Illustrations are a fun and relatable way to present ideas, concepts and other bits of information. If you’re here, I’ll guess you’re thinking of getting some fitting illustrations done to pass information to your audience.
The only problem is you’re not an artist, and except you have a way to go back in time and hone in on your artistic skills (I want to go back in time to buy Bitcoin), you’ll be needing an illustrator to help you with creating illustrations.
That’s what this guide is for. In it, I outline the steps and information you need to hire a well worth illustrator with additional info on how to ensure you get the best out of any illustrator you hire.
The hiring pitfall
While illustrations may appear simplistic with their often flat designs and minimalist colors, a lot of work and certainly a lot of skill is required to produce the catchy ones you know and love. It’s not just scribbling art on paper; it’s taking often sophisticated concepts and minifying them into relatable artwork that tells a story or evokes a response.
All the excellent illustrators I know spent years honing in on their creativity and skills. They are in every right, creators, and while their next piece of artwork might come off as something they conjured up in less than a minute, I assure you that’s certainly not the case.
Many business owners and content creators approach the process of hiring an illustrator with this mindset – the mindset that it’s just another run of the mill service. It’s not; it’s a highly professional skill. Getting an illustrator who can relate to your needs to produce fitting graphic content requires you to pay attention to your hiring process.
What to look out for?
Okay, okay, I understand good illustrators are not backyard artists, so how do I go about hiring an illustrator that’s both skilled and professional with their job? Well, the best way to start is to look out for the following characteristics.
Creativity is a must
The best illustrators let their creative juices flow into the work they do. When you work with a less than creative illustrator, you’re bound to receive run of the mill commissions, the kind that looks like practically everything else. Not what the doctor ordered if you want to stand out from the crowd with your business. If you’re a business owner looking to cultivate a distinct brand image or a content creator looking to tell a new story, you must go the extra length to make sure your choice of an illustrator has that creative spark.
How to test this
Creativity is best seen in the finished work of an illustrator, and ideally, this is a design trait you test by doing a paid demo commission. If you already have a solid description of your illustration tasks ready, you can simply take a section of it for use as the demo requirement.
Alternatively, you could commission a random design with similarities to what you’d like done. It’s important not to set hard requirements when testing creativity. You want to see how far out of the box an illustrator go while keeping to the objective of the piece.
It also goes without saying that this is a screening test best conducted towards the tail end of your hiring process when you’ve narrowed down your potential hires to about two-three candidates.
Professional background and experience
It’s okay to hire a self-taught illustrator, but if you’re looking to commission something as expansive and detail-oriented as a children’s book, they need to have some formal training or experience working a gig that requires some formal training.
You don’t want to be the one creating notes on storyboarding, character design, page layout, and design flow for your illustrator. These technical aspects and guiding principles of illustration are what they should’ve learned in the walls of a design school or through experience if they’re self-taught.
How to test for this
Ask for professional qualifications. Note, however, that many illustrators are raw products of creativity rather than chilled out professionals from art schools.
And this is not a bad thing; what you want to do in the case of self-taught illustrators is evaluate their experience on the job. Who have they worked for? Any notable name or business? How long have they been illustrating? Published works?
A distinctive art style
It doesn’t have to scream, hey look, I’m the newest and ‘raviest’ illustrator on the block, but they should be enough subtle underhand design cues to let you know this is an original work of art from an original illustrator.
Why is this important? Art style is an accessory to creativity and artistic skill. Virtually all skilled illustrators have a more than distinctive art style. Conversely, from experience, I get cookie-cutter art a lot of times from artists with generic, everyday styles.
Now don’t misunderstand this. You can hire an illustrator with a distinctive art style to illustrate in another style or tone, although usually, the best results come when they’re working in their favorite headspace.
How to test this
Portfolios samples are the best way to get a feel of an illustrator’s art style. A distinctive art style is palpable on first impression; however, you’ll want to check more than one portfolio piece to see if that style shines across the illustrator’s work.
I’ll go on to note that the art style requirement is overall more relevant if you’re looking to fill in long term, professional, semi-professional illustrator roles. For the typical one-off job, it’s something you can sidestep if the illustrator demonstrates enough creativity and skill off-hand with their work.
