Last Tuesday our Publications & Membership Manager Derek Brazell delivered a great webinar on Demystifying Illustration Contracts. We want to thank everyone who joined us and asked such great questions!
Today we'd like to share 5 key reminding points any illustrator can put into practice for their next commission agreement:
1️⃣ Define your rights.
Contracts for different ares of the illustration industry vary, but they should all accurately define what rights you're giving to the client in the illustrations you are creating (how they can use them and more).
2️⃣ Get it in writing!
Commissions from a client are a business arrangement - and everything you both agree should be in writing. Make sure to have an agreement drafted for every single job - no matter who the job is from (e.g. your cousin or mate!).
3️⃣ Always have a contract in place (seriously).
If a client says 'we don't really do contracts', that's a red flag! It's just as important for them as it is for you to have a contract in place. Then you both have reference of what's agreed.
4️⃣ Make sure it's relevant to you and your project.
Some contracts, like magazine ones, are generic ones which cover writers as well, so may have clauses that don't seem relevant. It's fine to ask for clauses to be removed or revised.
5️⃣ Negotiate until it feels right and fair.
Remember: a contract from a client is not necessarily set in stone. Always ask if you don't understand wording, or if you would like some parts changed to be more in your favour.
🗣 EXTRA REMINDERS:
💥 Members can send their contracts to our Helpdesk for detailed advice: https://bit.ly/AOIContact
💥 Members can also access and use our contract template (in case you don't receive one from your client): https://lnkd.in/gNg5F8gg
💥 Check out more upcoming AOI events and webinars: https://lnkd.in/g7SF5dTR
