If you need help working with a freelance illustrator uk, this guide provides practical advice and answers to common frequently asked questions when commissioning illustration work.

Whether you are new to commissioning artwork or looking to refine your brief, the information below outlines the typical process, key considerations, and essential frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth and successful collaboration when trying to commission Freelance illustration and how to commission a freelance illustrator in the uk.

hero shot Adrian Cartwright freelance illustrator, Graphic illustrator, technical illustrator, graphic Artist, instruction drawer
frequently asked questions

The guide below will help you prepare for your commission and give you an understanding of the types of questions an illustrator is likely to ask.

The guide below will address most common scenarios, although your commission may not require consideration of every point. But in many cases, commissioning illustration is a straightforward. However, clarity at the outset will provide a smooth illustration commission with great results.

The most important factor is knowing exactly what you want the illustration to achieve. A clear objective ensures the artwork fulfils its intended purpose, whether that is to explain, promote, instruct, or visualise.

FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions

Customer FAQ

illustrator FAQ

It’s best to contact Adrian with a clear idea what you want, but if you’re not sure, that’s no problem. You can have an informal chat about what you want to do. This is normally the best method. Call Adrian 07803126079

Delivery is typically within 2 weeks. Although the delivery depends on many factors, like amount of work involved. The speed in which reference or answers to questions from the customer can also impact progress. In other cases, some commissions are completed in a matter of a few days. It all depends on the volume of work, and schedule. I suggest asking during the briefing. 

In 33 years freelancing, I’ve never had a job go bad. But I do have a process in place to help protect the customer and myself. It’s a simple process. The illustration is produce over multiple steps, to avoid confusion or going off track. My customers like it, because it involves them, giving input. That way we avoid misunderstanding things, and if so, it’s corrected at that stage.
I always encourage my customers to honestly give feedback when the illustration is delivered to make sure they’re happy with it. And if there’s anything (it happens), then it’s rectified.
Read my reviews to see how commissions go. Reviews

Typically, the copyright belongs to the original artist, but the exclusive usage belongs to the commissioning customer. This is standard international copyright law. And means that nobody without consent from the original artist and commissioner can legally use part of or wholly the art in question. Copyright Law

The best method to start with is a telephone conversation. This will cover many questions, and help guide the best options available. This will speed things up a lot, and answer any concerns you might have. Call Adrian  07803126079

Budgets are helpful, but not necessary. Sometimes people will put in a low budget, thinking it will get a good price for the illustration. The fact is, it will only limit the volume of work done for the commission.
Try to be realistic about commissioning a bespoke illustration from a professional illustrator.
I don’t overcharge my customers, because they’ll go somewhere else next time.

It’s good business to be honest and work together as a team to get the best results. Simples !
Often an illustrator will need reference to produce illustrations. Depending on the subject, the commissioning customer might have private information or technical data/plans or items that would be extremely helpful for producing the illustration.
So please collect reference suitable for the commission.

During the illustration process, it’s important that there’s communication between the illustrator and one other, who’s the point of contact regarding the illustration commission. This is often the person who contacts the illustrator originally. But sometimes it’s a team of people.
In that case one person should be appointed the main contact. This will avoid conflicting feedback, and keep a clear channel for communication.

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