The most effective way to write immaculate illustration briefs when commissioning illustrators artists

Posted by saahub on July 13th, 2015

Have you recently written a children’s book? It is safe to say that you are searching for an artist to complement the style of your story? Maybe you're hoping to commission an illustrator privately, for art you'd like to have in your home or work environment.

As artists' agents, we get a lot of enquiries for this, and whilst we see a great many people who are generally mostly concerned with budget, in short, what the work will cost, there is quite a lot of information we need from you before we can begin to find you what you need. What's more, having this guide will help give everybody invested in the project a sense of clarity and comprehension.

The accompanying points, albeit related to book publishers are very much like those needed for most illustration briefs.

OK, so let’s start with the most effective methods of coming up with perfect brief…

Inquiries concerning images

First of all, what number of illustrations do you need?

This is critical, as I'm certain you can see. Whether its one extensive picture that is going on a wall or 25 photos to represent a story, we have to know this vital information first.

Do you have a fairly set idea of what the images/s will be (of)?

Have a reasonable brief of what is needed for every picture. This indicates any potential complexity involved, and since each artist has an different technique for working, it can very much influence the time a project will take.

What resolution (e.g. print or web?) and size do the final work/s need to be?

Is it an A3 print you're searching for? A mural or wall painting? Maybe you are producing an eBook and you have the dimensions already. It is crucial to know from the earliest starting point of the project what the goal is, so that no time is squandered on inaccurate formats.

Do you have any existing design / branding or different visuals to help the artist?

Are the pictures going to be full page with text content or just pictures on half pages? Maybe you have a skeleton design of your book, a reference photo, mood boards or rough representations. These are all very helpful ways to pass on your thoughts and help the artist in their comprehension of illustration briefs.

Which pictures from the artist's portfolio/s are in the style you're searching for?

Not every illustrator has just one style to choose from. Is there a specific picture that you discovered in their portfolio? Send us a web link to their pictures and we'll be able to let the artist know what you need, allowing us to plan for the time needed for your project.

Questions about timescales

At which point might you want to see preparatory sketches?

All of our artists makesketches or 'pencils' first. This is a rough framework of what they plan the finalillustration to be. This is the first stage of the procedure, so to give the illustrator an idea of when you’d like to see this is very helpful.

What is your due date for the final work?

When you have signed off the draft artwork, our artists will work towards giving you the final pictures by your expressed due date. Small changes can be made at that point to the finer details. Please note that ‘rush work' normallyattracts a more expense.

Each illustratorworks in different ways. A few styles are quite rapidallowing a few works of art to be made a day, where others may require numerous days for just one picture. The intricacy of the work gives an idea, however since it is an procedure with many variables, we must respect the artist’s procedure and be accommodating.

Questions regarding usage

This is the place we examine the "three t's": territory, timing and types of media. (Sorry, I know I extended it on the last one). How the pictures are being used, where they are being seen and for how long, is a critical consideration in all illustration briefs and also overall costs.

Where will the picture/s be utilized?

It is safe to say that if you are just going to be using the pictures as a part of the book to be distributed, there will be different considerations compared with

merchandise? Will you want to create ads for the book? Will you be making a website to promote the book, using the illustrations?

Where will the pictures be seen?

In the event that the book is being printed, in what countries will it be circulated? An electronic book downloadable online will be available internationally, while a physical printed object might just be sold in your own particular country.

For how long will you need to use the illustrations?

This inquiry is regularly perplexing, in any case its critical to cover this question since it concerns cost. We can arrange for you to have indefinite use of the pictures. It is significant however to note that copyright of imagesalways stays with the artist. ‘Exclusive ongoing use however is basically the same thing. In the event that this is your first book, and you're keeping expenses down, you should think about a shorter term of use to get going on the project, which you can renew when the time comes, depending on how successful the outcome.

Yourbudget…

What budget have you set for the illustrations?

Giving us an idea of your budget from the start gives us axxx of your financial limits, and permits us to arrange with artists to work inside of that price where possible. In the event that no financial plan is given, we will estimate according to industry standards.

As a rule,illustrators rates range between £200-£1000 a day,relative totheirexperience and popularity, style and intricacy of the work. Usage is another component to remember when considering expenses, and also if you need theoriginal physical artwork.

Kindly note unless you are J.K. Rowling,we are not in a position to arrange a royalty only fee to be paid!

Other helpful inquiries…

Is there anything else we should to consider for this project?

Is your book controversial in any capacity? Does it cover a touchy subject? Giving us as much detail as you can about your venture, how you work and what you're searching for makes a difference to how we can help you.

Submission to publishers

Frequently we have observed that publishers will have their own concept of what style will be suitable for a book. In the event that you plan to approach a publisher, we recommend that for your illustration briefs you initially commissionthe coverart and a centre page spread to give them a clear vision of the type of art that you want to see in your book.

Obviously in the event that you require any help, or have any inquiries that aren't secured in this guide to writing illustration briefs, please do consult one of our agents who will be very happy to offer their assistance. Click Here For More Info