How to Effectively Commission an Illustrator: A Step by Step Guide to Creating a Clear Brief
- This Wild Soul
- Dec 26, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Commissioning an illustrator can be an exciting process, but it’s important to ensure the brief you provide is clear enough to minimise revisions and keep your project on track. When you give an illustrator a detailed, well-structured brief, you set the stage for a smooth collaboration and a final piece that matches your vision. This guide walks you through the essential steps to commission an illustrator effectively, focusing on what information to include and how to communicate it clearly.
Define the Purpose of the Illustration
Start by explaining why you want the illustration. The purpose shapes every other decision in the project. Are you creating a book cover, surface artwork for a product, a magazine article illustration, wedding stationary, perhaps a special milestone gift for someone or something else? The illustrator needs to understand the context to tailor the style, tone, and details accordingly.
Describe the project or product the illustration will support.
Explain the message or feeling you want the image to convey.
Mention the target audience to help the illustrator align the style with viewer expectations.
For example, if you want an illustration for a children’s book, the style will likely be playful and colorful. For a wellness article, the illustration might need to have a calming pallet and be looser and more organic.
Set a Realistic Deadline
Clear timing helps both you and the illustrator manage the project and workload and ensure things are completed on time. Discuss the timeline before the project starts.
Specify the deadline when you need the final artwork.
Ask the illustrator how much time they need for drafts and revisions.
Build in buffer time for unexpected delays or extra changes just in case.
Agreeing on these milestones upfront avoids last-minute surprises.
Provide a Detailed Description of the Illustration
A vague description leads to confusion and multiple revisions. Be as specific as possible about what you want.
Describe the main subject(s) and any important details that need to be included.
Include references, or images of similar work you like so you paint an accurate picture in the artists mind of what you're after - the better you do this, the more likely you are to get exactly want you want with less revisions.
Images are powerful tools in a brief. They give the illustrator a clear visual target and reduce misunderstandings. For example, if you want a travel poster of Mount Fuji with a retro look, include an image that captures that style.
Use images selectively. Only include multiple references if you’re highlighting different elements - e.g. I like the colour of the sky in this one, the soft focus background in this, the font size and alignment on this one etc - be specific. If you include several images without explaining what you like about each, it can confuse the illustrator. The clearer you are about what you want, the more likely you’ll get exactly what you hoped for!
Specify Colour Direction Clearly
Colour choices affect the mood and impact of the illustration. Be clear about your preferences.
Indicate if you want lifelike, or saturated or unsaturated colours.
Mention dominant colours or palettes if you want one, such as mostly blues, greens, monochrome, black and white, pastels, or neutral tones - if required.
Explain if the colours should match existing branding or a particular environment - if so, send examples.
If you have brand colours which need to be used - please provide your companies brand book or the specific Hex and CMYK colour codes.
For example, if your project is about nature, you might want neutrals and greens. If it’s a wedding stationary project, you'll want the tones to match or compliment the colour scheme of the rest of the wedding.
Clarify Usage Rights and Deliverables
Make sure you and the illustrator agree on how the artwork will be used and what files or prints you will receive.
Specify if the illustration is for print, web, or both.
Ask for file formats you need (JPEG, PNG, and size etc).
Discuss whether you will have exclusive rights or if the illustrator can use the work in their portfolio - exclusive rights create a higher fee, non-exclusive reduces it.
Clear agreements prevent legal issues and ensure you get the files you need for your project.
Outline the Revision Process
Revisions are part of the creative process, but too many can delay the project and increase costs.
Agree on what stage you would like to see the work to review.
Make sure you understand how many rounds of revisions are included in the initial price and how much extras would cost.
Set a timeframe for providing feedback after each draft.
For example, you might agree on two rounds of revisions with feedback given within two days each time. This keeps the project moving efficiently.
Communicate Regularly and Respectfully
Good communication builds trust and keeps the process smooth.
Provide clear, constructive feedback during revisions.
Be open to the illustrator’s suggestions and expertise.
Respond promptly and respectfully.
Remember: illustrators are creative professionals. Respecting their process and input leads to better results.
Commissioning an illustrator is your chance to bring your exciting vision to life! Follow these steps, communicate clearly, and you’ll not only get a beautiful piece of art - you’ll enjoy the whole process. Gather your images, dream big, and get ready to see your ideas come to life in ways you never imagined! Your next favourite artwork is just a brief away!
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