An informative webinar for illustrators, sharing practical and accessible information about pricing, licensing and negotiation with clients

The European Illustrators Forum (EIF) believe that all illustrators deserve a stable career, where they are paid fairly for their work. Many illustrators struggle to earn a sustainable income, with those from underrepresented backgrounds facing even greater challenges. The EIF wants to support illustrators by making educational information about illustration pricing, licensing and negotiation accessible to all.

In this webinar we invited four knowledgeable speakers from across Europe to present short, informative sessions on pricing, licensing, buyouts and negotiation. We will also introduce practical business resources that you can access, such as the The Illustrator’s Ninja Guide.

The event is split into 4 sections, covering:

1. How to Build a Quote: Getting Your Budget and Pricing Right – Ever walked away from a meeting without naming a price, felt caught off guard by unexpected offers, missed out on projects because you couldn’t figure out the right bid, or dealt with the fallout from pricing mistakes? If this sounds familiar, this session is for you. Nurgül Senefe will dive into common pricing challenges, explore what really impacts your budget, and share practical tips and insights on how to craft successful bids and manage your budget more effectively.

2. Buy Outs? – A microguide to buy outs, what they are, why they are requested and what do they actually mean for creators. Paolo Rui will try to explain clearly the reasons underlying such often unreasonable proposals, supplying a simple way to respond to those whom ask for (impose) them.

3. Negotiating with Confidence – Derek Brazell will take a comprehensive look at how negotiating effectively can improve not only your fees, but also your contract terms and business relationships. We will also discuss common negotiating situations, as well as offering practical advice on how to bring a deal more into your favour.

4.The Ninja Guide, training and skills to be a professional freelance Illustrator – Clara Cerviño will provide a brief overview of the basic aspects we should considerate when pricing an illustration commission, such as copyright, taxes, legal expenses, contract negotiation, etc. which are often not taken into account when starting in this profession. See The Illustrator’s Ninja Guide

The discussion was chaired by Rachel Hill, Co-President of the European Illustration Forum, and CEO at the Association of Illustrators. Talks were followed by an audience Q&A.

Watch the recording: Price It Right: Licensing and Negotiation Webinar for Illustrators

Paolo Rui

Paolo Rui is an illustrator and artist graduated from the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and thanks to a Fulbright scholarship proceeded with his studies at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He’s been President of AI, the Italian Association of Illustrators and of EIF, the European Illustrators Forum and now sits in the latter’s Board. He teaches at IED in Milan, Novalia Art Academy, at the International School of Comics and is also Educational Director of the Leonardo da Vinci Foundation. He’s received several awards for his work and participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions around the world.

Nurgül Senefe

Nurgül Senefe is a Social Entrepreneur, children’s content specialist and ICF certified Coach. She is the founding President of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Society Turkey, President of the Illustrators Platform, Managing Director of IP Academy (Illustration Academy), President of ZNN Network and an EIF (European illustrators Forum) Board Member. She is an expert in providing multi-disciplinary services as an editor, a writer, a translator, a creative art director, and as a content-concept designer for children’s books. An editor of 250+ books and translator of 50+ children’s books, Nurgül has written 20+ stories, and was curator of 6 illustration exhibitions with over 200 artists.

Clara Cerviño

Clara Cerviño works as a scientific and nature illustrator in scientific and outreach projects, raising awareness about the importance of knowing and protecting nature. Since 2011, she colaborates with the Illustraciencia project, with which has recently published the first scientific illustration manual in Spanish with GeoPlaneta publishing house, in addition to other titles aimed at children. Clara Cerviño, is currently secretary of FADIP and member of AGPI from Galicia, Spain.

Derek Brazell

Derek Brazell is the Co-President of the European Illustration Forum, and Publications & Membership Manager at the AOI, who has been advising members on contracts and ethical issues for many years. He is also co-author of Becoming a Successful Illustrator and the new Getting Illustration Clients.

This event was held on 11th September 2024