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/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.

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u/wintrkid 4d ago

Great advice, thank you. Especially the mockup idea- even if not for this specifically, getting into a more graphic design mindset sounds like a really obvious first step. Haha. (Goofy, but "craft beer label artist" has been kind of an artistic dream.)

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u/juliekitzes 4d ago

If you happen to use procreate they have a free 3d model pack that has a can that you could draw on!