Working as an Illustrator is one of the most rewarding occupations. There is a need amid all the fun and fantasy to keep things professional. After all, this is a profession.

Keeping that in mind I decided to create my own list of obligations to follow. These guidelines help to keep my work flowing and create an open line of communication with the editors and publishers as an assignment progresses. With or without an agent to guide the artist, these can be quite helpful suggestions.

I did include a payment schedule in this list, because I feel it is also my obligation to make sure that fair practices are carried out by the publishers as well as the illustrator.

The final contract will spell out details for both parties, but this is a general set of guidelines that I prefer to follow. They may not work for all illustrators, but I find that having these suggestions to follow is a great help to me as an artist.

OBLIGATIONS and OPTIONS for the ILLUSTRATOR

(Since this applies to my personal guidelines, it has been written considering that the final artwork will be submitted digitally.)

Option to read or review text before accepting the assignment

If preliminary sketches are required they will be created for a non refundable fee whether assignment is offered or withdrawn. ( The fee should be reasonable and will depend upon the amount of detail the client requires in the first sketches or draft.)

Once contract is issued the illustrator will receive the agreed 1st installment of the advance fee

This contract will also include any copyright concerns of the artist and publisher

Read and understand text and editor/art director suggestions

Create sketches that incorporate the story into a 32 page children’s picture book

If requested prepare mock up or dummy of book at the first stage with several finishes

Prepare and deliver completed sketches to publisher/editor/art director within the
deadline stated.

Prepare private webpages for publisher/editor/art director viewing of completed sketches

Follow suggestions for any changes to sketches before beginning painting

Once sketches are approved the second installment of the advance fee will be due the artist

Complete painting of approved sketches within the stated deadline

Prepare private webpages for publisher/editor/art director of the full color finishes

If asked the illustrator will include and place text on separate layer of artwork

If any additional changes are requested AFTER the final approval one change will be allowed
at an hourly rate agreed upon in the initial contract between the artist and the client

Prepare all files as CMYK illustrations saved in Photoshop as PSD. . TIFF. or PDF as per the Art Director.

If text is included it will be saved as a separate layer on each illustration
(NOTE: This does not include any color separation that would need to be done by the printer)

When paintings are approved they will be transferred to a DVD in the following format:
Photoshop.psd/ Photoshop.pdf/ in CMYK color mode

Upon approval of paintings, final installment of the advance fee is due prior to the delivery of the final artwork

Files may be delivered to the publisher via DVD or FTP over secure site. (HOME)

Here's a little hint: Once you accept an assignment remember that you have a commitment to your client to complete the project.