How to commission an illustrator
If you have come to this page as an author, app/ game developer or other solopreneur who needs to hire a creative professional don’t miss this great little document which will increase your understanding of the negotiation and commission processes and give you a better chance to work successfully with your desired illustrator.
Commissioning an illustrator is new territory for a lot of people, which has inspired illustrator Randy Gallegos to put together this fantastic PDF (click the link to download) Learning How to Commission Illustration, now making its way around the illustrator networks as a source of valuable information for would-be clients.
If you haven’t worked with an illustrator before and you are planning to, or you’re a new illustrator looking for some tips, check it out!
Really useful article, wish I had read it before! What information do you have about royalties for illustrators when you have already paid the full commissioning fee??
I have been given a publishing contract as the author and I am having difficulties agreeing a % for my illustrator given I will get 25% on paper-backs and 40% on e-books? Any advice please?
Hi Cathy!
I’m glad you found this helpful!
This is the kind of thing that should have been outlined in a contract prior to the work. If it has gone beyond that point, it’s best to either talk to the illustrator and try to negotiate something you are both happy with (and get an agreement in writing!) or get a lawyer involved.
In my experience you generally either pay a flat fee for the work and a certain bundle of rights, or you pay royalties – often with an advance. A contract would have outlined the definition of the “commissioning fee” you have paid and whether it was just a flat fee or more like an advance on a royalty arrangement.
As for the illustrator’s royalty percentage, I’m afraid I don’t have any advice, this depends on many factors. It’s best to talk to the illustrator about their expectations or a lawyer if you can’t resolve it amicably. Maybe some publishing forums of others who have similar experience might be able to give you some idea of what’s fair as well?
I hope that helped somewhat..
Best of luck with the project!
Kind regards,
Elise