Contact EmmaEmma works with a wide range or clients, both large and small. If you have a project and are considering commissioning illustration then Emma would be happy to talk you through the commissioning process and discuss your requirements.
Emma is based in Sheffield but is very happy to travel for projects which require a site visit, working with UK and international clients. A Note From Matt, Emma's husband - October 2021I'm very sorry to tell you that Emma died on 21st October 2021.
If you'd like to read something from Emma, then she wrote about her life, and her illness, in September 2021 here. If Emma worked for you and you'd like to get in touch, or need any help with the work she did for you (reprinting, changes etc.) then please email me at Emma's email address and I will be able to help. |
Upcoming Events
Museums & Heritage Show, London, 13th & 14th May 2020
Come and visit Emma's stand to see new work and chat about your ideas |
FAQs: Commissioning Illustration
How much does it cost to commission an illustration?
Illustrations are priced according to a number of factors which vary from project to project. These factors include 1.) what the illustration will be used for 2.) how long it will be used for 3.) how much time it will take to create etc.. The best way to find out how much a particular illustration will cost is to get in touch to discuss your requirements.
The Association of Illustrators have produced a very useful Guide to Commissioning which is well worth reading, particularly if you have not worked with an illustrator before.
What is copyright?
Copyright put very simply is the right to copy something. The owner of the copyright to an image is the only person who has the right to reproduce it or allow others to reproduce it. Copyright is automatically created as soon as an illustrator draws, paints or creates a piece of work in any medium, and lasts for the illustrator`s lifetime plus 70 years. When an illustrator creates artwork for a client the illustrator still automatically holds the copyright to that artwork, but grants the client permission to reproduce the artwork in the form of a licence.
Why can't I just buy the copyright?
Copyright is a highly valuable and wide ranging right, which essentially grants the copyright holder the right to reproduce an illustration in any context, as many times as they like, throughout the entire world, and to modify the image in any way they please. The copyright holder can also sell the rights to the artwork to anyone they choose.
The cost for a copyright buy out will obviously reflect this, and as such please do not expect to do so without a very significant cost implication.
It is almost never appropriate for an illustrator to assign complete copyright to a client, and in the vast majority of cases a licence proves to be the best option. A licence means that the client only pays for the specific rights which they require, rather than a large number of rights they may never need to use.
The information here is a basic introduction to copyright issues relevant to commissioning illustration; if you would like to find out more information then you can visit the Intellectual Property Office website which is an excellent resource on the subject.
Illustrations are priced according to a number of factors which vary from project to project. These factors include 1.) what the illustration will be used for 2.) how long it will be used for 3.) how much time it will take to create etc.. The best way to find out how much a particular illustration will cost is to get in touch to discuss your requirements.
The Association of Illustrators have produced a very useful Guide to Commissioning which is well worth reading, particularly if you have not worked with an illustrator before.
What is copyright?
Copyright put very simply is the right to copy something. The owner of the copyright to an image is the only person who has the right to reproduce it or allow others to reproduce it. Copyright is automatically created as soon as an illustrator draws, paints or creates a piece of work in any medium, and lasts for the illustrator`s lifetime plus 70 years. When an illustrator creates artwork for a client the illustrator still automatically holds the copyright to that artwork, but grants the client permission to reproduce the artwork in the form of a licence.
Why can't I just buy the copyright?
Copyright is a highly valuable and wide ranging right, which essentially grants the copyright holder the right to reproduce an illustration in any context, as many times as they like, throughout the entire world, and to modify the image in any way they please. The copyright holder can also sell the rights to the artwork to anyone they choose.
The cost for a copyright buy out will obviously reflect this, and as such please do not expect to do so without a very significant cost implication.
It is almost never appropriate for an illustrator to assign complete copyright to a client, and in the vast majority of cases a licence proves to be the best option. A licence means that the client only pays for the specific rights which they require, rather than a large number of rights they may never need to use.
The information here is a basic introduction to copyright issues relevant to commissioning illustration; if you would like to find out more information then you can visit the Intellectual Property Office website which is an excellent resource on the subject.
Emma provides a tailor-made service: she can start from scratch, generating ideas and concepts for your family trail, or she can work with you to develop existing ideas.
Advice for Aspiring Authors & Illustrators
I'd love to become an illustrator! Can you give me any advice?
Here is a list of useful websites and books which I have found to be great resources. If you would like to get in touch in person regarding anything which is not covered in the links below then please feel free to do so but bear in mind I cannot reply straight away. I don't respond to emails addressed to 'Dear Sir or Madam', nor can I offer work experience placements.
WEBSITES
The Association of Illustrators - A UK professional body representing illustrators, working to advance and protects their rights and to promote professional standards. Members can gain access to valuable advice, even if you're only just starting out.
How to start your illustration career - Must-read article by illustrator Nate Williams
How to get started as a Professional Illustrator - Well written, generous and insightful article by rep Anna Goodson
Entering Illustration - Brilliant advice from US illustrator and designer Kevin Cornell
Escape from Illustration Island - Online community for illustrators with downloadable podcasts
Moira Munro's Super Tips - FAQs and help for aspiring writers or illustrators (and bits and pieces for experienced ones too)
BOOKS
The Illustrator's Guide to Law and Business Practice by Simon Stern
The Graphic Artists' Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines by the Graphic Artists' Guild
How to be an Illustrator by Darrel Rees
The Writers & Artists' Yearbook, A&C Black Publishers
I've written a book which I would like to publish!
If you have written a book and would like to have it illustrated, the first step is to look for a publisher for your book. It is normal to find a publisher before you start to think about illustrations since publishers tend to like to have a say in deciding on the style of illustration that will most appeal to their target market.
The best advice I have found for authors is thanks to the fantastic Moira Munro who has a brilliant page on her website packed full of friendly advice and suggestions for places to get help.
Moira Munro's Super Tips: FAQs and help for aspiring writers or illustrators
Here is a list of useful websites and books which I have found to be great resources. If you would like to get in touch in person regarding anything which is not covered in the links below then please feel free to do so but bear in mind I cannot reply straight away. I don't respond to emails addressed to 'Dear Sir or Madam', nor can I offer work experience placements.
WEBSITES
The Association of Illustrators - A UK professional body representing illustrators, working to advance and protects their rights and to promote professional standards. Members can gain access to valuable advice, even if you're only just starting out.
How to start your illustration career - Must-read article by illustrator Nate Williams
How to get started as a Professional Illustrator - Well written, generous and insightful article by rep Anna Goodson
Entering Illustration - Brilliant advice from US illustrator and designer Kevin Cornell
Escape from Illustration Island - Online community for illustrators with downloadable podcasts
Moira Munro's Super Tips - FAQs and help for aspiring writers or illustrators (and bits and pieces for experienced ones too)
BOOKS
The Illustrator's Guide to Law and Business Practice by Simon Stern
The Graphic Artists' Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines by the Graphic Artists' Guild
How to be an Illustrator by Darrel Rees
The Writers & Artists' Yearbook, A&C Black Publishers
I've written a book which I would like to publish!
If you have written a book and would like to have it illustrated, the first step is to look for a publisher for your book. It is normal to find a publisher before you start to think about illustrations since publishers tend to like to have a say in deciding on the style of illustration that will most appeal to their target market.
The best advice I have found for authors is thanks to the fantastic Moira Munro who has a brilliant page on her website packed full of friendly advice and suggestions for places to get help.
Moira Munro's Super Tips: FAQs and help for aspiring writers or illustrators