Collaboration in Mind? Let's get started!
please email inquiries to nat@natalieillustration.com
Sharing the details listed below with the illustrator will really help provide an overview of the project, identify the best approach to match your needs as well as give more context for an accurate quotation.
1. Project overview (theme, audience, story synopsis etc.)
2. Project scope (quantity & size of illustrations)
3. Usage (license required) *see explanation for license
4. Level of artwork complexity required
5. Timeline
*How do commissions work? (resource from the Association of Illustrators)
Complexity of illustrations loosely falls into these categories:
1. Spot Illustrations: simple, usually no background
2. Vingette: simple, loosely rendered background
3. Scene: full background, occupies most of the page/product
4. Spread: full background, occupies entire double page/product
5. Large Format: stage backdrops, wallpaper, event displays
Providing any visual references will also greatly help in understanding the the type of artwork required.
Like many other creative industries, the illustration industry works on a licensing structure.
A license grants client usage rights specifying: nature of use, region of distribution, distributor and duration.
*What is an illustration license? (resource from the Association of Illustrators)
Client's needs are all covered through specified usage rights granted by a license, while the artist is able to maintain the artistic integrity of the illustration by keeping the copyright in any work they create.
Colourful characters and richly detailed illustrations can engage both children and parents alike!
Usually negotiated on an "Advance + Royalties" model with a license for use and additional usages (ex: ebook, toys, stationery etc.) covered through "Subsidiary Rights".
Some factors that will influence the illustrator's rates:
Is the client self publishing, pitching to publishers or already has an existing contract with commercial publisher?
The scale of distribution. Where will the product be sold and what is the projected quantity? Who will distribute?
Does the client require additional graphic design services? (in-design book layout, print formatting etc.)
*How do I hire an illustrator for my self-published book?(resource from the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators)
Upon receiving the story manuscript, the illustrator will work on a storyboard consisting of thumbnail sketches and rough indication of text placement. This is to establish the visual structure and pacing of the story. Depending on the client's requirements, there may also be an additional character development stage.
Convey a compelling brand story with illustrations crafting a strong visual narrative for events and promotions!
Projects are usually negotiated as a one-time flat fee with a license for use.
I am a Canadian children's illustrator from Toronto based in Japan with best selling books and products found at 25 major bookstores across Hong Kong. I am actively working on projects around the world and welcome international collaboration especially for children's book projects!
Both!
Majority of my illustrations are created traditionally by hand (coloured pencils, watercolours, markers). The original paintings are then scanned as a high-resolution raster image and further enhanced digitally to be optimized for web or print reproduction. I usually draw larger than the finished size to ensure a crisp image output and to account for bleed.
From time to time, I also work digitally when the art style and increased precision of digital illustration is more suitable to a project. This is particularly the case for branding projects with large scale printing to maintain a high-resolution reproduction.
Commissioning and Licensing:
The AOI (Association of Illustrators) is a trade association representing illustrators, campaigns for their rights as well as providing advisory services to its members all around the world. They have published resources for commissioning and understanding licensing.
General Pricing:
The Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines published by Graphic Artist's Guild offers insights on standard fees and terms. Fees are a reflection of the artist's time and the nature of usage.
Children's Books:
SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators) is an international professional organization for children's publishing. They have published a resource for hiring an illustrator for your self-published book.
From the Illustrator's Perspective:
Society of Visual Storytelling produces podcasts from the artist's perspective on professional practice.
