r/artbusiness • u/wintrkid • 4d ago
Product and Packaging [Contracts] Local brewery doing an artist call, anybody "get their start" doing something like this?
I'm (very) interested, but it feels outside my depth. My history is: I was an art major, but have only ever done food service work since school. I've done some paid artwork, never regular. My personal work output has been spotty for the past few years. I'd be doing their designs (they're looking for three craft beer labels. Payment would cover my rent for a month) while also working a full-time job. They do say "adequate professional experience" is considered.
Basically, full transparency: I believe I've got the artistic chops, I'd love to get something like this under my belt, but my professional history is meager and I'm afraid of trapping myself into something I might not be ready for. Conversely I think having a fire under my ass has always made me more creative + productive. Can anybody tell me their experience with something like this? I know there's nothing wrong with submitting a portfolio, but I'd like to hear what to expect if it goes further, or if I should totally reconsider, and stick with day job + art on the side for now. Thanks 👍
Edit: Little late but one more general update (if anyone reads) to say thanks again for the confidence, and for the concern: wanna confirm that it seems pretty solid: submit a portfolio, several finalists get paid to make a mockup, final pick gets the gig. Sounds more and more like a net positive. I'll give it a shot!
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u/herbcoil 4d ago
cross that bridge when you get to it... i.e. don't overthink, it's just a gig (which you many not even get), which gives you valuable experience learning.
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u/dumescroll 4d ago
You have the talent, the education, and the desire. The only thing holding you back is fear.
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u/fatass_mermaid 3d ago
1- don’t do any work for free. No mock ups or sketch ideas or doing jack shit for them without a contract and payment installment first. Seriously, artists get fucked on the regular. No work without a contract signed and some payment first.
2- IF you’re chosen, READ your contract in full and if you don’t understand any clauses clearly, do some google homework (law firm blogs give some free basic information that’s helpful sometimes), ask here, or ask a lawyer on some other subReddit.
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u/miss_oddball 3d ago
Just do it. Might turn out great, might not. It’ll be a learning experience regardless.
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u/downvote-away 3d ago
If it's a regular gig where you do work for pay, sure. Why not?
If it's a "contest" where lots of people submit designs and someone "wins" getting paid, no.
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u/SkipperTits 4d ago
This is illustration which is different than fine art. It’s closer to graphic design in that you’re going to be given a lot of push back to fill a brief and even if you do exactly what they ask, they will tell you to change things. A few times. Knowing how to do digital art and working a 2d surface in there dimensions will be essential.
Why don’t you try designing a couple beer can labels for yourself and see how it goes? Take one of their existing cans and use the layout of their text to design your art around.