GUIDES & TIPS

5 questions to ask yourself when getting a quote

Illustration can add a lot of value to your project and really make it stand out from the rest, but we know that there can be a lot to think about when discussing a budget and navigating the details with everyone involved.     

We’ve put together the top 5 questions to ask yourself when requesting illustration quotes, so you can get the information you need in order to scope out your budget, fuss free.

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1. What's the creative brief?

You might not have everything pinned down yet, but you’ll need a good idea of what you are looking to brief in. From a creative perspective, variables in cost could relate to the style of illustration, complexity of composition, the way the final file needs to be set up, or just different ways of working and materials used. Even if all you need is a ballpark quote, it’s helpful to provide a brief and as much information about your expectations as you can give. Visual references and examples can be really helpful at this stage.

Read our guide to briefing here.

2. What are the final deliverables?

Whilst some things may still be in the planning, the number of deliverables and final file specs will have an impact on what’s involved and therefore the cost. It’s useful to provide an approximate number of illustrations when requesting a quote, even if you’d like to know what the cost is per illustration. Consider also whether there will be multiple sizes, layouts or file types needed. Ask yourself – is there anything particular or unusual about your project that's helpful to know?

3. What's the approval process? 

Commissioning artwork is a process and there are a number of stages to creation, from initial drafts and ideas, right through to final artwork. Consider what you need from the process and how it might play out best. This may include how many rounds of feedback you will need and who needs to approve what (and when), but also whether there will be any particular stages unique to your project. Standard practice is to go through 2 rounds of amends per artwork. 

4. How will the end result be used?

Illustration and other creative artwork is commissioned on a usage licence basis, relating to how the final assets will be used and where they will be seen and distributed. The type of usage licence required is a factor in the cost of illustration. Usage licences can be tailored to your project to reflect your needs, so that you’re only paying for what’s required. There are lots of variables but don’t worry, most agents and illustrators will be happy to quote for more than one usage option, and the main things to think about are:

• The purpose & different media the artwork appear on 
• How long will the artwork be in use for
• Where in the world will it be seen/used
• Whether you require exclusivity 
  

Read our explainer to usage licenses to find out more. 

5. What does the future hold?  

Before requesting a quote, ask yourself – is there something you will need from the artwork you’re commissioning now, later down the line? If so it’s useful to discuss this at the quoting stage, whether that’s to do with the way might want to use the artwork (and so what usage license you require) or how you will need the artwork to be delivered bearing in mind different possible uses in the future.

Whatever you have in mind for your project, and whatever the variables, there's usually a solution to be found – by asking yourself these 5 questions you'll be equipped with the information needed to scope out your budget and get things off the ground!

Illustrations by Alice Bowsher.

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