Are we Human? Working with an Illustrator...

Stylized Female Face - Available to licence Exclusively from Arcangel Images - Image ID AA11443961

"Are we Human or are we Dancer? ",  You may have heard that line...from The Killers song Human,  and if you know the song well you may know that it follows  a few lines later with "I'm on my knees looking for the answer".

Well my friends let me tell you firstly that Yes! We illustrators are human, and whilst it may seem a little bit alien commissioning or working with an illustrator if you have never done it before, you don't have to get down on your knees to find the answer you only have to ask... reach out - we're a very friendly bunch....

Art Licensing...What's That?

Art Licensing? You may be asking yourself what the heck is that?  I'm an illustrator not a lawyer,  but here are a few of the basics to help you if you are new to licensing Artwork...

Firstly when you commission work from an Illustrator you are in effect paying to use the image for a period of time, but usually you do not actually own the artwork outright as the copyright remains with the artist /illustrator.  (Like anything there are exceptions to the rule but these must always be agreed with the artist first.) 

To get you started - here are a few things we are going to need to know ...

Before we start the process of illustrating or licensing a piece of artwork to you here are a few questions that we may ask you in order to give you a quote...

• Who is going to be using the Illustration? Big Company, Little Company or just You ...
• What is it going to be used on or for? For example a book cover, editorial use in a magazine or on your blog, a greeting card,  or packaging for your lovely organic soaps ...
• Where in the World is it going to be used... is it going to be used only in the UK / USA  for example, or are you looking for world rights, so the image can be used  in various countries throughout the world.
• When will it be used and for how long?  Do you intend to use it on a product for a year,  or for a short period between specific dates ...
• How  - if it's for a magazine what is the print run, or if it's for a book cover do you want Exclusive rights so no one else can use that Illustration on a book cover in the UK for example.

• For more information about the process of commissioning and licensing you can check out the helpful  industry guidelines from the Association of Illustrators  here.   Please don't be daunted...if you see the work of an illustrator that you would like to work with ... reach out , connect and ask questions.
  

The image above is part of a mini collection called Humanity that I created a little while ago and can be licensed exclusively from Arcangel Images  Image ID AA 11443961 ... and if that song line from Human by The Killers is going round in your head why not sing along and check it out here....