Rocketbrush Studio's Cost Estimation Procedure for Art Outsourcing
In the realm of top-tier concept art studios, the game art estimation process is a meticulously structured workflow that ensures accurate time and resource allocation. Here's a step-by-step guide based on best practices from leading studios, designed to help partners navigate the process effectively.
1. **Gathering Comprehensive Project Information**
Before diving into estimations, studios need detailed information about the game and the art required. This includes the types of assets (characters, environments, props), their complexity level (simple, realistic, highly detailed, armored, creatures), the number of variations and poses required, the artistic style (cartoon, realistic, stylized), intended use within the game, and any nuances like whether 2D characters will be used to create 3D models, whether characters will have a background, and if they will be cropped later.
2. **Obtaining Visual References**
Clear and detailed visual references are essential. These could include concept sketches, mood boards, or inspirational art that define the style and tone, examples of desired shapes, color palettes, lighting, and textures, and reference images for anatomy, outfits, props, and environments.
3. **Initial Research and Ideation**
Artists review the provided material and conduct additional research if necessary. This phase often results in rough sketches exploring different ideas and compositions.
4. **Rough Sketch Development**
Selected concepts are refined into tighter sketches that define shapes, proportions, perspective, and basic lighting.
5. **Value Studies or Monochromatic Renderings**
Artists create grayscale or limited-color value studies to analyze lighting, depth, and composition, ensuring the design works visually before adding full color.
6. **Final Rendering and Details**
The concept art is fully painted with textures, lighting effects, mood-enhancing color, and polished details, providing a complete visualization for the production team.
7. **Time Estimation Based on Complexity and Deliverables**
Estimation is closely tied to the above stages and complexity levels. Simple character concepts might take 1-2 days, while more detailed realistic concepts could take roughly 2-5 days. Complex characters or creatures with multiple views and intricate details could take 1-2 weeks or more.
8. **Iterative Feedback and Revisions**
Time for revisions based on client feedback should be included in estimations since concept art often evolves through several iterations.
**Summary of Required Information and Visual References for Estimation:**
| Information Needed | Visual References Required | |---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Asset type and scope (characters, props) | Style guides and mood boards | | Complexity and detail level | Initial sketches, inspirational artwork | | Number of poses/variations | Reference photos for anatomy, clothing, environment| | Artistic style (cartoon, realistic, etc.) | Color palettes and lighting references | | Intended use (in-game, cinematic, UI) | Prior art or related game screenshots if available |
This comprehensive information enables concept art studios to produce accurate time and cost estimates, align expectations, and deliver art assets efficiently tailored to the game’s vision.
If required, I can provide more detailed timelines or templates for the estimation process. The art team, eager to create top-notch game art and graphical assets, looks forward to collaborating with partners and welcomes any game art cost estimation requests through the provided website or forms.
- Incorporating advanced smart-home-devices or gadgets into the game can streamline the art creation process, allowing artists to focus on other aspects of concept development.
- While researching artistic styles for the game, it's essential to also consider the latest technology trends in gaming, as they can significantly impact the overall design and execution of smart-home-integrated gadgets and characters.
