Hi, I’m Lindsey. I love helping people discover their superpower, create compelling content, and feel excited about pitching and networking. I teach people how to pitch like a boss, network like a VIP, and write like an Oscar winner. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for actionable creativity and career tips.
A Writer’s Guide to Collaborating with Visual Artists
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Hi The saying a picture is worth a thousand words is true. Sometimes as writers, we need more than words for our projects. A well-designed cover can make a reader click “buy” before they read the back of the book. Character art can bring your cast to life, enticing readers into your world. And a polished pitch packet can make your project irresistible to Hollywood. When we think about it, there are lots of times writers need visuals to make their words come to life.
Finding the Right ArtistThe world is full of talented artists, but not all are the right fit for your project. Here’s how to find the one who gets your vision: 1. Look Where the Artists Hang Out
2. Match the Style to Your Project Artists have different styles and specialties. Look for someone whose portfolio aligns with your vision. If you’re writing a dark fantasy novel, an artist specializing in whimsical children’s illustrations probably isn’t the best fit. Pro Tip: Look at the weakest piece in their portfolio. If you’d still be happy with that level of quality, you’ve found a solid artist! 3. Budget Realistically Quality costs money. Expect to pay around:
If someone is charging too little, be cautious. Cheap artwork can mean rushed or poor work. How to Communicate with an ArtistOnce you’ve found your artist, it’s time to get on the same page (pun intended!). Artists aren’t mind-readers, so a solid creative brief is essential. Having a document you both can refer to will keep miscommunication to a minimum. What to Include in Your Creative Brief:
How to Give Feedback Give the kind of feedback you like to get. First, say what you like and what’s working. Point out specific elements you appreciate so the artist knows what to keep. Give specific feedback about what you don’t like and want to see corrected. For example, the background feels too busy. Can we simplify it to focus more on the main character? Beware of being too attached to an idea. If the artist suggests something better, listen! They know design. Contracts: Protect Yourself & the ArtistA contract isn’t just paperwork—it protects both you and the artist. If an artist refuses to sign a contract? Big Red flag! 🚩 Key Things to Include: Payment Terms: Full upfront? 50% deposit? Milestone payments when certain images are completed? Usage Rights: Are you buying full rights or just a license? (You need full rights for covers, but character art may be licensed.) Revisions: How many changes are included before additional fees apply? Delivery Timeline: Ensure you get the files before your launch date. Now, go forth and collaborate like a pro! More InfoFor more about designing book covers, read Step 12: Hire a Cover Designer in How to Turn Your Screenplay Into a Novel. Listen: Working with Illustrators from the Wish I'd Known Then podcast In Case You Missed ItUse Emotional Value Changes for Powerful Scenes Sarcasm for Character Chemistry Cheers, Lindsey Thanks for reading! You can share this article here. Was this week's newsletter useful? Help me to improve! Click on a link to vote: 👍Super! - 😐 Meh - 👎 Not my jam |
Hi I'm Lindsey Hughes
Hi, I’m Lindsey. I love helping people discover their superpower, create compelling content, and feel excited about pitching and networking. I teach people how to pitch like a boss, network like a VIP, and write like an Oscar winner. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for actionable creativity and career tips.
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