Monday, December 16, 2013

How To Choose An Illustrator Portland Maine

By Jeannie Chapman


It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Others say that you cannot judge a book by its cover. In truth the right picture can make all the difference and this is why it is worth investing in the services of a professional illustrator Portland Maine in order to really make a project stand out.

The first thing to consider is what kind of style you want. The kind of picture you want for a science fiction novel will be different for the kind of picture that you want for a book for children about finding a lost teddy bear. The illustration you choose will set the tone for your reader so it is worth thinking carefully before you contact an illustrator.

When you are considering someone to illustrate a project think about what you want. You may want something stylish that grabs the attention of your reader. The kind of cover you would get for an exciting thriller will be different from a quirky romantic comedy. A good illustrator can not only make great pictures but will also have an understanding of your potential audience.

Therefore the tone of the picture needs to be considered. While a joke may help to make a point in a lighthearted way you may not necessarily want something that is too much like a newspaper strip. The best way to avoid this is with a clear brief that provides the information that an artist needs.

However a clear brief should not be one that is excessively dictatorial either. Ultimately you want an artist that not only does their work professionally but enjoys it too. Often the relationship with an illustrator can be as much a personal relationship as it is a professional one and you should try to work with them rather than giving them an order in a heavy handed way.

When looking for an artist it is best to check their website. Look at whether the style is appropriate to your needs. They should also provide clear commission details so you know how much you will be charged for their work. Some may charge for redoing work so it is best to ask about this first if they do not make this clear.

You should also have a formal agreement. Some companies pay 50 per cent upfront for illustrations and then the other 50 per cent when the work has been completed in a way that they are happy with. This tends to be best for both the artist and the person commissioning the work. You should also give a clear deadline so they know how long they have to do it. Often it is easier for an artist to focus on a project if they know when it has to be in for!

It is also advisable when contacting a professional illustrator Portland Maine to come up with an agreement before work starts. A contract will give rights to both you and the artist. For example some people will agree to 50 per cent payment before work starts and the other 50 per cent when satisfied. The artist ought to be willing to work to your specifications. However it is equally important to show them respect and to give them a clear deadline and expectations. Look online to find the best artist to suit your needs as well as getting feedback on the quality of their services.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment