Visting Professionals: AOI Lecture

We were invited to attend this session conducted by a representative from the AOI, Lou Bones.
The lecture was extremely informative, Lou gave us an extensive explaination of the benefits of joining the AOI.

I was aware afterwards that many of the things Lou advised us not to do, were indeed things that I had done, and learned not to do the hard way.


Lou advised and discussed some good key points inlcuding:

. According to Lou, social media must either be done well, or not done at all. Those who do not frequently update their media outposts do not reap the rewards of online prescence

. She advised us all to avoid trends, as these are an unsustainable method of inspiration... specifically mentioning the amount of orange and blue colour schemes that have been used recently

. NDAs must always be respected, or else legal problems will ensue
. Keep all relevent paper work from any job...
. Be direct with contacting, do not write generalised templates and send them... there are generally obvious to the recipient... For example do not address people as sir or madam
. Many creative directors will have a pin board of work that has been mailed out, so it is certainly not futile to send out mailables
. Send frequent post-card sized (A5 is generally the maximum) mailables and promo packs
. Follow up contacts with .pdfs showcasing work

. Sign up for income tax asap, keep all reciepts... Luckily I am familiar with filing tax returns as I completed them for three years for my sisters business
. All contracts must be formalised as writen documents, verbal contracts are fubar
. Illustrators have the right to negotiate contracts
. Obviously be sure to read contracts thouroughly
. Do not work on an hourly rate
. Final payment should be on delivery of approved artwork

Advertising commisions vary depending on the size and reach of the business...
. A 1-year UK license for a large snack company (including print and digital medias) might cost around £6000-£7000
. A small branding-based job for a small local busniess might cost around £200-£300

Packaging commisions can pay extremely well for huge clients, Lou mentioned one commision was priced in the tens of thousands for hair spray packaging and additional branding.
. Spot illustrations for supermarket packaging may range from £400 to £500
. Larger international brands such as a drinks company may pay £4000 to £5000

. Illustrating a internationally released picture book for example may price around £4000-£5000
. Adult fiction book covers may cost around £800 to £1000


...

So the talk was extremely informative, and I will join the AOI to make use of futher support. The formal advice is very specific and certainly useful, to cost of joining also includes the subscription to Varoom, which is a good bonus.