Provide a written brief
Create a written brief that outlines your project before attempting to commission an illustrator.
Your brief should include:
What
- Project description – provide a blurb or exert if possible
- Preferred medium or style
- Number and type of illustrations required
- Specifications if known:
What are to be the physical dimensions of the finished artwork?
What pixel resolution? eg: 72 pixels per inch or 300 pixels per inch (sometimes called dpi)
CMYK or RGB? Bleed? Printer profile?
What file format is the work to be supplied in? eg: JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, etc.
If traditional art is to be used will you or the illustrator provide the scanning?
Why
- What is the project and why you would like their illustrations for it, eg. it’s a whimsical picture book and your artwork done in the the style for this (give example) picture would be perfect.
When
- Timeframe and deadline (it is usual to allow 6 months for a full 32 page picture book)
- Period of use. How long do you want to use the illustration for? (Expect to pay a licensing fee)
Illustrators can offer usage for different licences, eg12 months, 2 years
Where
- Usage (which will inform the illustrator’s fees)
- Where/how will the finished illustration/s be used?
eg: book cover, website, greeting card, all these? - Geographical area of use. Australia only, Globally?
How Much?
- Budget. Always ask the illustrator to quote on your project unless you have a fixed, non-negotiable budget. If this is the case, tell them, they may be able to work to it by varying the finish of the work.
- Deposit and Staggered Payments – expect to pay a deposit and at the draft and final stage
- Licensing Fee – expect to pay a percentage of the overall cost as an additional licensing fee
- Cancellation/kill fees. If you cancel work in progress or reject finished artwork for reasons unrelated to the artist’s performance, the artist has a right to compensation. The amount payable depends on the stage at which the project is cancelled. Cancellation or kill fees must be defined in your contract.
Who
Get to know the illustrator and build trust over time. Share who you are and your credentials – unfortunately these days making sure the client and artist are both real people is essential.
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