Every writer understands that there is no feeling better than bringing a satisfactory smile to their reader’s face. When you are writing for a younger audience, you need more than words to connect with the reader, and illustrations can make or break your writing projects.
Professional illustrators have years of experience in bringing life to words for the younger audience. From the traditional to the modern spectrum of illustration, there is an endless world of opportunity with talent and advancement in the digital world.
You can find illustrators working with ink, watercolors, vector illustrations, and more. However, when it comes to finding the right illustrator for your book, be prepared to dedicate your time and energy. But, when you are thorough with your research, it’s not that cumbersome.
Here are some essential tips that can help you find the right illustrator and save you time and headaches down the road.
1. Research Different Platforms
Every writer wants their ideas to come to life in the best way possible. It is essential for them to ensure that their book grasps the reader so that they read and enjoy it from cover to cover. Finding and working with the right illustrator plays an important role in ensuring this.
There are a few platforms that can help you meet the right fantasy illustrator for your book. Different styles of illustrations fall into different budgets. Keeping everything in mind, you can first visit freelance platforms and search for fantasy illustrators.
You can also visit online communities of illustrators, reach out to them and discuss your requirements. These communities can offer you large pools of candidates to ensure that you find the right match. Since most artists and illustrators also have a blog, you can also contact them through their blogs.
Not to forget, all writers can benefit from the wonders of social media. Millions of artists use social media platforms to display and advertise their work. Platforms such as Linked In, Instagram, and Facebook can be a goldmine for writers looking for illustrators.
2. Know What You Want
Many writers undergo the common mistake of hiring an illustrator as soon as they start writing their book. This practice can lead to so much going wrong. A writer’s creativity should not be limited by anything, but when you hire an illustrator right away, it can be hard to make on-the-spot changes.
It is always better to hire an illustrator when your book is completed. Of course, you can freely make side notes of ideas you get while writing the chapters.
To convey your demands to the illustrator, the first thing you want to ensure is your demands. If you are unsure about what kind of illustrations you want, you can look at the works of other writers in similar genres. Renowned works from the past can help you create an idea for your project.
This way, you can create a storyboard when you go through your own book. Some writers also draw rough sketches to share with their illustrators. This practice ensures that you can convey your thoughts to the illustrator and reduce the chances of miscommunication.
3. Discuss Your Scope
It is important for the writer and illustrators to be on the same page to ensure a smooth experience. Therefore, your illustrator needs more than a storyboard. When you discuss the scope upfront, it can help you and the illustrator determine if you are the right match for each other.
Do not leave anything to the imagination of the illustrator. It is possible that you and your illustrator have a different understanding of two things. Miscommunication can only lead to wasting your time, energy, and resources.
To begin with, every writer should convey a few things to their illustrators.
- Book Tile
- Book Summary
- Target Audience
- Number of Illustrations
- Rough Illustrations
- Expected Release Date
Such information will help the illustrator avoid common errors due to miscommunication. In addition, they will also have a better idea of the work to share the cost of services accordingly. As a result, you will save the time and effort of the illustrators.
4. Review Your Illustrator
Writing a book and finding the right illustrator cannot be rushed. When you look for an illustrator, you will come across thousands of aspirants from different backgrounds, experiences, and skills. It can be very time-consuming to choose the right match for your needs.
Remember that you will meet people with degrees from world-renowned institutions and self-taught artists. The first thing you may want to ensure is that their style matches yours. Do not compromise in this step because it will cause conflicts later on.
When you feel that a writer’s style matches yours, make sure to check for their credentials in their profile and website. You can also look for testimonials and reviews to see the client satisfaction rates. If the reviews are satisfactory, you can hire them confidently.
However, if you are unsatisfied with their credentials or see discouraging reviews, step back and start your search again. Just like every writer, your work is precious too. So, do not compromise it by rushing to find an illustrator. Stay calm, and switch platforms if the results are unsatisfactory.
5. Discuss the Budget
There are several factors that can determine the budget for your project. Some of the common factors are the complexity of illustrations, medium of art, number of illustrations, and so on. And, of course, one cannot forget the aspect of formal education.
It is not possible for a self-learned illustrator and an illustrator with striking credentials to have the same pay rate. In any case, it is better to discuss your budget beforehand to ensure there are no hiccups in the process in the last hour.
Looking at the plethora of options nowadays, illustrators understand the competition and try to make negotiations easy. You can feel free to discuss a deal or ask them to create an economical package for you. Most freelance illustrators are open to negotiations too.
However, make sure that you do not compromise one aspect for the other. Keep monitoring quality and your budget to ensure that your work and life are not compromised. This world is filled with options, and you will find the right match for your project.
