Working with an Illustrator: Prepare Your Commission

A successful illustration begins well before the first sketch. A few points settled from the start save everyone time and prevent misunderstandings.

1. The brief: what the image must do

Describe the use (cover, poster, website, packaging), the intended audience and the message to convey. Attach a few references that speak to you, explaining why.

2. The style: choose the artist rather than impose

Every illustrator has their own touch. Browse the work on their profile and in the illustrations of Art d'une vie: it is better to choose a style close to what you are looking for than to ask the artist to change theirs.

3. Usage rights

Specify where and for how long the image will be used. Rights are part of the price: an illustration for internal use is not negotiated like a national campaign.

4. The schedule and the stages

• Sketch or rough, to validate the composition.
• Advanced version, for colors and details.
• Finalization, with a number of revisions agreed in advance.

Finding an illustrator

Find the artists in the network, compare their work and their Energy reviews, then contact them directly, with no commission on the introduction.