The age old debate (Commissioned Illustration vs Photography vs Stock images) for
creating communications visuals will rage on forever. Given that, it can’t hurt to throw
my two-cents worth into the mix.
Reason Number Five: Illustration allows you to tell a story without the need
for elaborate sets. This affords both the Art Director and Client maximum
flexibility when crafting their message within a limited budget.
Reason Number Four: Illustration allows you to own your story, exclusively
maximizing the impact of the image. There is an advantage that comes with a
commissioned illustration. The advantage is that not just any Tom, Dick and Sherry will
own the rights to use the final image. This is a huge advantage over stock photography
or stock illustration.
Reason Number Three: Illustration affords a creative team the ability to
concept a difficult subject/message that may or may not be physically captured
with technology. For instance, your mind’s eye sees differently than the norm.
Reason Number Two: Illustration can reflect trends much more cost-effectively
than stock photography or stock illustration that generally has not captured
what hasn’t been seen yet. Ever wonder why futuristic comic books
don’t use photography?
Reason Number ONE: Illustration is cool.
One last thought.
“Everything’s within walking distance , if you have enough time”
….if you can, please give us a little more time.
Matt Zumbo
Illustrator
I have written a Christian children’s book, ages 2-6, and have commissioned an illustrator for about 34 pages of work. This is a labor of love so there’s no money at this juncture, but should my book get published I would want to give the illustrator a percentage of the revenue. I’ve put together a simple contract with a lawyer but don’t know what’s appropriate to offer regarding numbers. Can you give me an idea of what the going percentage is currently, or can you point me in a direction where I could find out?