Illustrating for a Client

In this section, we will consider one of the primary ways that illustration differs from Fine Art: working directly with a client for a commission or published project. In my experience, young illustrators often have difficulty the first time they are attempting to work within client specifications or trying to fit their needs; there’s a natural feeling of pushback or a sense of autonomy that rears its head. This is normal! A good way to think about this process is to remember that you are making something for the client that they cannot, that they want something that represents them, their project, or their needs, and that it’s important enough for them to pay someone else to help them achieve it. Moreover, they like your work and your style enough to pay you for it. Consider it an honor to be chosen to fill this need and work hard to treat this as seriously as you would your own independent work.

Below we will discuss some things to keep in mind when working on any illustration project, and we’ll consider basics like project specifications and having a contract with which you can protect your work. There’s a sample project for a client–Botanical Illustration for an Urban Farm–that can be adapted for a similar project in any illustration course.