Frequently Asked Questions
A collection of answers to some frequently asked questions…
Divided into 2 sections – one for potential clients, and another for students and early career illustrators – I hope you find my responses useful!
For Potential Clients
I’m afraid there’s not a quick answer to this, every project is different and it really depends on a number of factors: the illustration content, the level of complexity or detail, and the usage – how and where the illustration is to be used, and for how long.
If you have something specific in mind, and would like me to quote, feel free to get in touch with details of your project and we can discuss it from there.
If it feels like we’re a good fit for working together, I’ll happily provide some cost options tailored specifically for you.
In my experience, it’s rarely just a logo! If you’re looking for a visual identity for your brand, business or organisation I’d be happy to discuss this with you and can provide a tailored quote, based on your needs.
Often a visual identity will include, for example: a logotype or wordmark, a brandmark/graphic icon to denote the brand without words, and various versions and combinations of these to work for different applications across digital and print, plus a colour palette, and selection of fonts to be used across all materials.
To ensure your logo or identity feels right, communicates what you’re about and connects with your audience, it’s not simply about creating something that looks good. The visual identity is just part of your overall brand, and as such should reflect a deep understanding of your purpose, target market and the benefits you offer. Work around your brand story or strategy is a great place to start – I can provide pointers on this if you need.
Timescales can vary quite a lot, depending on the amount of work involved, my availability and the time needed for the necessary development and feedback stages of the project.
I’m good at hitting deadlines, if they’re realistic. If you have timings to work to, it’s best to let me know when you get in touch. Once we’ve agreed a brief, I’ll quote for the work and confirm a proposed timescale.
Not usually, no. It’s standard practice for professional illustrators to retain the copyright for their work, and license it to clients – this is the approach I generally follow.
It isn’t usually necessary for a client to own the copyright, as a licence can be negotiated to cover all the usage needed, allowing use of the illustration for the agreed purpose/s, for as long as it’s needed.
Whilst sometimes it may be possible to negotiate ownership of the copyright, the cost would be justifiably expensive as it allows for all possible use of that illustration for the period of copyright, which is the lifetime of the artist plus 70 years. Licensing provides a much more flexible and affordable option for most clients.
I’ve written an article to explain more about licensing illustration which you may find useful > Read the article here
My first response would be to ask if you’ve contacted the illustrator who’s work you’re referencing, to see if they’re up for working with you.
Replicating another illustrator’s style isn’t something I’m comfortable with, and so I wouldn’t agree to that. However, it may be possible to look at the style you have in mind, decipher what it is you like about it and take that on board as a point of reference, to help inspire my own approach.
I don’t generally work to a set hourly or day rate. This is because illustration pricing takes into account what the usage will be, as well as how long the work takes to create.
I quote on a project-by-project basis, providing costs based on specific requirements and usage. Often there may be a number of cost options, to reflect different licence lengths, which can sometimes offer flexibility and be more cost-efficient for clients.
I have a well-established method for working with my clients through various stages of consultation, development and feedback – Take a look at my Project Journey Route Map on my Process page for a clear outline of these stages.
My aim is to deliver work you’ll be pleased with, that speaks to your audience and helps make your vision a reality.
My process is very much based on communication and collaboration with you, and flows through stages of consultation, development and refinement, with opportunities for you to feedback and make comments on work in progress.
I’m confident you’ll be happy with the illustrations I create for you, because you will have been involved throughout the development process. By the time you see the final artwork, you should have a good idea of what to expect and there won’t be any nasty surprises!
For most projects I will ask for 25% of the agreed fee up front, to be paid before I begin work.
Yes, I’m always happy to discuss potential projects and how my illustrations could offer the best value and most mileage for you.
Why not book a call with me here
Sometimes! It would obviously depend on my availability, so best to email me with details of the illustration/s you’re looking for and the timescale you’re working to.
I will only take projects on if I feel confident I can hit the deadline – I’d let you know either way.
For Students & Early Career Illustrators
My illustration business is just me working from my small home studio, so I’m afraid I don’t have the capacity to offer work experience.
I am interested to help and advise students or young illustrators if I can though. So if you have questions or would like some advice I’m happy to book in a call with you, or possibly we could meet up if you’re local.
I’m sorry I’m not able to offer pricing advice for specific projects.
If you’re starting out as an illustrator (or to be honest, for anyone working as an illustrator), I’d suggest considering joining the Association of Illustrators. As a member, you can ask them for 1:1 advice on anything relating to your own specific projects, via the Members Helpdesk, and also there’s access to a wide range of members only resources on pricing, licensing, copyright, finance and more, which are super helpful.
Ideally when you created the illustration for them in the first instance, you would have agreed the usage – ie. how they could use the illustration and for how long. Again, ideally, this should have been put in writing, in the form of a Contract or Acceptance of Commission document, which would detail the licence that’s been agreed.
If use of the illustration on merchandise wasn’t covered by the original licence, then this is an additional use, for which there should be an additional fee. The illustration is likely to be a major selling point for the client’s product, and so you should receive payment for that.
It’s upto you to negotiate a fee that feels fair for the additional use on merchandise. Take into account: What the product is, or if there are going to be multiple products? What sort of quantity is the client planning to produce, and the selling price? It’s also worth bearing in mind that the client will likely have all the initial outlay of manufacturing costs, and so the fee for use of the illustration will need to be workable for them or the products just wouldn’t be viable.
You can, but I would ask that you be selective of the number and depth of questions you ask please – I’m not looking to essentially write your dissertation for you!
I’d suggest 2 or 3 well thought out questions at the most, would be reasonable to ask. Bear in mind that most illustrators or other professional working people will be busy with their own work. If your questions feel like they’re going to be too long and involved to answer, then you’re unlikely to get a response, so be mindful of the time you’re asking of people.
And this isn’t just for me, but if someone takes the time to answer your questions or offer specific advice, then please do take the time to acknowledge this and say thankyou – a quick message back is all that’s needed. Politeness goes a long way, and potentially leaves the door open for future students asking their questions to also get a response.
This article How to Licence Illustration is a free resource on the Association of Illustrators website (theaoi.com) and gives a good overview.
If you’re in a position to consider joining the AOI, I would certainly recommend it. Beyond this article, there are a great many other resources available to members, providing further advice on licensing, as well as contracts, copyright, business practice and other aspects relating to being an illustrator and the illustration industry. As a member, you can also contact the helpdesk directly to ask for specific 1:1 advice, which I’ve always found to be really helpful.
I’ve written an article to explain more about licensing illustration which you should find useful > Read the article here
Again, I’m going to point you towards the AOI (Association of Illustrators), where there’s a number of useful resources – some are free and some accessible for members only.
If you’re in a position to consider joining the AOI, I would certainly recommend it. There are a great many resources available to members, providing lots of helpful advice on pricing, licensing, contracts, copyright, business practice and other aspects relating to being an illustrator and the illustration industry. As a member, you can also contact them directly to ask for specific 1:1 advice, which is really invaluable.
Included in my article Illustration Licensing Explained is a copy of the ‘Illustrator Commissioner Agreement’ I send out to all clients, before starting a project. You may find this useful to see, it’s based on template from the AOI – feel free to use it as a basis for creating your own version.
Are you passionate about making something better, for people or planet?
If so, we could be a great fit for working together!
I’m interested to support and share in your journey, through creating illustrations which will help bring your ideas to life, connect with your audience, and communicate your vision.