Getting OA on blank variant covers. 0

[Calm-Mix]

Since I have all this free time right now I started going through my collection and came across a few blank variant covers. Some X-men and wolverine. I have no idea on how to get OA from an artist other than cold calling them. This is an area I have no clue in. What are the ethics and etiquette when asking an artist to pencil a cover? Any help would be appreciated.

[Rick2you2]

First, figure out what artists you would like to have do the work. Then, you need to find out how to reach them. Some have reps, some have websites, some post on Facebook, some can be found elsewhere like Tumblir or Instagram, and some just don’t have any interest in doing commissions or have a waiting list of people who are ahead of you. This Board is an excellent source of that information by the way.
 

Then, see if the names you pick come up with any negatives, That is, they take your money but don’t produce. There are very few of them, but they do exist.

Then, find out what they charge, if they will even do a blank cover (some dislike the paper to draw on), and describe  what you want. Many will not do porn, by the way, and some do not like to do recreation covers, for example (they are artists, not photocopiers, so if you have something like that in mind, they may want to do it their own way.) Get a schedule, if possible, but don’t count on it being rigorously met. Find out if they want upfront money (some do, some don’t, some want part). If you pay in advance, and use PayPal, Do Not use Friends and Family in case something goes wrong. That preserves your right to some better recourse.

And if you like it, thank them fully. Artwork is a personal matter, and a good artist appreciates it when his customer likes the result.