Concept Art Rates?

[Kid Mesh]

I'm currently in the process of working on a 3D short film. I'm at the stage where I need a concept artist for the some character work.

Here is my dilema, alot of artist dont know what to charge and alot of independent guys like me dont know what is acceptable range of pay. I dont want to cheapen out an artist nor do I want to get taken as well.

So my question is what do I allocate for a budget for something like this:

3 Sci fi military type soldiers
3 Lab creatures
3 Alien/humanoid type enemies

Each character would require a front and side othographic view for 3D modeling. The final drawing could be a cleaned up pencil sketch. The job would have an NDA attached to it and I'd retain the rights to the character.


Any ideas, comments or suggestions on a budget for something like this would be helpful as I would like to post a request for it.

[yousir]

I think most of the artists here would be happy to name their rate for you if you post your job. Generally, those who don't know what to charge are just starting out, there are a fair number of seasoned pros here, and many in between.
I'd be interested in this job too, but I'll hold off on making a bid till you've decided to post and everyone gets a shot.
Cheers