- How is illustration commissioned?
- What rights or uses are typically sold?
- Who owns the copyright?
- Is the original art included in the fee?
- What makes a good illustration?
- What makes a good illustrator?
- How do I update my contact information?
- How do I upload sample images to my page in the Portfolios section?
FOR MEMBERS ONLY
How is illustration commissioned?
It all starts with a client looking to communicate an idea visually. The client (an ad agency, author, art director of a magazine or newspaper, in-house graphics department, manufacturer, etc.) contacts an illustrator, either directly or through an authorized agent, and they
begin discussing the project: goals, target audience, mood, style, medium, market, timeline, usages, fees, etc. An agreement is reached, terms are put in writing, and work begins.
What rights or uses are typically sold?
It depends on the client and the project. Since fees are based on usage, clients usually buy only the reproduction rights they need. Typically that means a one-time use, such as for a magazine article. But the range may be much broader--from an ad campaign over a limited period, to exclusive unlimited rights for product packaging. Often clients insist on buying "all rights"--or even "work for hire"--which would allow them to own and control the copyright to artwork they did not create, for uses that they will never need. The circumstances where such sales are justified are relatively rare, and illustrators should either resist them or obtain adequate compensation.
Who owns the copyright?
By law, the copyright belongs to the artist who creates the illustration, and it vests in that person the instant the image is fixed in tangible form (ideas alone are not copyrightable). Exceptions are made when the artist is a salaried employee (in which case the employer is considered the creator of the work), or when a client negotiates a "work for hire" agreement with a freelance artist--in which case it must be in writing and fall into one of nine specific categories in order to be valid.
Is the original art included in the fee?
No. Purchase of original artwork is negotiated and paid for separately from the rights sold.
What makes a good illustration?
One that best communicates the client's message. Illustration is more than art--it's art with a purpose, an image on a mission. There are as many styles of illustration as there are illustrators, and each brings a different quality to the message--soft, harsh, realistic, abstract,
whimsical, serious. Effective communication is paramount: it's not always the pretty picture or even the technically brilliant rendering that gets the job done.
What makes a good illustrator?
One who best serves the needs of the client. As a visual problem-solver, the illustrator brings unique skills and judgment to a project, but should be flexible enough to work as part of a creative team that may include art directors, copywriters and printers, all focused on delivering the client's message most effectively.
FOR MEMBERS ONLY
How do I update my contact information?
The first step is to make sure you've created a record in our database. If you already filled out an ONLINE APPLICATION, you can proceed to the instructions below. If not, please take a minute to do that now. Click on "Join" at the top of this page, then on "Membership Application" in the purple banner. When finished, please contact the Membership Chair to have your account activated. You won't be able to access it until then.
FOR CHANGES OF ADDRESS, PHONE, SEARCH PREFERENCES, CLIENT LISTS, etc. Click on "Join" at the top of this page (it's easier if you open another window in your browser), then on "My Account" in the purple banner. You'll get the Login page asking for your membership type, email address and password.
ABOUT YOUR PASSWORD If you don't know or can't remember it, click on "forget your password" and you'll get an immediate email with a link to change your password. You must use the original email address you applied with. If your email address has changed, please contact the Membership Chair. Click on that link (or cut & paste the entire URL into a new browser window) and enter your new password. Once your new password is confirmed, go to "My Account" again.
Now select your Membership type, enter your email address and new password, and you'll be taken to your "Account Information" page. (If not, there may be a problem with your browser. Contact the Membership Chair for assistance.) How do I upload sample images to my page in the Portfolios section? [for Active Members only]
Please follow these instructions carefully:
1. Select up to 3 SAMPLE IMAGES for your page. We'll need two sets: one set of THUMBNAILS for your page, and one set of LARGE IMAGES for the "Click to enlarge" pop-up windows.
2. THUMBNAILS: Save as JPEGs, 145 pixels high x any width. Name them as: "yourlastname[up to 6 letters]1.jpg" etc.--Examples: "smith1.jpg," "daVinc2.jpg," "rembra3.jpg"
3. LARGE IMAGES: Save as JPEGs, up to 200K (MAXIMUM SIZE). Name them same as above, but add capital "L" after the number.--Examples: "smith1L.jpg," "daVinc2L.jpg," "rembra3L.jpg"
4. IC HOME PAGE ROTATING SQUARES: Select a visually interesting segment or detail from one of your 3 images (e.g. a face, animal, etc.). Save as a GIF, 90 pixels square. Name it as: "yourlastname[up to 6 letters]1[same number as the segmented image].gif."--Examples: "smith1.gif," "daVinc2.gif," "rembra3.gif" Please note: Because this image would appear on the IC home page, we have to reserve the right to edit for content.
5. EMAIL TO: portfolios@illustratorsclub.org. You must also notify the Membership Chair at the same time.* We'll try to put up your images ASAP, but please allow 2-3 weeks before checking back.
*Please be sure to notify us directly at jazar1@verizon.net since the portfolios mailbox is not checked frequently.
6. FOR TEXT EDITS such as changes of address, new website, search preferences, clients, etc. please follow the instructions for updating contact information, above.
If you have any problems, please contact the Membership Chair.