Looking for LA artist for Obama event

[marcab]

Heya gigposters!

Longtime lurker, first time poster (no pun intended).

I'm involved with a group called Generation Obama/Los Angeles, and we are working on a putting a fundraising show together, for which I'd love for us to have a poster for the event. I've never commissioned a poster before, so were wondering what general rules of thumb might be?

-how far ahead of the show does it need to be commissioned?
-is website best way to contact artist?
-how long do posters usually take between concept to completion?
-how much does it cost to commission something?
-if its for a charity event (Obama), are artists willing to work for free, less costs?
-do I need to set something up with a distributor beforehand to sell extras?
-does one who commissions a poster get a lot of input in design? Do bands? Does venue?
-do you know any LA-based artists who might be interested? We are still locking in venue and talent, but we are aiming high

I'm sure there are a ton of other questions to ask I'm not thinking of, so feel free to chime in with any other thoughts or suggestions. I appreciate the help!

Generation Obama Los Angeles: GO/LA

Thanks!
-Marc

[philaarts.com]

if you got shep fairey, he would produce something that would go awesome..

[jillustration]

-if its for a charity event (Obama), are artists willing to work for free, less costs?
I'd venture to say that if it was something the artist really cared about, s/he would probably do it for free, provided you cover the printing/materials costs.

[VonDada]

if you got shep fairey, he would produce something that would go awesome..

If you can't get Shep Fairey, I'll do the exact same thing, only more sexist.

But, seriously, I'd be interested.

Look at the links below and PM if interested.