Resources

This resource offers a brief overview to this vital part of an illustrators’ practice

This resource outlines what steps you should take if you decide you would like to bring a matter to court.

This resource covers what to do if your client shares a new contract, having already agreed to a contract previously.

This resource outlines the clauses that typically exist in a publishing contract, and where you might wish to negotiate.

The Illustrator Template Contract is an industry standard template contract for illustrators to use with clients.

This resource outlines key considerations if licensing your work for use across film and television.

This resource outlines theBoilerplate clauses that you may see in a typical commissioning agreement for illustration

Understanding what a Confidentiality agreement/Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is and what they can mean for illustrators rights

This resource outlines key considerations if working with an author who intends to self-publish, rather than a traditional publishing company.

This resource explains what creative commons licenses are, and what to do if your client requests to use one.

This resource explains what National Insurance is, what it is for and the various categories (Classes) of National ...

A guide to help you understand some of the basics behind the way self-employed people are taxed.

The advantages and disadvantages of forming a limited company, so you can decide what is right for you.

Has your work been published in a UK book, magazine or on TV? If so, you're probably eligible for Payback royalties, in ...

An invoice is the document you supply to your commissioner claiming payment for the service of illustration you have ...

The majority of clients pay their bills within a reasonable period, but if you find that your invoice has not been paid, or ...

This resource takes you through the forms you need to complete when working for, and receiving payment from, a US based ...

This resource takes you through the processes you need to complete when working for, and receiving payment from, a ...

For many illustrators, bookkeeping isn’t the thing that we love the most about freelancing. In fact, you wouldn’t be alone in ...

Running a business, be it in illustration or anything else, requires a lot of attention to detail - particularly when it ...

You will be familiar with the image of Van Gogh's painting Sunflowers, but you may be surprised to hear why this image is so ...

Paved With Gold are a creative marketing agency helping people launch and grow their businesses from scratch. Helping with ...

Use this guide to understand how to manage a payment, if working with a client outside of the country where you are based.

Understand if IR35 is applicable and if so, what this means for you as an illustrator working on a project.

In 2021 the EU introduced new rules on the payment of VAT (Value Added Tax) on imports into the European Union countries. ...

The AOI can support you with licensing information and client negotiation for any project, use this form to contact us.

An overview of the process of agreeing a fee, with practical steps and considerations right through to the invoice stage.

What is a day rate and within illustration when is it appropriate and when is it not?

The essential information you need to know in order to be able to calculate a fee.

How to respond to requests to work for free - why it is discouraged and other occasions to consider.

A more extensive version of our pricing basics with exclusive member content.

Practical advice on how to navigate negotiating pricing.

A tool for members to aid in calculating and setting your own fees.

AOI advice on how to build a quote for the broadest licence you can offer.

As your career evolves you will need to reassess your fees. This resource highlights keys factors to consider.

Some useful insights and considerations in view of working with an agent.

Many people are comfortable with getting insurance for their homes, car and travel – but it’s also important to consider ...

An overview of the different types of illustration clients and what you can expect from these types of commissions.

A closer look at GDPR, what it is and what this means for illustrators.

A Privacy Policy template to help illustrators and agents to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

An introduction to business planning, offering ideas to get illustrators started building their all-important business plan.

How to get the most out of your membership - a guide for AOI Members.

A Two Week Business Plan to help you focus on key parts of your business, and set you up for success long-term.

The implications of Brexit for creative freelancers based in the UK.

The ins and outs of NFTs, from a legal & ethical perspepctive, including what they are and where illustrators stand.

Key considerations for effectively communicating with your clients.

Whether you’re a freshly minted illustration graduate looking to find your niche, a self-taught artist looking to explore ...

This resource gives an overview of moral rights, when they may not apply and the need to protect them.

This resource highlights what to consider when creating collage work, in terms of copyright.

This resource looks at UK copyright infringement and what you can do if your work has been infringed.

What do you do if a client asks you to assign your copyright? This resource explains the steps to take.

Utilising other online tools or platforms as part of your self-promotion strategy.

10 Top Tips for Your Website

How to use social media effectively to build and support your illustration career

Confidence coach Sarah Cartwright's essential tips for presenting with confidence and impact

How to get in touch with commissioners, in order to secure new work.

Utilising Competitions, Awards and Prizes to increase exposure and gain recognition of your work

Tips from AOI Webinar presented by social strategist Hannah Ray, April 2020

Making press coverage part of your marketing plan

Get to grips with how best to utilise LinkedIn to build client relationships and connect with potential commissioners

Top tips to ensure you are sourcing and targeting the right clients for you

Hear from agents about the key considerations for your folio and attracting potential commissioners

We talk to industry professionals about how to pitch your picture book idea.

We talk to Maria Tunney, from Walker Books, about how to pitch your illustrated picture book.

How to licence and price Illustration led animation.

Use this resource to understand what to consider when contracting for an animation project, and what is important to negotiate.

A combination of resources and articles offering useful advice and information in the areas of animation and gifs.

A handy checklist of questions to ask a client when you first receive an enquiry for an animation project.

This resource outlines how to find an animator, and how to set yourself up for success when working together.

This resource outlines different scenarios where you might be involved in an animation commission, and expectations for each example.

Gain insight into the process of working with an animation studio, and different animation approaches you can take.

This resource outlines the steps included in the animation pipeline / timeline, and what you need to know at each stage. 

This resource explains how to approach pricing an animation commission.

The Animator Template Contract is an industry standard template contract for illustrator-animators or animators to use with clients.

Learn the fundamentals of animating your illustrations in Procreate.

This resource is a short guide to getting started in animation without any prior experience.

This resources outlines some key considerations if you need to prepare your work to be animated.

This resources explains ways you can showcase and attract more animation work.

A list of key animation terms and definitions.

Learn the fundamentals of animating your illustrations in Procreate Dreams.