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[gemudezaina]

I'm a programmer and I've been browsing through the forums looking for any advice on writing up a contract for hiring an artist on a contract or freelance basis.

I've found this article, and it was excellent:
http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=47032.0

However it is geared more toward the artist side of the picture (no pun intended).

Are there any online resources for writing up a contract?  I know I could get a lawyer, but as an indie that's a cost I would like to avoid.  I just want to make sure all of my bases are covered, or maybe I'm just over thinking this...

Thanks for any guidance!

[oldblood]

Step 1: Go here: http://docontract.com/

Step 2: Fill in the applicable blanks.

[gemudezaina]

Nice!

Thanks for the link oldblood!

I was looking it over and it seems as though a contract would be something that the actual content creator would produce?  Is that a correct statement?

[oldblood]

I was looking it over and it seems as though a contract would be something that the actual content creator would produce?  Is that a correct statement?

If you're the one hiring the artist, then you will need to be the one who prepares the contract.

Basically, the company (or individual) doing the hiring or contracting of work needs to manage all of the aspects of the deal. Pitching, negotiating, the legal aspects of hiring, paying, applicable tax documenting etc.

[gemudezaina]

oldblood,

Thanks for your input!

I neglected the applicable tax part of the equation.  However, I don't send the kid who cuts my yard every other week a W2. 

Man...  Why did I do Computer Science; why didn't I pursue an Accounting degree!

[oldblood]

I neglected the applicable tax part of the equation.  However, I don't send the kid who cuts my yard every other week a W2. 

Man...  Why did I do Computer Science; why didn't I pursue an Accounting degree!

Well in the example of the kid mowing your yard, technically that's a 1099-MISC, not a W2 (because the kid is a contractor, not an employee) AND that kid is probably not cracking the required $600/year needed to make you legally obligated to give him said 1099.

In the case of you hiring an artist, it's likely going to be a contractor (employees get way more complicated and expensive) and you're likely going to surpass the minimum dollar amount so you definitely have to be sure to keep tax implications (for yourself and others) in mind from the very beginning.

The business side of game development is... not fun.

[gemudezaina]

oldblood,

Thank you for your responses.  You have provided great sollutions, and gave me more things to do research on.

I appreciate your help.