What is an illustration contract?
What do you need to run a successful freelance business as an illustrator? Depending on whom you ask, you are likely to receive a myriad of answers to this question. Nevertheless, some answers will be similar. For example, there is no doubt that you need the right design skills to work in such an industry. Other than that, you also need the appropriate software and hardware. A few documents could also come in handy in your career. The simple illustration contract template is one such document.
Why should a client hire you as to handle all their illustration projects? After all, isn't the market full of other equally experienced well-trained and highly talented freelance illustrators? The simple illustration contract template can set you apart from every other freelancer. It can mark you out as the special one.

Moreover, it can make clients consider you to be the best illustrator to hire. Your goal should be to make sure that the contract protects all the parties involved in the project. Use it to let your clients know that there is something for them too in the project.
How does the illustration contract make you, the freelancer, worth hiring? How does the freelance illustration contract template help you to be a successful freelancer?
1. The freelance illustration contract template tackles the issue of cost
Clients who consider hiring freelancers do so for many reasons. One such reason is cost. Such clients are ready to save money. How do they save money? For starters, they do not have to deal with companies with massive overheads, which then transfer these costs over to the buyer. A freelancer often operates alone, unless the project in question requires the input of more than one professional. One of your duties is to assure clients that what you charge helps them to save money.
Show clients how you intend to help them save money. The return on investment has to be worth the actual money that your client is paying or ready to pay. Failure to guarantee or package your services as cost-effective could convince freelance clients to go to large companies. In such instances, you would lose clients, money, and work. More importantly, your reputation might suffer too. Before charging the rates, your focus should be on the following factors that affect what you charge:
- Duration of the project
- Complexity of the project
- Your location
- Technology used to create the illustrations

2. What should be included in an illustration contract template?
Talk to your freelance clients to find out why they are after freelancing services. Explain the situation to them clearly. You are likely to discover that most of your clients turned to you because they are not ready to part with the huge sums that large corporations charge. Because of this, you have to remember to indicate on the freelance illustration contract template the number of people who will be working on the project. That is quite important since some clients are not ready to assign their work to a team of 20 or so illustrators. Many of them want you to handle the project yourself.
The absence of a large pool of workers benefits clients in many ways. For example, they no longer have to worry about filling and filing W-2 forms. Other than that, clients do not have to concern themselves with hiring and firing policies. Furthermore, since freelancers don't have office spaces usually, it reduces the overheads for clients, thus ensuring that they save more money. Let clients know that you are also saving them from office politics and other dynamics that are part of large corporations.

3. Include specialized skills in the illustration contract sample
Illustration has different niches. However, you should strive to specialize in one or two niches. This way, you quickly become an expert and authority in your specialty. Eventually, clients seek you out for your expertise in the niche for which they need help. Therefore, your illustration contract must highlight this issue. It has to mention it for all to know that you specialize in a specific branch of illustration. The more your reputation grows in this regard, the more clients your consultancy will attract.
Give customers a reason for abandoning all the other illustrators they know for you. The key to achieving this lies in the illustration contract. For this reason, you should pay more attention to it. Ensure that the contract is well-written and contains no grammatical or spelling error. More importantly, it should represent everything that your business offers accurately. In addition to all that, the contract must also highlight the expertise that you are willing to extend to clients who need your services.
4. The illustration contract template adds focus
Without focus, you cannot accomplish much in this industry. The contract template can help you to stay focused on the relevant issues. More importantly, success and happiness would continue evading you without this critical trait. All successful freelancers are highly focused. They know how to shut everything out and keep their gaze on what is important. Actually, highly successful and focused freelancers know what they should and should not do with their time, money, skills and other resources.
5. The illustration contract template provides adaptability
Apart from focus, the illustration contract template offers you a chance to be as adaptable as you prefer. This trait is critical bearing in mind that clients will approach you with different projects and instructions. In such instances, you would be wrong in applying one-size-fits-all solutions. Each project will need a specific skill set, tool or solution. Customized solutions come with different benefits to you and your clients. For example, you are likely to notice the following:
- Your clients are happier
- The illustration does not lose any of its integrity
6. What are the essentials of an illustration contract?
It is fine to accept that you know a little. Nobody knows everything in illustration. Some veterans who have worked in the industry for eons take time off to go through fresh training to ensure they are up to speed with latest developments. If your illustration contract template allows it, you should not hesitate to seek for assistance from your peers. Such networks are critical for freelancers who:
- Mostly work in solitude
- Do not meet with clients in person except through phones, emails, and social media
7. Develop persistence with the illustration contract template
Persistence in your freelancing career can take you far. Therefore, it is good for you to start developing this trait. After all, disappointments are normal occurrences in freelancing. Without persistence or a thick skin, you could soon find yourself falling on your face. It is worth reiterating the need for persistence because freelancing has its fair share of feast and famine seasons. In the absence of such traits, you may be unable to withstand the pressures that stand waiting round the corner. Your freelance clients need you to persevere.
