How to Work with an Illustrator
If you’ve never worked with an illustrator before, it might feel a bit nerve-wracking. While every illustrator has their own process, pricing structure and artistic style, this quick guide will walk you through what to expect and how to feel confident when you’re ready to bring your vision to life.
The creative brief
Every project starts with a creative brief. To help your illustrator understand your project and give you the most accurate quote, you’ll want to provide:
Project overview
What does your business do and who is your target audience? What are the goals for this project? Do you have specific ideas or are you looking for input from the illustrator? If the illustration will be going on existing designs (such as packaging design) it’s helpful to send over the dielines or layouts to show where the illustrations will go.
Number and style of illustrations
Be specific—how many illustrations do you need? Are they full colour, black-and-white, line art, textured, or highly detailed? Providing reference examples (either from the illustrator’s portfolio or elsewhere online) that feel close to what you’re after gives helpful context around the complexity or mood you're aiming for.
Usage details
Where will the artwork be used? (e.g. packaging, branding, website, marketing materials, social media, editorial, products, etc.) Will the illustrations be used only in Australia or also internationally?
Final deliverables
What size and format do you need the files in? (JPEG, PNG, vector, etc.) Will they be printed or only used digitally? Are there any special printing considerations to be aware of, such as working with Pantone colours?
Timeline
Share your ideal deadline. That way, your illustrator can confirm availability or suggest alternative timelines.
Length of use
For example, is this for a one-time campaign, or ongoing use over 2+ years? This affects licensing and pricing.
Budget (if known)
Sharing your budget upfront can help the illustrator tailor the project scope or suggest alternatives that still meet your goals.
An overview of my illustration process
While every illustrator works differently, here’s a little look into how I typically approach projects:
Booking & Onboarding
We start with a conversation to establish deliverables, timelines and expectations. I’ll send over a proposal, contract and deposit invoice to secure your spot in my schedule.
Sketching Concepts
I create a few rough compositions to explore layout and direction. I’ll send through the strongest option for your feedback.
Refinement & Colour Palette
After feedback, you’ll receive an updated sketch along with a proposed colour palette (if relevant) to get a feel for the final look.
Feedback & Revisions
We collaborate on edits! The number of revisions included is outlined in your proposal, and I’ll guide you through the process to make sure everything feels spot on.
Final Artwork
Once approved, I prepare the final files. Small tweaks (like colour adjustments) may be included, larger changes at this stage could incur extra fees.
Delivery
After the final invoice is paid, I’ll package your files and send a download link via Google Drive, all neatly organised and ready to use.
**If your project includes graphic design (e.g. packaging or layout), there will be a few extra stages added in, but I’ll always guide you through each step.
Wrapping up
Commissioning an illustrator doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, it’s a creative collaboration that should be exciting and enjoyable. With a clear brief and open communication, you’ll be well on your way to bringing your ideas to life in a way that’s both beautiful and purposeful.
If you're dreaming up a project and think we’d be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you!
