Guidelines for Hiring an Artist

When I was a producer with Walt Disney Computer Software, I asked the department art director (who wishes to remain anonymous) to tell me what I should look for when hiring artists for one of my projects. The next day he handed me the following hand-written list, which I since have found to be an invaluable source of inspiration – especially the final two points – when hiring for any position on a development team. You will note that none of the listed criteria has anything to do with knowledge of computers. This is because it is far easier to teach an artist to use a computer than it is to teach a computer user how to be an artist.

For a premium product, an acceptable art sample is required. No mitigating circumstances (i.e., time) apply. We will not pass on any artist without a sample which we deem acceptable. Assurances and promises without proof are not realistic.

In the real world of commercial art the creation of samples is an intrinsic part of the artist's task. The ability of the artist to define that sample reflects on his creativity and imagination. Creativity, inventiveness and commitment are qualities we expect to find in an artist and will be a vital component in whatever work this person does for us. Therefore, we decline to offer an assignment, as the ability to define the sample is part of what the artist must demonstrate.

In general terms, a quality submission should show conversance with the following problems:

• Correct human anatomy, particularly the head and face

• Creation of a sense of depth

• Balanced, active composition

• Compositional circulation in all three axes

• Choice of a sophisticated and tightly controlled palette

• Understanding of how value relationships serve to define space

• Ability to define one or more light sources and their interaction with objects

• Understanding of anti-aliasing to bring softness to jagged pixels

• Ability to create imagery from scratch and portray it convincingly

• Clever choice of image elementation and juxtaposition

• The avoidance of tangencies and other spatial contradictions

• A finished product that stands securely without any accompaniment of excuses or conditions

• A finished product that brings and enthusiastic response, rather than one of resignation to the inevitable wages of mediocrity