8. Identify a good workstation with the illustration contract template
There are days when you would be fine working from the comfort of your home, even if it is full of all manner of distractions. However, some illustration projects require a bit of silence and working in solitude. Do not rush into looking for such spaces if the illustration contract template does not provide the funds you need for this. Nevertheless, feel free to find such places even if it means taking a loss, as long as you deliver quality work that convinces clients to hand more projects to you.
When reviewing your illustration contract, keep in mind the following:
9. Introduction section of the illustration contract template
An illustration contract must have introduction has the date the agreement was made, both parties (that is the client and the freelancer) that agreeing to the terms and conditions, and their addresses. These contents are essential features found in standardized templates which are available for downloads.
10. Description of the illustration contract template
In this section, the description of the service to be done will be made. This is a crucial part of a contract that covers all the scope of work. You will know the number of illustrations to do and the fee budgeted for it.
Also, this will protect you whenever the client wants to put additional work for the same fee. You should have a clear understanding of the project description to avoid future misunderstandings between you and such a client. Make sure that the project stays between your agreed terms.
11. Grant of rights in an illustration contract template
As a freelancer offering service in illustration, you are reproducing art but not selling it. You have the right to limit your client's right to your fine art and sketches; you should maintain a great portion of your work as much as possible. Note a clause the points to rights of purchase.
For instance, how to use the illustration, and where to use it, the period to use it, and lots more. You should include in the contract the client will be granted the right to the illustration only when full payment is being made. If such a client couldn't pay for the illustration, then you are the legal owner of such a work.
12. Fees section of an illustration contract template
You have to include the agreed-upon fee of the project in such an illustration contract. Also, you should include whether sales tax applies to the service or not. Sales tax is rarely charged in your illustration work because an illustrator is selling reproduced work and not selling the real art. Hence, sales tax will only be charged when you are selling both your reproduction rights and the illustration work.
13. Payment in your illustration contract template
The clause of payment covers when and how your payment will be made. The standard payment is made within 30 days of final art delivery. You should ensure that all payment is made upon delivery and not before publication as stated in the illustration contract.
What happens if there is a late publication of the illustration. For instance, if you make a cover page for a book, then the publication was postponed by half a year due to the author's sickness? Would you wait that long to receive your payment? what if the author dies? You won't get paid.
14. Advances in your illustration contract sample
It is essential to include an advance fee in any illustration you have been paid advance for. It is helpful to get an advance fee for any long term work that requires cash to keep the work afloat. If you are worried about the client's payment ability, then it is essential to get a great portion of the total fee in case things go wrong.
15. Expenses in your illustration contract sample
There may be many expenses to be made for an illustration work besides the required materials. for example, if you are a photorealistic painter, you have to pay the model. If you are working on reportage, you have to include a travel fee. or if you want to embed typography inside your work, you have to purchase the font. Therefore, you should include all these costs, and the client must agree to pay for them.
You should try to be as professional as possible. Professionalism involves writing and signing contracts. Therefore, start studying illustrator contract template to familiarize yourself with the process of drafting one. As you do that, you will have drawn one or several steps closer to your goals.
Key elements in an illustrator contract
When crafting an effective illustrator contract, it's crucial to include essential elements that ensure a clear understanding of the project scope and protect the interests of both parties involved.
Key elements in an illustration contract
1. Scope of the project
Start by defining the scope of the project to have a comprehensive understanding of the client's expectations. Include specific details such as the number of illustrations required, image sizes, and project deadlines. If there are any specific working hours or requirements, clarify them in this section.
2. Project description
Clearly outline the client's wishes for the illustration work, including expectations from both parties. Specify the number of illustrations needed, revision requirements, and any additional services you will provide, such as edits. This ensures all expectations are transparent, avoiding surprises later in the project.
3. Detailed description of services
Describe your services in detail, including how you handle plagiarism, the tools you'll use, and any website editing services, if applicable. Clarity about the services you offer sets the foundation for a successful collaboration.
