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Ask a Pro
Ask a Pro is a collection of illustration related questions answered by top art directors, designers, editors, artist representatives and other professionals in the commercial illustration industry.
If you have a suggestion for a question or know someone who might be a good candidate to answer a couple questions
Contributors
What's your process when working with an illustrator?
(more questions)
I usually start with a very detailed creative brief which states the deadline, budget, and general concept for the illustration. I also try to include the text of the article so the artist has an opportunity to get ideas from the story, and perhaps even pitch something completely different. Some illustrators want a lot of direction, and others want to be able to pitch an idea. I am usually open to both. There are a few times when I know exactly what I need illustrated and just need to work with someone who can execute it in a style I like. I always request a rough sketch of some sort before going to final. I try to give reasonable deadlines as it's hard to expect something brilliant on a two-day turnaround. I think I am pretty easy to work with and very clear about what my expectations are. I have never worked with an illustrator that couldn't give me what I asked for. It's all about good communication.
Thomas O'Quinn (more answers by this person)
Art Director
OQuinnDesign
http://www.oquinndesign.com/
Who are some of your favorite illustrators and why?
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Maurice Vellekoop, Christoph Niemann, Zohar Lazar, Tavis Coburn, Owen Smith, Oksana Badrak, Mark Todd. They all have a distinctive and consistent style. So many illustrators look the same these days (especially digital). When I see an illustration by one of these artists, there is no doubt in my mind who did it, because they have carved out a specific niche and style for themselves. I tend to like illustration that has a hand-finished quality. The most important thing to me is consistency. I want to know exactly the style and quality of work I'm getting without worrying about whether the illustrator can pull it off.
Thomas O'Quinn (more answers by this person)
Art Director
OQuinnDesign
http://www.oquinndesign.com/
How do you go about finding an illustrator?
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I enjoy receiving postcards in the mail. I believe it is the most effective and cost-efficient way of getting your work in front of an art director. There's nothing to open, so the AD has to look at it. If I like what's on the postcard, I'll go to the web site (which you absolutely must have) to look at more samples. I also look at illustration reps' web sites regularly. I do not usually look at Workbook or other large compendiums of paid illustrator pages. It is too hard to filter through the poor work in those books. I used to order the Alternative Pick but I find it easier to look at their web site. I always look at the Communication Arts illustration annual and the American Illustration book each year. But, hands down, the best way to market yourself is to do regular mailings of postcards and create a web site with lots of great work samples. Leave out anything that isn't an example of your best work.
Thomas O'Quinn (more answers by this person)
Art Director
OQuinnDesign
http://www.oquinndesign.com/
How do you decide on using illustration vs. photography?
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I think illustration great for smaller articles and departments that need a humorous approach, or lifestyle subjects that demand characterization of people for maximum storytelling. I like to use full page illustrations to open feature stories when an abstract concept needs to be communicated. Photography is great for stories about real people and events, or fashion. But illustration works best when the story is more entertainment oriented and when it is difficult to solve with photography. My favorite illustrations involve people in interesting situations, or small spot illustrations that help break up an otherwise grey page of text.
Thomas O'Quinn (more answers by this person)
Art Director
OQuinnDesign
http://www.oquinndesign.com/