A good quote needs a good briefing. Talking about the content and goals of the commission are necessities.

To express your request in the most efficient way, there are a few things to consider. This page is to help you provide the most important information right at the first call.

The basic description should summarize what the commission should show - what characters are on it and in which setting are they? If you have reference pictures, that are similar to what you envision, don’t hesitate to attach them.

• Purpose: What should the illustration accomplish? Where should it be used? Wedding, children’s book, ad banner? Is the illustration to be framed and to be put on the wall?
• Style: Rough sketch, black and white, colored, cartoon or rather realistic? Attach some reference pictures!
• Character(s): How does the character look like and what pose does he strike? If there are several, how do they interact?
  
• Background: Is there a background? Is it transparent, a solid color or integral part of the illustration? What is on the background?
• Composition, Perspective: Are there any specifications?
• Atmosphere: Is a certain atmosphere to be achieved? Reference pictures or moodboards can be very helpful in this matter.
  
• Size/Medium: In what size will the illustration be used? Will it be shown digitally or will it be printed?

In case of a design you should think about the target audience and how the product should look like. What is it? A flyer, website, icons, ad banner? Is there a given corporate design, and what size should the design be? Print or online? Are there print specifications?

You don’t need to answer every question - as you will be working with a professional after all, who can counsel you and present various solutions.

An utterly important matter, for a quote and the illustration or design itself: How and in what way will the commission be used? What are you trying to accomplish with it?

• Medium and purpose: How and in what way will it be used? Digital, print, magazine, in a movie, a logo mascot etc. What is the number of copies?
• Time: How long do you need to use your commission?
• Exclusive: Do you need exclusive rights? Maybe an exclusive one for a short amount of time and then a non-exclusive one?
• Region: Do you want to use the work in Europe, USA or even worldwive?

If you have specific questions regarding usage rights, please take a look at my page about usage rights.