Children's book Illustration
How do you hire an Illustrator?
If you're new to this world, commissioning an illustrator can be confusing.
Each project is so different that there is no ‘One size fits all’ approach.
Therefore, I have created a list of things that an Illustrator will need to know to complete a
project and give you a quote. As much detail as possible always wins the day!
What’s the illustration for?
What will the illustration be used for, a children’s picture book for 3-6 year olds? A poster to advertise a new bakery in town? Knowing what the artwork is being used for and where it will be used is very helpful as it allows the illustrator to create the best illustration possible for its intended purpose.
How many illustrations do you need?
If you would like an illustrator to create drawings for a picture book – have you thought about how many you need? – how many pages will be filled, are you wanting the front and back cover illustrated? This will help the artist give a more accurate quote and timeline for the project.
Deadline
When is a realistic date of completion? this enables the illustrator to plan each stage of the project.
Budget
Do you have a budget? This will help the illustrator give recommendations on what can be achieved, if you are unsure and would like to know the quote first provide as much detail as possible so that its more accurate.
What’s next?
If you are happy to move forward with the illustrator, these are some of the things to expect next. If you have any questions or don't understand anything feel free to have a chat with the illustrator - we are friendly folks!
Contract
Commissioning an illustrator will involve a contract, which outlines deadlines, fees etc, and expectations on both parties. This is to protect the illustrator and the person commissioning the artwork. The contracts should always be signed before an illustrator can begin a project. If sample illustrations are requested, this would also involve a separate contract and a fee.
Be sure to read all of the fine print to ensure that you are happy with the terms of the contract.
Stages
Once the contract has been signed a deposit which is 1/3 of the fee would be expected.
After this the rough stage begins in which the artist will provide rough illustrations for the client to provide feedback on and give any revisions. These will normally be quite sketchy so that you can get a sense of the idea and vision the illustrator has.
There is normally a limit set within the contract as to the number of revisions.
Once the Roughs have been approved the 2/3 of the fee would be due.
The illustrator would then create the final artwork, if the client wanted to make large changes at this point this would usually result in extra cost.
Once final artwork has been approved the final payment would be settled.
And hopefully by end you will be a happy chappy with some amazing art to use!
If you would like to get in touch please email
sarahlouillustrations@gmail.com or fill in the online form on my contact page.