Now let’s move on to where you can find Illustrators with these kinds of skills.
Where to find illustrators
There are numerous places to find illustrators, and you’ve probably heard of one or two. In this guide, I’ll be focusing on places where it’s not just easy to find an Illustrator but also easy to hire them as well. Let’s start with what is perhaps the easiest way to find and hire an illustrator today – Freelance sites.
Finding and hiring an illustrator on freelance sites like Fiverr and Upwork
Freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr host what is perhaps the largest congregation of Illustrators anywhere online. But, even with the insane number of talent they curate, it’s relatively easy to find an Illustrator fitting to your needs. Here’s how to go about it
Step one Search for a freelancer
Having used both Fiverr and Upwork to hire talent before, I can say they both have very robust search functionality. When you search for an illustrator, you get a personalized list of freelance illustrators matching your need.
By matching your needs, I mean both search engines consider the search intent of the keyword, your location and a host of other factors when formulating a results page of freelancers for every search.
Both platforms also allow you to post job requests, and this can come in handy if you’ve got a specific project or specific requirements – say you want an illustrator who’s available to work seven hours a day for your project.
Step two Pick a list of freelance illustrator
Once you’ve done a search, the next step would be making your pick from the list of freelance illustrators returned. I usually just gloss over profiles to get a hang of the freelancer’s general qualifications and experience before going on to fully assess their reviews.
Now reviews are an important and effective way to gauge the performance of an Ilustrator on a platform like Fiverr or Upwork. But you need to approach them systematically since a lot of reviews can be faked.
How to assess reviews
Take the five-star reviews with a pinch of salt
An illustrator with multiple five-star reviews might be good, just like the five-star reviews say, but it’s important to note that five-star reviews don’t tell the full story. For instance, a freelance illustrator on Fiverr might’ve been offering low-cost $5 illustration services.
Since most illustrations that fall into this category are usually low skill, they might execute it to perfection and get well deserved five-star reviews. You, on the other hand, are coming to the illustrator with a task that involves illustrating a full book. He/she might not have the experience or skillset to execute a project on that scale despite having an excess of five-star reviews.
Focus more on what the naysayers have to say
That might sound counterproductive or downright counter-intuitive, but one of the best ways to spot issues an illustrator might have is through their negative reviews. The reasoning is, If someone who had similar needs to yours approached the illustrator and didn’t get what they bargained for, they’ll most likely voice it out with a negative review.
You want to treat three-star reviews with the most importance. They are usually from level-headed clients who clearly describe what they liked and didn’t like with the freelancer.
Most freelance illustrators you’ll see on the front pages of Fiverr and Upwork will have little if any one-star reviews. For the ones that do, I only take one-star reviews to heart if there’s a recurring theme among each review from different buyers.
Step three interact with the freelancer and ask for portfolio samples
With the review step, you should now have a selection of freelancers who seem like they’d fit the bill. Both Fiverr and Upwork make it very easy to contact a freelancer.
When contacting them, you want to get answers for all the questions I described in the what you should look out for segment of this guide. Specifically, you want to gauge their creativity, industry experience and (educational) background.
To assess their style and work quality, you’ll need portfolio samples. Ask for a link to their portfolio page. Over time I’ve seen that freelance illustrators with dedicated illustration pages off freelance platforms put out better quality work.
But this is purely anecdotal; if an illustrator shows you wow samples, whether on a google drive link or via direct upload to the freelance messaging platform, you should definitely hire them. My experience has been that illustrators who upload local usually turn up poor quality samples.
If you’ve followed through to this point, you should have a solid idea of who your next hire is. If you do, congratulations. If you don’t, maybe a demo run will make your decision easier.
Step four – do a demo run
Sometimes it makes sense to commission a trial job before going all-in with an illustrator. I already hinted at this while I was talking about assessing an illustrator’s creative talent.
Demo jobs give you the complete picture of what the illustrator is capable of doing as it relates to your job. I totally recommend it if you’re doing a large project, something like illustrating a book or commissioning a magazine.
Demo runs will be paid, of course, but the value of knowing you’re dealing with the perfect freelance illustrator (or not) is well worth the investment.
