Do I use the same artist or not?

Nikolas · Tue 19/02/2013 10:18:52

Ok.

So I have this dilemma and think that it deserves its own thread...

I've been publishing music scores for the past year or so. On two occasions, of my own works, I've hired a great artist, who did a brilliant job. Amazing job! You can check examples of the illustrations he did in the following two pages:
http://www.musica-ferrum.com/catalog/viewitem.php?show=47
and
http://www.musica-ferrum.com/catalog/viewitem.php?show=4

Now...

I'm about to publish 3 works from two other composers. And I'm hesitant to reuse the same artist. For no other reason, but to add recognisability to the different scores from different composers. Because my artists work is VERY recognisable and unique, I think...

So, without any other complaint, should I contact him, or not?

_____________________

BTW, if you feel you'd like to offer yourselves for the job bellow, by all means email me, or PM me:

QuoteWe're looking for an artist to illustrate 7 works for solo piano. The score (like the ones above) has empty spaces above the score, and there's enough space to add your B&W (Grayscale that is) sketches.

The titles are quite descriptive: Moving clouds, Humoresque, Self portrait, Fairy Tale, etc So I'd imagine that it would be somewhat easy to come up with the composition.

It is a paid job, but the fee is to be discussed in private.

Deadline is the middle of April (so a couple of months from now, which should be plenty of time I hope).

You will be getting your payment through paypal, or wire transfer (but for that I need IBAN, Address details, etc). You will also be getting a copy of the score for your archives.

The score WILL be published, with its own unique ISMN number, and printed professionally.

Radiant · Tue 19/02/2013 10:23:39

What makes you think the work of these two other composers is diminished if you also contact the first good composer?

CaptainD · Tue 19/02/2013 10:35:07

Also, even though they're different composers, would it not be a good idea to create an identifiable style for your own brand (as a publisher)? I wouldn't think it would take anything away from the other composers.

You might also find that your artist can surprise you if you actually ask him to do something a little bit different.

Nikolas · Tue 19/02/2013 15:19:09

radiant: It's not about diminishing the work of the others, it's about being identifiable. A general house style is fine, but using the same artist across different composers, aesthetics, etc is another. And, btw, I'm talking about a graphic artist, not a composer.

CaptainD: look at above. A unique style is there, with the house style of notation, layout, page size, covers, etc. But the artist I've used in the past has an extremely strong style (remember my CD cover? It's his. You see what I mean). I need something different than that... :-/

*I think*

But this is why I started this thread. To discuss exactly this!

CaptainD · Tue 19/02/2013 15:42:48

It seems to me that YOU really feel that a different style and artist is needed. Discussing it is good, but at the end of the day you're the publisher and need to be happy with the direction it's headed.

A thought though... have you asked these other composers what their ideas about the cover design are?

Nikolas · Tue 19/02/2013 15:57:23

Quote from: CaptainD on Tue 19/02/2013 15:42:48
It seems to me that YOU really feel that a different style and artist is needed. Discussing it is good, but at the end of the day you're the publisher and need to be happy with the direction it's headed.

True... But I think that I tend to be too democratic!

It's bad for my own health I think!

QuoteA thought though... have you asked these other composers what their ideas about the cover design are?

They've all accepted that the covers are as they are, without any changes, but I've decided that in a couple of occasions I should be able to alter them.

As we expand as a publishing house, we've come to encounter things we've not considered before. A simple example: Thus far we only publish works from living composers. But we are about to start publishing dead composers, in which case things are different. And we think that some altered version of the covers should be used, to differentiate between the two.

Then again if we do hold to have the house for another 50 years, some of our composers are bound to die eventually, in which case the remaining stock with the specific cover will create issues!

Baron · Wed 20/02/2013 01:39:24

Is this an stylistic choice or a marketing choice? If it's just style, by all means go with your gut (it represents you!). But if you're concerned with how the artwork will influence the reception your product receives, have you considered a bit of market research? Maybe printing up some prototypes with different styles and asking prospective buyers which one they would like best. Or maybe renting a market stall on a Saturday morning and actually seeing which style sells the best (of course you'd have to stress that the music inside is the same, and that you're just experimenting to find the best "branding" for your publishing house). Just some ideas....

Nikolas · Sat 23/02/2013 06:39:26

Baron: You are indeed right about the market research, etc. But my main concern is that identification that art provides: Same artist, similar art, completely different music and aesthetics! Risky!

I'm still going to contact my initial artist, since I love what he does, but in any case I'm looking for alternatives as well.

Now, on a related question, if I may.

I've posted in conceptart.org an ad. what other places are there? CGtalk doesn't seem to have a job listings section, or if it has it's paid for, in which case I'm not willing to spend any money for placing an ad. Other places, please?

huge thanks as ever!

And, btw... my PM inbox is still waiting!

selmiak · Sat 23/02/2013 14:27:05

what about a pixelart cover?