotiate at this point or I will just do it and not charge any extra. You can't beat that.

Finalization of Project

Once the Requestor is satisfied with the drawing(s), the deal will be finalized and the rest of the payment will be due. The artwork itself would be in a state of 95%-99% done. This is the "last chance" for the Requestor to make any changes.
When complete payment is remitted, I send the original pictures to you. I usually send most of the prototype work. I photocopy all the work and retain the photocopies for my personal records.