advice please
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- SunSunSun0
So, they have got someone to sub the work for me. I just got the amended sketches to look over and they're really bad. Like I wouldn't wanna put my name on it.
I'm gonna fix them up myself but now I'm really worried about the paint job.
I'm in two minds about whether I should bother fixing up the sketches and just put my foot down and say - this is not gonna work, I wanna cancel this job for the last friggin time.
- SunSunSun0
They are going to sub out the work under the pretence that it's me doing it. I haven't had that happen before and it makes me a little nervous that the quality will be compromised. Is this a standard practice?
- SunSunSun0
Is there anything wrong with telling the publishers that there will be more than 1 person working on it?
I think what I'm not comfortable with is hiding information from them.
- albums0
mikotondria3,
Slow clap building to standing ovation.
- chossy0
Well it is a standard practice in as far as producing goes, generally people tend to do that on a wider sense.
In as far as company a would contact company B (you) and say I need this done then company B gets it done somehow by someone, company A thinks company B did it all. Which is absolutely fine. Saying that you personally did it is a bit weird and not very professional at all. Again it is perfectly fine for the other company to think you did it no worries what do they care, but it is a hassle you don;t need and your agent shouldn't be putting you in any awkward positions now or at any time. Hopefully it all works out for you and you manage to move on to a more professional and productive agent.
- SunSunSun0
^ Yep, that makes sense. Thanks dude.
I've written to the agent and asked them to let the publishers in on what's going on and get the first final artwork approved.
Really appreciate everyones good advice.
Can anyone recommend a good illustration agent that specialises in childrens books? Haha.
- breadlegz0
I know this is a little late, but why would you do any work without being paid up front?
- A fee is agreed at the beginning. Once the job is done you get paid. That's how it works for commissions - illustration, photography, design etcgoldieboy
- illustration, photography, design etcgoldieboy
- Disgree. I get my design work paid at least 50% up front.breadlegz
- I've never paid anyone upfront - big photographers, agencies or illustrators... fuck em! ;)goldieboy
- chossy0
If the project is substantial then 50% upfront is common practice, it protects both parties, but most work isn't substantial is it these days.
- SunSunSun0
Man, I wish the 50% up front thing really happened. Maybe I'm with the worst agent in the worls as I suggested it onece and they said they'd never heard of that!
I'm getting about a 3rd up front with this job which suits me ok. Even though by the time I get it it'll all be done.
They accepted my idea to tell the publisher i'm getting help which akes me feel a bit more at ease.
- formed0
50% upfront is normal in everything we do, 30/30/30/10 are very large projects.
It anyone has a problem with that (and it has been 2 clients in 10 years), then we invoice them the minute we start the project and arrange for a 2 week, at most, payment schedule (no 30 days, etc., if tehy don't pay the deposit).
Also, the deposit is due on engagement, NOT in 30 days (what's the point??). This ensures we get something to start in case the client decides after a few weeks to cancel.
Contracts are useless unless you have an army of lawyers. Only as good as the resources you have to enforce it. So, considering most here don't have a legal dept., money upfront and throughout the process is your only safety net.
Both parties need to have vested interest in the final product.
- breadlegz0
People should pay you at least 50% up front. Don't take the crap about industry norms.
- SunSunSun0
Right, I see that I've been getting pretty screwed over then.
I haven't been doing illustration all that long (was animating previously) but I'm gonna really try for this or find an agent that co-operates.
They always pay 2 months late on average anyway and say they have to wait for the client to pay them first etc.
I threatened to leave once before and they said it wouldn't pass the 60 day mark anymore...
- Daithi0
The only thing I would add to the above (great advice folks) is that if you are willing to walk away from this job that puts you in a very strong negotiating position. If you can, use this to your advantage and find a settlement that you can work with.
- SunSunSun0
Thanks for the help and great advice guys.
It's highlighted for me that the agent really doesn't support me the way they should and don't feel they are on my side at all. They just don't want to look bad themselves at all costs.
- monNom0
^ it sounds like your agent isn't really an agent, but an order taker. This 'priority' client might be your agents priority, not yours. It is your reputation on the line. Your agent is letting you own the problem, so it's up to you to fix it. Sub out what work you can, as long as you'll be happy to pass off the work as your own. Push back to each of them if their demands aren't reasonable/possible. Better to be late than to leave them in the lurch trying to find a new illustrator at the last minute.
After this, I'd have a serious conversation with your agent and what they're doing to negotiate for you. If they can't work on your side to ensure you're not double booking projects, you might need to seek out someone who's more interested in a long term working relationship.
- GeorgesII0
Do you need the money or the client?
- SunSunSun0
none, I don't care about either anymore because of the stress that it's causing...
- chossy0
I think you should look to move on from your current agent and also you should contact the smaller company and explain the situation. Plenty other agent out there, don't let yourself feel trapped under one agent go out there and breathe some fresh air :D.
- Horp0
Faced problems like this on weekly basis as an . If I've understood correctly, you should be able to explain to the company with the long list of amendments that they will take time, and weren't scheduled for, so they'll have to wait. Then tackle other jobs, then go back to that one. Publishers actual deadlines are always 12 months after what they tell you. If the amends are not a direct result of your incompetence they will wait. If they won't, then they're fucked because they'll have to start from scratch.
- This is great advice. Project deadlines, expectations, etc are not always as black and white. Any reasonable person should understand why you would need more time especially if they were part of creating the delay.Josev
- understand why you would need more time especially if they were part of creating the delay.Josev