Hi Reader,

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.

• Movie posters
• Book covers
• Pitch decks
• Project and company logos
• Graphic novels and comic books
• Picture books
• Maps (especially for fantasy)
• Character designs
• Kickstarter campaigns
• Marketing (ads, swag, bookmarks, & tee shirts)

Finding the Right Artist

The 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

• Instagram, X, LinkedIn, & ArtStation: Many illustrators showcase their work here. Try searching for hashtags like #bookcoverdesign, #characterart, or #mapillustration.
• DeviantArt & Behance: Great for browsing portfolios and discovering artists.
• Reedsy & 100Covers: For book covers, Reedsy has vetted professionals, while 100Covers offers affordable yet high-quality book covers.
• Writing Groups & Forums: Ask other writers about their favorite artists they have worked with. Personal recommendations go a long way!
• Kickstarter & Patreon: Many authors commission artwork for special editions. Check out which artists they’re working with.

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:

• $250 - $1,000+ for a book cover (depending on complexity and experience level).
• $100 - $500+ for character art (again, complexity matters!).
• $400 - $500 for detailed maps.

If someone is charging too little, be cautious. Cheap artwork can mean rushed or poor work.

How to Communicate with an Artist

Once 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:

1. Reference Images: Stock photos, Pinterest mood boards, and AI-generated images help artists understand your vision.
2. Your Project’s Genre: A romance cover looks different from a horror cover. The images you need will vary from genre to genre.
3. ​Project Cocktail Pitch & Key Themes: This helps the artist capture the right mood.
4. Tone & Color Preferences: Do you want a dark, moody cover or something vibrant and whimsical?
5. Type & Number of Images: Do you want 3 individual characters and one cast picture? A book cover with one character? Or three maps?
6. Dimensions & File Types: For example, Print and digital covers have different specs.
7. Revision Rounds: How many tweaks do they allow before extra fees kick in? What are the fees for each additional round?
8. Deadline: Artists book up fast! Plan months in advance.

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 Artist

A 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 Info

For 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 It

​Use Emotional Value Changes for Powerful Scenes​

​The Rule of Three​

​Sarcasm for Character Chemistry

Cheers,

Lindsey

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