Sample Proposal Templates for Commercial Digital Art & Illustration Commissions

This downloadable product includes 2 templates that I use to propose price quotes for commercial digital art & illustration commissions. I send such proposals to individuals and firms who approach me with a briefing and ask for my prices and availability.
 
The proposals included cover:
Children's Book Illustration.
Key Visual Design.
However, the concepts suggested apply for different kinds of creative projects.
 
I'm sharing these files with fellow artists and with clients in order to give a better understanding of what matters should be considered in art commissions, like:
briefing,
definitions,
process,
price options,
communications,
and terms & conditions.
 
 
HOW IT WORKS?
 
I normally share this document after I hear the briefing from the client (over phone or email). Thus, The Brief describes the project as I understand it. I sometimes refer to those communications here. It's important to have the brief clearly written to set the expectations correctly and set the price accordingly.
 
The Process is my favorite part as it sets the roadmap towards delivering the project smoothly without distractions. From sketch to final touch, it defines 5 stages of delivery, and it limits the number of revisions per stage. Furthermore, it clarifies the impact of major and minor revisions on the proposed delivery date.
 
Major and minor revisions are defined in the Definitions section.
 
The Notes & Terms cover various topics like the contract's termination, delays, additional fees, payment terms, crediting, collaboration, damages and communications.
 
The Offer includes more than one option that are based on the copyrights acquired by the client. The more the copyrights wanted, the higher the price.
 
 
THINGS TO REMEMBER
 
The terms and numbers in the templates are examples. All of them should be fine-tuned and agreed-upon between the artist and the client.
The terms are there to keep the project under control. I never count the number of modifications or object about deviating from the initial briefing if the process remains creative, productive and exciting.
I always aim to be fair when pricing a project, both to myself and to my clients.
Whenever possible, I always try to find pricing solutions, especially for the projects I really admire. So when a client asks for one of the offered options at a lower price, I sometimes accept it by changing another condition (delaying the delivery date for example) to stay on top of my other projects.
In most cases, companies prefer to own the full rights to the artwork, but it is not always necessary. The artist should clarify this to justify the price gap.
Companies normally come with their own contracts. I just try to map my proposal to their terms and understand any deviations or additional terms.
The proposal aims to put the administrative aspect of a project aside and jump straight into the creative part.
 
 
FUTURE UPDATES
 
These documents are continually renewed as I learn and gain experience. I may also add more options (e.g. royalties, hourly work, etc.). You should be notified when that happens.