4. Feedback, editing, and approval process
Protect your time and effort by outlining the feedback, editing, and approval process in the contract. This ensures both parties understand the revision and approval procedures, minimizing potential misunderstandings.
5. Deliverables and milestones
Specify the deliverables and milestones for the project. Detail the start and completion dates, ensuring a clear timeline for the project's progress.
6. Payment terms
Clearly state the payment terms agreed upon before starting the project. Include an advance fee for upfront expenses and outline when the final payment is due upon project completion and delivery of all deliverables.
7. Tax documentation
If applicable, address tax documentation requirements, including any sales tax that applies in certain jurisdictions. Ensure both parties understand the agreed-upon fee and its application.
8. Intellectual property
Address ownership of the finished work and when ownership transfers to the client. Clearly define any continuing royalties, if applicable, and establish intellectual property rights.
9. Limitation of purpose
Consider including a limitation of purpose clause to restrict the use of your work beyond the agreed-upon scope.
10. Non-exclusivity
If you work with multiple clients, add a non-exclusivity clause to ensure you are not bound to a restrictive relationship with one client.
11. Confidentiality
Clearly define confidentiality requirements, especially if the client demands that the work not be disclosed elsewhere. Address any restrictions on discussing the collaboration on public platforms.
12. Termination
Outline the terms and rights of both parties in the event of termination. Address potential scenarios such as the freelancer's inability to complete the work due to unforeseen circumstances.
13. Dispute resolution
Include a clear dispute resolution process that addresses conflict resolution, handling additional costs, payment deadlines, and electronic signatures. Clearly state any penalty fees for late payments or additional services.
How to write a freelance illustrator contract?
Crafting a freelance illustrator contract is an essential step in establishing a successful working relationship with your clients. To create an effective contract, follow these steps:
Step 1: Discuss project scope: Have a detailed discussion with your client to understand the scope of the project, including the number of illustrations, their sizes, and any specific requirements.
Step 2: Outline services: Clearly define the services you will provide, such as creating illustrations, revisions, and other deliverables.
Step 3: Set payment terms: Agree on the payment structure, including any advance fees and the final payment upon project completion.
Step 4: Address intellectual property: Define who will own the rights to the finished illustrations and specify any conditions for usage.
Step 5: Establish deadlines: Set clear milestones and delivery dates for the project to ensure a smooth workflow and timely completion.
Step 6: Include confidentiality clause: Protect sensitive information and client data by adding a confidentiality clause.
Step 7: Discuss the revision process: Define how feedback and revisions will be handled to avoid misunderstandings.
Step 8: Add termination clause: Outline the conditions and consequences of contract termination by either party.
Step 9: Define dispute resolution: Establish a process for resolving any disputes.
Step 10: Review and sign: Carefully review the contract with your client and make any necessary revisions to ensure both parties sign the document.
Step 11: Save a copy: Keep a copy of the signed contract for your records, and provide a copy to your client for their reference.
By following these steps and customizing the contract to suit each project's specific requirements, you can create a professional freelance illustrator contract that protects both your interests and those of your clients.
How to use the illustrator contract template by Bonsai?
Using the illustrator contract template by Bonsai is a simple and effective way to streamline your freelance illustration projects. Here's how to make the most of this valuable tool:
1. Access the template
Sign up for Bonsai's services and gain access to their illustrator contract Template.
2. Customize the details
Fill in the necessary information, including the project's start date, duration, and any specific terms unique to the project.
3. Define project scope
Clearly outline the scope of the illustration work, detailing the number of illustrations, sizes, and any additional services to be provided.
4. Specify deliverables
List all the deliverables and milestones, including the start and completion dates, to set clear expectations for both you and your client.
5. Set payment terms
Define the payment structure, including any advance fees and the final payment upon project completion.
6. Address intellectual property
Clearly state who will own the rights to the finished illustrations and any usage conditions.
7. Include confidentiality clause
Protect confidential information and data with a confidentiality clause.
8. Outline revision process
Define how feedback and revisions will be handled to avoid any misunderstandings.
9. Termination and dispute resolution
Clearly explain the conditions and consequences of contract termination and establish a process for resolving disputes.
10. Review and finalize
Carefully review the completed contract, ensuring all details are accurate and comprehensive.
11. Electronic signature
Once you and your client are satisfied, sign the contract electronically for a legally binding agreement.
