As a writer, I'm incredibly lucky to have a creative partner a fantastically talented artist in the form of Paul Bourne. Paul and I have been friends for many years and have worked together on CGS stuff since the very start. It's an equal partnerhsip, both giving input into the creative process. Now, the reason I mention this is in regard to the sourcing and payment for artwork in game publications.

As we are both partners in CGS, I don't have to allocate specific budget for art. However, I do know what many people are not in this enviable position. Some are lucky enough to be talented artists as well as writers and designers (I'm thinking of Gregor Hutton in particular here), but in the main, most designer will have to source artwork from someone with the necessary skills.