Short answer: it depends.
Long answer: let us walk you through it.

What are we creating?

First things first — what do you need?
The number of illustrations, their style and level of complexity all matter. If you already have a subject in mind or have spotted work in an artist’s portfolio that speaks to you, even better. Sharing references helps us estimate how much time and care the project will require.

How will the work be used?

Once we know what we’re making, we need to know where it’s going.
Commissioning illustration doesn’t mean purchasing the artwork outright — the artist retains copyright. What you’re licensing is the right to use the work, based on agreed terms.

We’ll ask about:

• Media (digital, print, out-of-home, etc.)
• Territory (local or worldwide)
• Duration (a few months or forever)

It’s a simple equation: broader usage = higher fee.
More defined usage = more efficient costs.

We need total freedom. Is that possible?

Yes. We often negotiate all-media, worldwide, in-perpetuity licenses.
The artist still owns the copyright, but you get the flexibility you need.

Any additional costs we should know about?

Sometimes.
Certain projects may involve travel, special materials, or additional production support such as photography or post-production. If so, we’ll flag these early and include them clearly in the quote — no surprises.

So… what’s the final number?

Once we have a clear brief, we can usually provide an initial quote fairly quickly.
Final fees are confirmed once everything is signed off, but our estimates are typically very close.

Then we move on to the best part — making something great together.

It’s easier than you think.

Send us your brief — even if it’s still a little rough. We’ll help you shape it.
Once we understand your goals, timeline, budget and intended usage, we’ll recommend the right artists and guide you through each step, from proposal to final delivery.

No guesswork. No awkward emails. Just a clear, well-managed process.

Sometimes, yes.

Some artworks are available for licensing. If you’re interested, let us know how you plan to use the image — where, for how long and on which platforms. We’ll check availability, negotiate terms and make sure everything is properly licensed.

Quick, clean and above board.

Yes — once the project is underway and the creative process begins, you’ll be in direct dialogue with the artist.

We believe clear, open communication is essential, and we don’t like to get in the way. Direct conversations help ideas flow and prevent things from getting lost in translation.

That said, we remain closely involved throughout. We stay in the loop, are cc’d on communications, and join calls when helpful — ready to step in if needed, keep timelines on track, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Think of us as support in the background, keeping the process steady while creativity leads the way.

Absolutely. You’re in good company.

Many of our clients come to us for their very first illustration project. We’ll walk you through everything — defining the brief, selecting the artist, understanding usage rights and managing production — so you can focus on the creative outcome, not the process.

We recommend working through us.

Our artists are represented by Dot & Friends. Working with us means we handle negotiations, contracts, pricing, licensing and project management — ensuring clarity, fairness and protection for both clients and artists. It also allows our artists to focus fully on what they do best: creating great work.

Behind the scenes, we invest significant time and resources into promoting our artists and supporting their careers. When a project comes in, we’re there to manage every detail, making the process smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.

Ultimately, it comes down to professional etiquette. If you discover an artist through Dot & Friends, please contact us first — we’re here to make sure the collaboration is handled properly, from start to finish.