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. As an illustrator it is helpful to have a list of obligations to follow. These guidelines help me to keep my work flowing and create an open line of communication with the editors and publishers as an assignment progresses. They may help someone else as well. You can always use or change any of the suggestions to suit your particular needs.

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.

GUIDELINES and OPTIONS for CREATING AN ILLUSTRATOR- CLIENT CONTRACT

(Since this applies to my personal guidelines, it has been written considering that the final artwork will be submitted digitally. Other illustrators may work in traditional media, but it is still helpful to know how to transmit files electronically.)

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If preliminary sketches are required they will be created for a non refundable fee whether assignment is offered or withdrawn.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 agreed upon fee

If this is an advance against royalties that must stated. If this is Work for Hire in which the Client keeps the copyright that must also be stated and the fee adusted accordingly.

This contract will also include any copyright concerns of the artist and publisher if this is not Work for Hire or if the Client is self publishing.

Read and understand text and editor/art director suggestions

Create sketches that incorporate the story into a 32 page children’s picture book ( or other format dictated by the Client)

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 or send PDF or electronically transmit files

Follow suggestions for any changes to sketches before beginning painting

Once sketches are approved the second installment of the 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. This is considered the job of the designer so if this is part of the illustrator's job it shall be done for an extra fee or this will have been inluded in the original contract.

If any additional changes are requested AFTER the final approval such changes 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/ Photoshop.tiff / in CMYK color mode or made available as a PDF or transferred electronically to the editor.

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

Any re-use of the artwork for sale as something other than the original picture book will require a separate fee and an ammendment to the contract. That includes other forms of the book, such as paper back, plush toys, or any other product created with the images created by the illustrator.