FAQ | Common questions I get asked by clients as a freelance illustrator
I’ve been working on freelance art jobs since 2020. Over the years I picked up a prety diverse and colourful portfolio of illustration and comics projects - from personalised folk portraits and DnD character artwork to illustrated maps and album covers.
The commission process is slightly different each time - after all, no client is the same! But there are questions I’m getting asked on a pretty regular basis, and so I decided to compile them together in a friendly FAQ. If you’re thinking about working with a freelance artist, or are curious about my art commission process, read on!
In this post: my creative process // communication with clients // printing advice // deadlines // illustrator-commissioner contracts and more!
Q: What does working together with an illustrator look like? Are you going to show me work in progress?
A: Absolutely! Clear communication during the project is so important - after all, I want to make sure that the image I’m creating fits your vision perfectly.
There are multiple steps included in that commission price:
1. Idea generation and sketches
When we first talk about the image you’d like me to create, I might ask you for some photo references (especially if we’re working on a portrait) or details regarding your image - is it a gift, will it be printed, what size do you need in, and so on. After the initial chat I move on to creating some sketches - usually several different ideas, so we can try out different compositions and poses. The sketches are then sent to you for feedback.
2. Colour tests
After we decide on a suitable composition and the main idea for the image, I create a cleaner version of that sketch and test a couple of colour palettes to see which colour settings will work best. If you know exactly what colours you’d like me to use, I test them on the sketch at this stage.
3. Artwork progress and client feedback
Once we’re set on the composition and main colours, I move on to creating the final piece. For this stage I need to know the size of the image (e.g. A4). I will check in with you multiple times throughout the process, so you can not only see your custom illustration developing in real time, but you will also have all the opportunities to give me feedback and spot anything that needs to be fixed!
Feedback from clients is crucial and very very welcome! When we work together, feel free to (kindly) point out anything that seems off or needs to be edited in the image.
4. Amendments
I include 3 rounds of edits in my usual price. It means that even when the portrait is nearly ready and rendered, we may have up to three rounds of adjustments to make sure everything works perfectly.
Q: Can I order a portrait for my partner /family / friend?
A: The question that starts it all! The answer is yes (duh!), I love working on these! The portrait commissions are available via my shop and recently I made the process of working together much easier and more efficient by adding more information about the process. Have a look below for more details:
Example of a portrait created for a lovely couple - main themes were marigolds and roller skates.
Q: Do you offer a printing service?
A: When clients commission a personalised portrait, it’s often meant to be a gift for a loved one, or a unique piece of art to display in their home. Ordering the printed or framed portrait from the illustrator might be a good idea, however I usually don’t do it this way. Printing, framing and postage come with an additional costs and waiting time to the client - especially if they’re based in a different country.
When I finish your custom portrait, I will always give you access to a high-resolution digital file suitable for print on A4 and A3. I can also give you some advice on how to make the most of your local print shop to save on postage fees! The usual, nearly fool-proof rules for getting a good quality print out of your artwork are:
Have your digital print file ready in resolution of min. 300 dpi , and in CMYK colour mode - if you work with me on a project, you’ll always get that file.
Ask the print shop for paper or card thicker than 250gsm - ideally 300gsm.
I suggest avoiding high-gloss paper, unless you really want that shiny look. For a smooth and elegant finish, ask for satin.
Q: Do I need to sign any paperwork?
A: When I work on any commissioned artwork, I send out a short contract signed by both me and the client. Sounds scary, I know, but having a contract is a standard practise - and it makes things smooth and efficient for both sides!
I always send a short PDF containing all the important project details we agreed on, like deadlines, pricing and the scope of work. I also include a list of T&C (following guidelines of the Association of Illustrators). These ensure that both the client and the artist know each other’s expectations, and are familiar with the creative license etc.
Having a signed contract for your project makes things run smoothly, safely and professionally.
Q: I have an idea for a picture book, can you illustrate it?
A: I don’t usually take on work for self-published children books / picture books, or non-profit work for comics pitches. If you’re approaching an illustrator with a project like a kids lit story, where usually 12-32 illustrated pages are involved, please keep in mind a few important things before offering to work together:
Book projects take an enormous amount of time and labour, and they require lots of communication between the image and text, which often translates to many edits.
When a client (individual or a publisher) commissions illustration for literature, they aren’t just paying the artist for creating a straight-forward image. They’re also purchasing the right to reproduce these images in a commercial publication.
These two factors mean that book projects can be a costly, high-commitment endeavour - and require a good amount of planning beforehand.
Often clients who come to me with this question are planning to self-publish and aren’t familiar with these aspects, or with the amount of work and investment needed before the book is even approved for publication.
However…
Q: I’m a publisher / small press / author and would like to commission illustrations for my novel / comic book!
A: I’m open (and eager!) for freelance projects in publishing - especially things like cover artwork, YA / fantasy literature illustration or comics.