What are the advantages of hiring a freelance illustrator
An extensive array of talent to take your pick from
Freelance sites overflow with creative talent, and that’s including illustrators. On Fiverr alone, there are well over 2900 illustrators, with practically all of them available for work.
This incredible number of options allows you to fill in any illustrator role or need with relative ease. Want to hire an illustrator who can work 5 hours a day, six days a week – I’m sure there’s on Upwork who’s willing to take up that offer.
It’s cheaper
The broad range of talent available on these platforms also works to drive down the price, so you get the best hiring rates available anywhere. I’ll add that with illustrations you don’t want to go too cheap; in fact, you don’t want to be cheap at all.
Good illustrators know their worth, so while you can be a cheap stake on these platforms, It’s usually in your best interest to offer competitive rates.
You can scale with ease
Hiring an Illustrator on a platform like Fiverr is as easy as pie, and because there are literally thousands of illustrators available to hire on a whim, you take your project from one illustrator to fifty or more on short notice.
The drawbacks
You have to be careful not to hire a hack
Anyone can set up shop as an illustrator on Fiverr or Upwork. Both platforms do very little to vet the skill and experience of freelancers, so there are a lot of pseudo professionals on the loose. It takes extra care – using the steps I outlined – to weed out this type of freelancers for the true professionals.
Hiring an illustrator on portfolio sites like Dribbble and Behance
Just like you have Instagram for personal photos, Portfolio sites like Dribbble, Behance and Artstation exist so freelancers can showcase their illustrations. Unlike freelance sites where you have to happen on the freelancers’ profile first before going through to see their samples, on portfolio sites, the samples lead you to the illustrator.
In my experience, this is a better arrangement for finding talent well fitted to your needs. You see an illustration you like in the style you want yours; you contact the creator to create a similar piece for you.
How to go about hiring an illustrator on portfolio sites like Dribbble and Behance
Step one – browse the portfolio site using search
Like freelance sites, portfolio sites have powerful search functions that allow you to reach the kind of illustrations you need done. Simply click the search bar and input your keyword. It could be something as simple as political illustration or more expansive, like a black and white minimalist illustration.
Step two – pick your favorite design
From the results page, you should see a couple of illustrations that pique your fancy. If the first ones on the line don’t cut it, don’t hesitate to scroll down a bit. I’ve some gems of illustrations nestled down below search results.
Step three – check out other samples
When you click on any illustration you like, you should see a link to the creator’s profile on the top left corner of the cart page. Now, remember, with portfolios, you’re trying to gauge the skill, expertise, style and creativity of the illustrator.
I could go on and on about how certain design cues indicate professionalism or creativity but in the end, what matters is how you feel about the illustrations you see. Do they evoke a sense of creativity? Do they pass a message across? Are they unique? Trust your gut.
Step four – buzz the illustrator
Like freelance sites, portfolio sites like Behance and Dribbble make it easy to contact artists. Note, however, that not all artists will respond to your enquiry. Many get tons of messages every day, and since these sites are majorly for showcase, not hiring, a lot go on to ignore commission requests.
What you can do to improve your chances of getting a reply is send a short and concise message. No beating about the bush, no extended hellos.
Step five – negotiate the requirements and deliverables
If you do get a reply and the illustrator is available for work, the next step would be to provide them with your project brief. They should respond with a quoted rate and ETA.
Step six – sign a contract
If everything works both ways, it’s time to sign a contract. The contract should contain all agreed details, including the project requirements, pay rate and estimated delivery time. Additionally, it should contain a reference to the copyright terms. I’ll dive deeper into copyrights at the tail end of this guide.
Advantages of hiring an illustrator on portfolio sites like Behance
Like with freelance sites, there’s a huge selection of talent to select from
Portfolio sites house a huge selection of illustrators to make your pick from
Portfolio sites are a place to find some exquisite talent
While it’s true that freelance websites have an abundance of illustrators, not all illustrators set up shop on freelance sites. And that’s understandable since not all illustrators are freelance artists.
Most skilled illustrators, whether freelance or in-house or agency, however, have online portfolios set up on portfolio sites. So while you might not find Pixar’s Bob Pauley on Fiverr, you might find his portfolio page while casually scrolling through Behance.
