Links
Email: marthafordillustration@gmail.com
Expected Process for Commercial Projects
I will reply via email. Dependent on need and workload, you can request another form of communication but having things in writing is often best.
We can discuss the license, including usage and budget. From this, I will get a good idea of my suitability for the job.
Contracts need to be signed before any work commences, and sometimes a deposit is paid upfront. Contracts add protections for everyone involved and limits misunderstandings.
Revisions/corrections are totally normal but I always ask that feedback is specific, and in writing where possible. This limits the amount of guesswork and we can solve any problems a lot faster.
The opportunity for feedback and revisions will usually come at these stages:
Initial sketches
Colour drafts and/or tonal drafts.
Final artwork (this will be the final time to make small revisions before sign off)
Sign off on final artwork.
Usually, full payment of the remaining fee will take place before handing over final artwork files and assets but this will have been negotiated and stated in the contract.
Let’s work together
Interested in working on a commercial project or collaboration together? Or licensing some of my existing work?
Have a tabling event or exhibition you think I would love? How about stocking my products or artwork in your shop or gallery?
Want to hire me as a freelance visual development artist or similar? Or collaborate with me as my agent?
Please fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly.
I love doing personal commissions e.g. pet portraits, profile avatars/pictures, icons, tattoo tickets etc. BUT I don’t always have time so these are done a little differently. They can be purchased through my Etsy shop when spots open up (notifications on Instagram and LinkedIn) .
If you have a larger personal project e.g. suite of wedding illustrations, please use the form.
Can’t wait to hear from you, let’s create something great!
Tell me all about it
Commissioning an illustrator can seem complicated so I wanted to make it as transparent as possible. For most commercial enquiries, this should help shine some light on pricing, usage, and why I can rarely give a daily/hourly rate. This is just for general guidance for any commissioners/potential clients who are uncertain of how to commission an illustrator but please note not all illustrators work in the same way.
If you have a specific budget, please communicate this upfront as this will save time. I can then let you know quickly whether I can take the commission.
For more on commissioning an illustrator: https://theaoi.com/resources/professional-practice/guide-to-commissioning
The artwork/deliverables:
Firstly, do you need something new, or to license existing artwork? Then think about some of these points:
Style - Are there any examples you like in my portfolio? Let me know. Or maybe you already have a moodboard you could show me?
Detail and finish - What’s the level of technical detail needed? Colour? Level of rendering? Texture and final finish? Again, pick out any examples of my work you think demonstrate the level you need.
Concept and content - Do you have a moodboard, brief or clear idea of what you want? Are there any themes, messages or clear purposes for the work? Is it open to interpretation or do you have something very specific in mind? This will help me estimate the amount of time needed for development, production, and revisions.
Quantity - Do you need…one illustration e.g. a book cover or full page spread; multiple illustrations e.g. a set of 3 spot illustrations for editorial; or a suite/collection of illustrations and assets e.g. product, packaging, point of sale, promotional graphics.
Complexity of deliverables - Do you need a single image file, or a full layered file of separable assets? Prepped for animation? Capable of being enlarged e.g. for billboards?
Collaboration and design - Will I be working with a designer / animator /art director / editor? Will you need design support?
Technical requirements - Are there any specific layouts or technical requirements you can provide? Do you need space left for typography and copy? Colour profiles e.g. CMYK or RGB?
Timescale - Generally, if artwork is needed with a really fast turnaround, a ‘rush fee’ will be added. Please let me know when you would want to begin, your timeframe and any set deadlines.
License/usage:
Use - It is helpful if you list all anticipated uses for the illustrations. Will the artwork be used on one specific product? multiple products? on promotional material or point of sale? across different platforms?
Type - A license can be exclusive, meaning no one else can use the image during the license term, or non-exclusive, meaning the artist can license the work elsewhere.
Duration - Many licenses are for use of the illustration work for 12 to 24 months, with the option to renew.
Audience - Are you an individual or a small business? Are you contacting on behalf of a larger company or brand? Are you a charity or other organisation? The bigger the expected audience, and the purpose re. commercial gain, the higher the value of the illustration. I can’t work for exposure but I would consider smaller fees, dependent on the client, industry, or purpose.
Territory - Do you have a single country or a list of countries you want to use it in? Globally? Or at a local level? Again, the bigger the anticipated audience, the higher the value of the illustration, and vice versa.
Please note, unless it is a personal commission, signing over full artwork rights is expensive for the client and rarely needed.
If you are enquiring about visual development work for a project (rather than final artwork and assets), this will be priced as freelance services, without some of the above licensing requirements etc.
All information is based on personal experience, general industry guidance and licensing terms, and external professional industry advice. Nothing here is binding, this is not a contract, or terms and conditions, and I reserve the right to change and update this information. Thanks all!