How would you address a situation where the illustrator's work does not meet your quality standards?

As an illustrator, critique of my creative work can be quite hurtful, because as an artist, my aim is always perfection. Here is how I would prefer a client to go about it: - Discuss the concept beforehand; with at least 5-10 reference images. - Be honest, but kind; specifics: what doesn't meet your standard? Line art? Symbolism? Choice of colour? Shading? Pointing it out precisely helps. - If you feel I did not understand you, have a constructive meeting, and explain exactly what you need from me, from the concept to the finished product. Send more visual references to explain. P.S. Please be mindful; personal problems can sometimes hinder creative flow. It is not a mechanical job. Empathy goes a long way, we're sensitive people :)

Addressing a situation where an illustrator's work doesn't meet quality standards involves clear communication and constructive feedback. Start by identifying specific areas where improvement is needed, providing examples if possible. Offer guidance on style, technique, and alignment with project expectations. Encourage open dialogue to understand their perspective and potential challenges. Set realistic goals and timelines for revisions. Ultimately, prioritize collaboration and support to achieve the desired quality while respecting their creativity and professional development.

Clearly articulate your quality standards from the beginning. Ensure the illustrator understands your expectations through a detailed brief or guideline. For example, I always start projects with a kickoff meeting to discuss the project's vision and key deliverables.

Se o trabalho do designer não atender aos meus padrões de qualidade, revisaria os pontos a melhorar e teria uma conversa clara e respeitosa com ele. Ofereceria feedback específico e sugestões para alinhar o trabalho às expectativas. Para evitar problemas na execução, é crucial detalhar todos os pontos no briefing e fornecer referências visuais. As conversas de realinhamento devem ocorrer, sempre que possível, por chamada de vídeo ou presencialmente, garantindo uma comunicação mais efetiva. Trabalharia junto ao designer até alcançar o resultado desejado, focando na colaboração e melhoria contínua.

Clear communication is key. But I find visuals can also help. For example if it's an anatomy issue, you can show the artist some references of proper anatomy (or exaggerated anatomy if that's what you are after) to go along with your comments. Chances are if you hired this artist, you've seen something you like in thier portfolio. So you can also point to examples of the artists prior work that you like to show what direction to go in. While this question and these responses refer to after the fact, you can do this before hand, which would likely save you from having any major issues to begin with.

In my experience, research and attention to detail are paramount for a quality result that connects with our client(s). It helps to zoom in to the pixel, and making sure all elements are aligning with the brand's look and feel. I will also use the opportunity to coach and push this Creative Professional so growth can be experienced. We are not afraid of failure. We fail fast and often, and reiterate until we get the product we are looking for. Details make things great. Too many are focused in the 1k foot view. Sometimes the creatives are left to be the unsung heroes by making sure all is connecting at a granular level. We care about accuracy, authenticity, style, and consistency. We are the Dreamers of the Dream. We are Creatives.

Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for improvement, focusing on specific behaviors or aspects that can be enhanced. It's important to be clear and direct while maintaining a positive tone, highlighting strengths alongside areas for growth. Providing specific examples and suggesting actionable changes helps the recipient understand and implement the feedback. Encouraging open dialogue ensures that the feedback is understood and fosters a collaborative environment for continued development. This approach not only aids in personal and professional growth but also builds a positive and supportive relationship.

Provide specific, actionable feedback on what aspects of the work need improvement. Instead of saying "this isn't good enough," point out exactly where changes are needed. For instance, I use a feedback form highlighting specific areas like color schemes, composition, or detail level.

the most comfortable path to follow, in all life instances, surely is a way that was paved with the courtesy and confidence bricks. So, always show the route to follow, sail together with joy and friendship

I am excited about the direction that you have taken with this idea, but now we need to discuss how to take your concept and implement some of the visual standards that need to be reached.

Além do feedback construtivo, pontual e acertivo muitas vezes é necessário fornecer referências ou direcionamentos específicos para se alcançar os resultados esperados. A responsabilidade é compartilhada entre todos os participantes, seja o ilustrador e supervisor ou colaboradores, e exige também que se aponte com esboços e indicações visuais sempre que possível e especialmente quando o resultado esperado ainda não foi atingido mesmo após uma primeira rodada de revisões. Trabalhar em uma mesma peça de design mantendo a qualidade e a direção de arte é sempre um desafio e exige alinhamento constante além de uma dose de confiança. Compartilhar seu processo pessoal pode ser também um modo de atingir um resultado especifico esperado.

