Writting a Comission

What is a Commission?


A commission is working with a client on a brief, whether this be creating a whole book, or one illustration it is still a commission so long as you are working with a client.

How can it help an illustrator?

A commission can help an illustrator understand what the clients needs are, and when you understand a clients needs, you can create a final outcome that they are happy with, and will happily pay you for.


What needs to be in the commission brief?

Deadlines
Sizes/Specifications
Description of what they want the final outcome to look like
Possible requirements like colour scheme and style
How they want the outcome delivered (digital, traditional)
If digital how they want it submitting (PDF, PSD, JPEG)


What does an illustrator do after he/she has read it?

After reading a brief you should discuss it with the client, and if necessary negotiated anything such as time scheme, and sizes. After the brief is sorted, you should discuss payment schedules, and rights of the final outcome, whether they are reserved for use they have signed off on (on certain things but not others, like signs)


How and when do you communicate?

Throughout the process of completing a commission you should have regular progress updates with your client in order to assure that the work is heading in the correct direction that you and your client want, and to address any issues that arise throughout the process.