Commissions: How Many Characters?

3tdanger · 02-20-2010, 07:56 PM

Let's say you're getting a 11"x17" cover-quality commission (includes background). What is the maximum number of characters you would have on it before it started to look overcrowded & switched to a larger doublepage spread (18"x24")? I'm debating whether or not to go for a larger sized Byrne piece. Thanks for your input.

Fat Head · 02-20-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3tdanger

Let's say you're getting a 11"x17" cover-quality commission (includes background). What is the maximum number of characters you would have on it before it started to look overcrowded & switched to a larger doublepage spread (18"x24")? I'm debating whether or not to go for a larger sized Byrne piece. Thanks for your input.

Depends on the artist to a degree, and the scene if it's gonna have a background. I have a piece I'm planning on getting sometime this year that will probably have 7-8 characters on it. I'm planning on a full background too though, so that's where I'm capping it.

Here's a few that Nick Bradshaw has done (not for me

), just to give you an idea of what he's comfortably fit on a page. Sorry, I can't think of anyone else off the top of my head at the moment.

http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryP...498&GSub=70476
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryP...117&GSub=70476
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryP...794&GSub=70765

The Batfan · 02-20-2010, 08:21 PM

see my problem personally with multiple character commissions are typically an artist charges you the same price for a tiny piece of a character that you would pay for a full piece of the character alone, to me it's not worth it I am cheap lol "oh yeah thats 150 for Batgirl's left arm in there"

liamsynclair · 02-20-2010, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batfan

see my problem personally with multiple character commissions are typically an artist charges you the same price for a tiny piece of a character that you would pay for a full piece of the character alone, to me it's not worth it I am cheap lol "oh yeah thats 150 for Batgirl's left arm in there"

Thats why...Bats..you are Da Man!

Couldnt have said it better myself.....honestly though...I would say 2 at the most for an 11x17 with a full background...more than that bigger size always helps...at the same time, knowing the layout and who is involved with the piece would help determine a better answer

3tdanger · 02-21-2010, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liamsynclair

...at the same time, knowing the layout and who is involved with the piece would help determine a better answer

Artist is Byrne, Marvel team vs. villain(s), & the layout would be left up to the artist.

Fat Head · 02-21-2010, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3tdanger

Artist is Byrne, Marvel team vs. villain(s), & the layout would be left up to the artist.

then i'd probably max at 8-10 characters if no background, 6-8 if there is.

ratchet · 02-21-2010, 01:21 AM

That's a really good question...

I think the examples shown are done really well - not too muddled - which is what I would be worried about when getting a multi-character piece done. Over 12 is what I would be worried about...

Immovable Blob · 02-21-2010, 04:10 AM

I have six characters on the 20 x 30 Byrne did for me but I'd say two or three more would still be okay.

The Batfan · 02-21-2010, 04:58 AM

... Is keeping mouth shut as to not get on more artists black lists for speaking mind LOL

aric · 02-21-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batfan

... Is keeping mouth shut as to not get on more artists black lists for speaking mind LOL

since when has that ever stopped you!! as far as the question goes, Byrne could certainly fit in as many characters as you want, but the issue is how small are you comfortable having each character? I'd favor fewer characters drawn at a larger size. Also the more characters you get means the less background he can give you, and he does really nice backs when allowed to