Work together with the illustrator to make necessary revisions. This could involve brainstorming sessions or providing additional resources or examples. I often schedule a follow-up meeting after initial feedback to ensure we're aligned on the revisions.

Como docente he aprendido que siempre es mejor prevenir posibles errores tanto de interpretación como de ejecución, y para eso es necesario hacer un seguimiento contínuo del proceso e intervenir en el mismo si es necesario pero sin dañar la propia independencia creativa del ilustrador acompañandolo para lograr el objetivo que debió ser muy claro al principio.

Working together is always a major game changer in creative world I think. I think just coming together on the project will best communicate what I would actually want from the illustrator. There is always room for mistakes and making it happen all in time. I think with that collaborative element the issue can easily be resolved.

Discuss and agree on a new timeline if the revisions require more time. Ensure that the illustrator has enough time to make the necessary changes without compromising the quality.

Considero que se debe hacer un enfoque cuidadoso, constructivo, amable y empático comenzando con realizar una revisión objetiva con una lista de los aspectos específicos que no se ha cumplido con las expectativas según la técnica, estilo o la alineación con el concepto. Además es importante señalar de que se debe crear un buen ambiente para que la comunicación sea clara y asertiva con la persona para explicar las inquietudes ya mencionados anteriormente sin llegar a criticar para no afectar su empeño, si no, motivando a mejorar más, al darle el feedback ofreciendo soluciones y/o cambios. Con ejemplos de ser necesario, y escuchar activamente su perspectiva para darse a entender mutuamente. Todo irá bien manteniendo el profesionalismo. :D

To foster a supportive environment for illustrators, acknowledge and appreciate the effort they've already put into their work. Encourage open communication, sharing feedback respectfully and constructively, and valuing diverse artistic perspectives. Provide specific, actionable guidance for improvement while recognizing and celebrating both their achievements and hard work. Promote collaboration and offer necessary resources or support, showing empathy and inclusivity. This approach creates a positive space where illustrators feel valued, respected, and motivated to reach their full potential.

oster a positive and supportive environment where the illustrator feels comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. This encourages better collaboration and results.

Establish clear guidelines and reference materials for future projects to help illustrators meet your quality standards consistently.

An illustrator's portfolio is often first contact between client and illustrator, so seeing what they are capable of before the hiring/commission process can allow the client to gauge the creator's skills, and if what they seek is of a different nature to the creator's previous work, having references or works you take inspiration from is key so that the illustrator knows what to expect quality wise.

In order to have a successful team member, leads or managers need to have the right tools in place. Meaning having standards already build inside templates if the type of work that they are designing is like technical manuals. Again if it’s repeatable work they need to have these tools set up with macros, action scripts etc. They will also need an example library or process guide that is more interactive rather than being a word doc. These basic tools will allow them to stay with in the rules on the template and the tools will help them quickly complete there job. The process guide would be use as a quick reference tool Incase the have questions. Set them up for success..

Understanding the Illustrator's Perspective: Sometimes, an illustrator might have a different interpretation of the brief. Understanding their perspective can provide insights into how to improve communication and avoid similar issues in the future. Skill Development: If the illustrator consistently struggles to meet standards, consider providing opportunities for skill development through workshops, courses, or mentorship. Backup Plans: Have a backup plan or alternative solutions in case the revisions still don't meet the standards. This could involve having another illustrator on standby or adjusting project scope.

Criar materiais de apoio antes do processo da ilustração é uma maneira de direcionar e manter a qualidade esperada. No entanto nem sempre os prazos e o escopo do projeto permitem um processo totalmente ideal com um guia completo, inclusive prevendo-se que novas características devam ser adicionadas a cada etapa do processo muitas vezes a colaboração entre os ilustradores é o que complementa a visão do todo. Colaboração, direcionamento e feedback pontual são as melhores ferramentas pra se construir resultados esperados. No entanto se o projeto permitir, a experimentação e desenvolvimento de ideias novas também acrescentam qualidade e frescor ao projeto. É necessário sempre adequar a dose de criatividade e técnica conforme as expectativas.