Commissioning illustration for a children's book should be straightforward, but many projects encounter avoidable problems. Understanding common mistakes helps publishers, authors, and self-publishers navigate the process more successfully.

Choosing Based on Price Alone

Budget constraints are real, but selecting the cheapest illustrator often proves false economy. Inexperienced or unsuitable illustrators may require extensive revisions, miss deadlines, or deliver work that fails to sell the book effectively.

The illustration budget should reflect the book's commercial ambitions. A lead title expected to sell thousands of copies justifies greater investment than a modest backlist addition. Cutting corners on illustration rarely pays off. Browse our curated collective of illustrators to find quality talent.

Vague Briefs

Illustrators cannot read minds. A brief that says only "make it look nice" provides no useful direction. Without clear guidance on tone, audience, style preferences, and specific requirements, illustrators must guess - and guesses often miss the mark.

Effective briefs describe the target reader, the mood of the text, any visual references that capture the desired feel, and practical constraints like page count and format. The more specific the brief, the more likely the result will match expectations. Our commissioning services help develop effective briefs.

Micromanaging the Process

The opposite problem also causes difficulties. Some commissioners provide such detailed instructions that they leave no room for creative input. Illustrators bring expertise and vision; treating them as mere executors wastes their abilities.

The best results come from clear direction combined with creative freedom. Specify what matters - the emotional tone, key story moments, essential character traits - then trust the illustrator to find visual solutions. See how illustrator Cam brings creative vision to projects.

Unrealistic Timelines

Quality illustration takes time. A 32-page picture book typically requires several months from commission to final artwork. Rushing this process compromises quality and stresses everyone involved.

Build realistic timelines that allow for rough sketches, feedback rounds, and final artwork. Account for the illustrator's other commitments and the inevitable delays that affect any creative project. Learn about our pre-production services to understand realistic timelines.

Ignoring the Contract

Clear contracts protect both parties. They should specify deliverables, deadlines, payment terms, revision allowances, and rights arrangements. Proceeding without proper documentation invites disputes.

Pay particular attention to rights. Who owns the artwork? What uses are permitted? Can the illustrations be licensed for merchandise? These questions become contentious if not addressed upfront. Explore our commercial use licensing options.

Expecting Unlimited Revisions

Some revision is normal and necessary. But expecting an illustrator to make endless changes without additional payment is unreasonable. Professional contracts typically specify a number of included revision rounds.

Consolidate feedback rather than sending piecemeal comments. Review work thoroughly before responding. Respect the illustrator's time and expertise by providing clear, actionable direction.

Poor Communication

Projects suffer when communication breaks down. Long silences leave illustrators uncertain whether to proceed. Unclear feedback leads to misunderstandings. Changing requirements mid-project create confusion and resentment.

Establish clear communication expectations from the start. Respond to submissions promptly. Be honest about concerns rather than letting problems fester. Treat the relationship as a professional partnership.

Mismatched Expectations

Sometimes commissioners expect an illustrator to work in a style quite different from their portfolio. While good illustrators can adapt, asking for something completely outside their range rarely succeeds.

Choose illustrators whose existing work demonstrates the qualities you need. If you love an illustrator's whimsical watercolours, do not commission them for gritty digital artwork. Match the artist to the project.

Neglecting the Relationship

Illustration commissions are not one-off transactions. Building good relationships with illustrators leads to better work, smoother projects, and priority access for future commissions.

Treat illustrators as valued collaborators. Pay promptly. Credit their work appropriately. Recommend them to others. These courtesies cost nothing but create lasting professional goodwill.