Be vewwy vewwy quiet, I'm hunting awtists!

[Admiral Squish]

So, my dilemma: I have a story. I have five incredible characters that need telling, that are actually demanding me to use them SOMEHOW. The problem is, I think that generally speaking, the idea would be far better served in a visual medium, partially to help people visualize some of the things I want to describe, and some characters. I have no artistic talent. So, I have to find myself an artist who can help me put this story onto paper. The only artists I know are, shall we say, limited in talent. This leads me to my question:

How do I find an artist talented enough to do what I want, and at the same time be willing to draw for some nobody hack writer? Preferably, one who can work from a distance, too. My job takes me all over, and I'd like to not waste time waiting to come home again to continue work. I don't know if I can offer payment of any major income kind of way, but I am definitely willing to offer payment for their work. Anyone have any ideas how to find said artist? Is anyone an artist that fits the bill?

[Ichneumon]

Well it all depends on how serious you take this writing. If you want to make a webcomic, you could find tons of people here who can draw in an OotS fashion that is superior to how the first OotS comics were drawn. If that is not what you are wanting, it could be a bit more difficult.

[Rawhide]

Visual medium? You're going to express your ideas with interpretive dance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXpSbza1X3M)?

P.S. Moving to Arts & Crafts.

[Admiral Squish]

Sadly, no on the OotS-style. I was hoping for a more serious visual tone, I suppose that's the word. Something with more anatomy involved, some aspects of my characters are more difficult to express without the appropriate art style.

[Ninjamuffin]

What kind style/characters/comic are we talkin' about here?

[Admiral Squish]

Well, I always though 'graphic novel' sounded pretty pretentious, but It seems most accurate here. Relatively serious, and I think I'd like to see a lot of detail. Especially on some of these guys. It's a D&D story set in Eberron. Not really sure how long it's going to go. The characters are... well, it's easier to show.

Fintir, a warforged monk (http://capitansquish.deviantart.com/art/Fintir-Expanded-117869368)

Curra Kutak, a drow scout (http://capitansquish.deviantart.com/art/Curra-Expanded-121364662)

Ik-Zik, a thri-keen fighter/barbarian (http://capitansquish.deviantart.com/art/Ik-Zik-Expanded-121365064)

Seraphina Pinnerim, a human psion (http://capitansquish.deviantart.com/art/Seraphina-Expanded-122461510)

Isgrigg Yachol, a halfling knight (http://capitansquish.deviantart.com/art/Isgrigg-Halfling-Knight-117326033) (The expanded, more detailed version of his story hasn't been finished yet)

The characters themselves are another reason I want to see them on paper, because they're pretty hard to picture, and in just text, a lot of the subtleties would be lost.

[Tessa]

I needed some drawings done and I went on Deviant Art and started asking around. I know one artist who can do what you want but he did charge about fifty dollars for a picture.

You can PM me if you want the name.

If you can't swing that or can't pay it in the time frame that you want (You can always pay the price and only make about a frame a month, there's no deadline) then I would suggest going to Deviant Art, search through the pics until you find a artist that has a style you like and seems to like the same things as you and contact him.

You never know, there may be an artist looking for a new project.

EDIT

Oops, I just realized that I am on my gf's account here. Okay, PM her if you want the artist's name.

[Ichneumon]

IMHO I don't think you will be able to get someone to do Graphic Novel quality work for free.

[Admiral Squish]

Well, I got a guy already. $50/page, but he's definitely professional quality. I mean, just check out the designs he did for Fintir (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g54/ewurtsmith/EWFintirV2Pencils.jpg) and Ik-Zik (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g54/ewurtsmith/EWIkZikV2Pencils.jpg)!

[Berserk Monk]

I don't know if I can offer payment of any major income kind of way, but I am definitely willing to offer payment for their work. Anyone have any ideas how to find said artist? Is anyone an artist that fits the bill?

I'm a sophomore in art school, meaning I'm talented and can work for cheap. I'll be more than happy to send you some sketches displaying my work. Just PM me. My style is dark and graphic (kind of like an etching) with a hint of comedy. I mostly work in black and white.