How to commission me for your illustration project.
Throughout my career as an illustrator and Textile Designer, I'm frequently being asked to quote for commissions. I have worked in-house, with an agent, and independent designers and businesses; so I am used to dealing with lots of types of queries.
Many people who contact me have never commissioned an illustrator before, and can feel daunted about the process. You may only have a vague idea of what the process involves (or non at all) - that is completely fine! Do not fear!!!
This information is for YOU - I will hopefully help you understand how to commission me and what the process entails.
1. Get in Touch
First step is to contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.
2. Ideas and Discussion
You may contact me with a really clear idea of what you want and how you want to use the completed illustrations, or you may need a bit of help working through that. It is definitely helpful if you can come with some visual references, images, sketches, colour palettes or ideas you have.
I have a distinctive aesthetic and illustrative style. It is this style that draws people to me and they commission me because they feel my style fits the project. Please do not hesitate to have a look at my portfolio and familiarise yourself with the type of work I create. If what you see excites you, then I think we are going to enjoy working together.
But before I can provide a quote, there is some key information I need. I have created a questionnaire which I will email to you to complete. The types of questions it asks are around the number of illustrations you need, the file format, the colour mode, the dimensions, licensing terms etc. If you are unsure about how to answer any of the questions, please don't worry, as I'm always happy to help.
3.The Brief
The Brief is just another name for your list of requirements. If you didn’t provide a brief at first contact then our discussion and the answers to my questionnaire will have provided enough information for me to put together a brief with you.
4. My Quote
My quote will be based on what you’ve told me about your requirements (The Brief). If your requirements change over the course of the project then this may affect the quote amount. But this would always be discussed with you. I believe in being clear and open. I would never just charge you for something you were unaware about and I would always keep you informed.
5. Acceptance
I will email you a formal ‘Commission Acceptance’ contract which act as formal acceptance of the project and quote. This document includes standard Terms and Conditions and license information. I will also email you an invoice for the deposit which is usually 50% of the total quote.
6. Rough/1st version
Depending on your project I will email you the initial pencil sketches or first version of the illustration so you can review and comment on the design. We will discuss your feedback and work together to find a way forward.
7. Design Review and 8. Tweaks
Once the design stage is progressing you will have further opportunities to give me your feedback. Again, we will discuss your comments. Any amends/tweaks will be incorporated into the design where possible. The final version of the design will be sent to you for approval.
9. Sign off & Delivery and 10. Final Invoice
Once the design has been approved & signed off I will send it to you in your chosen format. I usually use WeTransfer to delivery artwork, which is a cloud based delivery system. You will receive a WeTransfer link and you can download the files from there. I will also email you my final invoice.
11. Project Feedback
I ask most of my clients for project feedback but no one is under any obligation to provide any. It’s very useful for me as I can learn from your comments as well as use your recommendations to advertise my work.
12. Thank you & Keep in Touch
Once the project has come to an end I hope that we’ll be able to work together again. I do like to keep in touch with past clients so I may contact you in the future, but you can opt out if you like.
I really hope this helps you know more about how you commission me to work on your project. Please feel free to reach out and contact me should you have any additional questions.
Thanks again,
