As Ron said, it depends on several variables. There is a wide range of skill sets, experience, styles and prices from the artists and designers here.
These are general questions I ask of clients especially if they are new to this process. The more complete your answers are, the clearer the picture is for the artist/designer. They will then be able to tell you if they can help, what your options are and provide an accurate quote.
1. It's always good to evaluate what you hope to accomplish with the car overall. (i.e.Resto-mod, street rod, pro-touring, pro-street, streetfighter, glam-rod/show car, etc.)
2. What views do you need to see? Most of the time a single view is all you need to pick paint and wheels. Sometimes a rear view is required to work out graphics or mods. Some artists/designers can also provide interior and engine bay renderings. You may only need a quick photoshop or line work sketches, that may be an option too.
3.What body modifications are you interested in? (i.e. shaved trim/moldings and emblems, custom spoilers, custom hoods, stretched fenders, rocker extensions)
4. Wheels, tires and stance? If you have selected a wheel already, that will expedite the process. If you need to see some choices to help with your decision, this is obviously a huge benefit.
5. What colors do you prefer? Paint schemes/graphics? Depending on the skills of the artist/designer, virtually anything is possible.
6. If you can see the interior through the windows, what style seats and what color are they? That way you can see how the interior relates to the exterior. There's nothing worse than a "design" that looks like a cobbled together mess that doesn't flow or carry a theme.
7. Do you need logos or graphics designed for custom emblems and billet parts?
8. What's your artwork budget? You want to give yourself a solid blueprint and motivation throughout your project but you don't want to go "design-poor". This service is meant to save you money by making good decisions along the way and, ideally, eliminating redos in the build.
9. What's your deadline? Are you in a rush? Do you need it overnight?
Aside from these items, cost will also be based on the capabilities and experience of the artist or designer. While designers are artists, not all artists are designers, there is a difference. Most decent artists can provide you with an accurate depiction of your project but when it comes to visualizing something custom, giving you advice on form, color, proportion and trends or creating something from scratch, they may be over their head. To contrast, a designer is an artist that often has training in college and has real work experience. They're visual problem solvers and innovators. Be sure you investigate that as you talk to people.
This is truly a get what you pay for service. If your budget is modest, a 3-view rendering may be out of reach but a budding artist, a photoshop chop or some sketches may get the job done in a cost-effective way.
Also, be sure to select someone that works well with you. The artist/designer's ears are just as important as their drawing hand. They could be the greatest artist in the world but if they ignore your needs, their service is worthless. You also don't want someone that'll "yes" you to death. Find someone that is committed to making your ride as cool as possible and is willing to offer ideas you may not have thought of. It's a dialog that usually leads to a stronger result.
Call around, email several candidates, get some quotes and hopefully this checklist will help you to make a decision that works best for you.
Good luck!
Last edited by Hdesign; 04-21-2011 at 09:23 AM.
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Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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