The drawbacks
Hiring an illustrator might be complicated
Whereas freelance sites provide you with a buy now button to simply hire an illustrator, portfolio sites only have a message button. You might not get replies to the messages you sent.
It’s expensive
Freelance illustrators want to be hired. Illustrators on portfolio sites are merely showcasing their work. Sure, some might have hiring at the back of their mind but since it’s you who’s coming to them unsolicited expect to meet steep rates, more especially if you’re courting top talent.
Hiring an illustration agency
Unlike freelance illustrators and those you hire off sites like Behance, illustrations agencies offer a la carte illustration services usually effected by an illustration team. You get a dedicated group of illustrators working on your project.
Some premium illustration agencies even onboard a project manager to supervise your project. No need to constantly check in or request for revisions; you submit your requirements, receive an invoice, pay and get your illustrations at the scheduled delivery time.
How to hire an illustration agency
I’ve found that the best way to hire an agency for your illustration needs is to get a referral. But obviously, this only works if you have a large circle of peers who use illustrations constantly. If you do, don’t hesitate to ask.
Based on my experience, these are the top illustration agencies to get splendid work done.
Now whichever agency you finally decide on, it’s important to clarify your needs and get confirmation that they can satisfy them. Agencies work with tightly knit illustrator teams (usually freelancers anyway). If your project exceeds the ability of the agencies team members, your chances of getting a botched job just went all the up.
If you do get a confirmation, make sure to outline the requirements of your project in detail in your project brief. Don’t leave anything up for assumption. Be as explicit as is possible.
The advantages of hiring an Illustration agency
Professional a la carte service
No need for a selection process on your part and no need for intensive portfolio reviews. As long as you’re hiring a reputable illustration agency, the quality of your illustrations will be top-notch.
A managed service
Agencies do not require the micromanagement that comes with hiring a freelance illustrator either from freelance sites or portfolio sites.
Most times, all you’ll need to do is provide your details and get on with it. As I said, some premium illustration agencies even assign project managers that supervise and deliver periodic reports so you’re kept well in the loop of things.
The drawbacks
Agencies are expensive
Very expensive when you consider the rates of the other options. Part of that expense is because you’re not only paying for artwork, you’re covering the extra overhead that goes into managing the illustrators who complete your job
Agencies are not so flexible
You could easily modify your requirements mid-job if you’re working with a freelance illustrator with little to no comeuppance. Agencies, on the other hand, will sometimes charge sky-high fees for the same modification.
Which is the best
I want to say it depends on your needs, but I’ve found that over the years, as I’ve hired more and more illustrators, I find myself working more with illustrators I meet on freelance websites than anywhere else.
Agencies are great for the managed service they provide and the top draw professionalism you’ll get with most of them. But the cost of hiring one can be sometimes outrageous, all things equal.
Portfolio sites would’ve been awesome, but the so many blank shots I’ve ended up having on these sites discourages me from hiring there.
Freelance websites just make it easy, straightforward and cheap to hire an illustrator. Yes they are a lot of quacks on these platforms but provided you do your research and stick to the methods I’ve described in this guide, you should not have any problems avoiding them.
A note on copyrights before I conclude
Like I always say in all of my hiring guides, the best way to prevent any copyrights issue is to hire a copyrights lawyer. If you’re working on a large project, don’t cut corners with this; consult a lawyer and get your head out of the water.
For small one time projects, I understand that it might be expensive and cumbersome to hire a copyrights lawyer. What you want to do in such cases is formulate a document that clearly defines who owns the copyright for the illustration in question.
Some illustrators transfer all copyrights to buyers; some charge an extra fee; many others do not. You want to bring this up with any illustrator you choose and reach an agreement. The best position for you obviously is to own all the copyrights so ask for this from the get-go. Whatever the final decision is, you should put it in writing and get the illustrator to sign off on it.
To conclude
How do you hire an awesome illustrator? Except you got deep pockets to contract the job to an agency, you’ll have to take your time to make a great selection. My guide should serve as reference material, but if you’ve got any questions, let me know in the comment section.
