Art by Jake Parker
How do you judge art you don’t like? Am I getting ripped off? Why is my client work so bad? Tune in to hear Jake Parker, Lee White, and Will Terry answer these questions (and critique an illustration) in this episode.
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SHOW LINKS
Society of Illustrators Poster by Daniel Salmieri
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
KEY TAKEAWAYS
People pick up on energy and enthusiasm in your work at least as much as your accuracy and technical prowess.
When negotiating with clients, it pays to get comfortable being uncomfortable! Learn to ask for what you want and advocate for yourself.
Clients hire you for you; approach each job like you’re making a portfolio piece for yourself.
QUESTIONS
Helen asks, “How do you know if an illustration is good even if it’s not to your taste? As a teacher, what criteria do you use to evaluate a work?”
You can judge illustrations on two levels: the fundamentals (value, composition, concept, etc.) and connection with the intended audience. While the former can be graded with a rubric, the latter is more subjective. Teachers should ask students what they’re trying to communicate in their illustrations to evaluate if their works meet those goals.
Some illustrations may not be technically accurate or match your taste, but their energy or emotion allows them to connect with their intended audience. In that sense, work that appears fundamentally flawed but which is resonating with people could be considered successful. Good painting and drawing skills are invaluable, but at the end of the day, consumers are more interested in work that emotes than in perfect but bland art.
Ash asks, “Recently I was contacted by a MAJOR online retailer who is interested in licensing my artwork for t-shirts. For 10 pieces of art, they are offering 5% of gross in royalties, a small advance, and will have my name and social media alongside the products. The downside is that the contract gives them exclusive rights on all products for an undetermined amount of time, with no 'get-out' clause if I wish to leave. I tried negotiating the contract terms, but they are set in stone. They assure me that—even though this isn't in the contract—the company will end the agreement at any time if I wish to. Should I trust what they say? Is it worth signing a bad contract at the beginning of an art career to get things going?”
This sounds like a pretty sweet deal, especially when you’re just starting out. Jake recommends creating art specifically for this project that you never plan to use elsewhere; that way you won’t mind this retailer owning the rights to your images. At the very least, you’ll get paid for the work, have a great project for your portfolio, and have a little more clout to negotiate contract terms next time you get the opportunity.
Lee evaluates potential jobs with these questions: 1. Does it pay well? 2. Does it give you massive exposure in the direction you want to go? 3. Does it allow you to try something you’re interested in? If a job satisfies one to three of these criteria, it’s probably a good fit for you!
Vidar asks, “As a freelance illustrator and animator, I’ve noticed I enjoy working on my own projects more than client projects. I feel my client work isn’t as good, even when I have the freedom to create in my style. I have a great time creating for myself, but working for others adds a lot of pressure. Any tips?”
This imposter syndrome is quite common and often results in playing it safe artistically, but remember that your clients hired you for your unique way of solving creative problems. Rather than trying to reinvent yourself into what you think your client wants, try approaching each project with the attitude, “I’m going to make this mine.” Shift your thoughts from “I have to give the client their money’s worth” to “I’m going to make an awesome portfolio piece." Focus on making art you’re proud of, rather than fearing what your client will think. Good art lasts much longer (in your portfolio and online) than the money you earn from creating it!
LINKS
Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44
Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt
Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo
Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.
Lily Howell: lilycamille.com
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