I do feel a bit of relief that I can leave some stuff for when I have an artist on board. Not too much, but enough that it doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’ going out the door. Just nearly so.

Why do I advocate waiting on the vehicles and devices? Because the artist may have a very good sense of what they want to draw, and it makes them feel very involved.

Now, if you don’t have an artist attached to a particular project yet, this is going to be a little difficult. Don’t rush out to find one just to bounce ideas off of one.

If you’re talking vehicles/places/objects, then I’d say wait until you have an artist onboard before tackling this. Write the script so you know what you need, but then work with your new partner to get the visuals down.

If you’re talking character designs, those can be done by anyone: either the artist that is coming aboard, or you can commission an artist to create the designs. Then when the permanent artist gets there, they can just plug the characters in.

Does that make sense?

I guess this is a pre-hiring artist vs post hiring artist question now that I look at it again…

When, if ever, is it okay to ‘bounce’ off the artist?
I’m speaking in terms of concepts and designs specifically in Science Fiction (because often enough you need to know how it could work so it’s not too ridiculous).
When you have a concept but you’re not sure if visually you have the right idea should you hash this out before writing the script or is this a safe point to bring to your artist and work together on it with 99% of the script done and ready?

I have a feeling you could answer ‘It depends’. Obviously on if you’re collaborating fully with hopes of a long standing work relationship with the artis or if you’re just commissioning. Either way, how would you then approach this issue? commission ‘designs’ and concept help prior to script or attack your artist with questions and seek help?