As I mentioned last week, I’m trying to get hired as and illustrator a children’s book. The editor has told me that if I want to be considered for her project, I must submit a few draft illustrations for the book. Typically, an illustrator will be hired based on her portfolio and isn’t asked to create proposals. While I wouldn’t normally agree to do illustrations without being guaranteed the job, I agreed to do some proposals this time.
Why did I agree to this unusual scenario? Because I’m not an experience illustrator. I don’t have a long list of credits to my name, and still don’t have a portfolio. Once I’m an established illustrator I’ll have built a reputation, and won’t need to do many “freebies”,(unless the competition is stiff, and I’m just dying to be part of a specific project). Even though I agreed to do some drafts I still wont do the work for nothing. I made sure to mention to the editor that I’d hold the copyright until I’m hired.
I did a little research on what the going rate is for children’s book illustration. Seems like most professional illustrators charge two or three times what I’m asking for, but with my experience I thought it fair to low-ball the price. As I gain more experience I’ll start asking for more. I’m not going to post what I quoted, but this is a good article on how to quote for illustration work based on hourly-rates, if you’re interested in doing the same.
Oh, and one more thing: The illustrations will be in pen and ink. Only the cover will be in watercolor. So, yay for catering to my strengths!
That’s all for now. I should have some art to share by next week, so stay tuned.
Peace out!
--Jovan
