FAQ for illustrators, photographers, and designers
Q: I’d like my illustration work to be considered for publication. What do you need to see from me?
A: A PDF showing samples of your illustration work is the best method. If you have multiple styles, it is good to see the range of what you can do. But please don't include any styles you would not be comfortable using to illustrate a whole story, or styles that are so time consuming you wouldn't want to be commissioned in that style. It is good to see sequential work (a person in a number of situations) to show consistency. It is also necessary to show that you can draw people and backgrounds, as we seldom have one without the other.
Q: How long will it take to hear back about my illustration submission?
A: We'll try to get back to you as soon as we can. We go through very busy periods during the year when it is hard to gather feedback from all our designers. But we aim to get back to you within three months. If you haven't heard from us after three months, it’s fine to contact the designer and enquire about progress.
Q: What happens if I have have been chosen to illustrate a story for Learning Media?
A: Once a designer has commissioned you, you will be given a contract to sign and an amount for payment is agreed on. You will then have a illustrator brief to work from. You will have to provide rough illustrations by an agreed time. These are not coloured, and roughly show composition and character etc, but still need to be clear enough to see features and backgrounds etc. One these have been signed off by the editor and designer then you can start on your final rendered illustrations.
Q: Is there a particular style of illustration you are looking for?
A: In short, no. We are looking for a wide variety of work. We always need realistic illustrators, as this works really well for non-fiction and more serious storylines. We like to see all sorts of rendering styles. We get a lot of painting and digital work. Most of our files are supplied to us digitally these days, meaning less art work to be scanned.
Q: How much time do I have to illustrate a story?
A: It varies, but it will be clearly outlined and agreed upon with the designer. A rough average for a job may be 3 weeks for roughs and 4 weeks for finals. However, some clients require a much faster turnaround.
Q: Can I have a copy of the resource I have contributed to?
A: In most instances, yes! The number of copies you receive will be outlined in your contract. Don’t be alarmed if your copies seem to take a long time to arrive in the mail. The process of creating a resource from concept right through to print and distribution can take a while. But it will be sent to you once it has been printed and has gone out to schools. For some work we do on contract (for example, overseas work), we can't always guarantee a copy of a resource. If you’re in doubt, talk to the designer or project manager you are working with.
Q: Can I put a copy of the art I do into my portfolio?
A: In general, copyright in art or design work commissioned by Learning Media belongs to Learning Media or its clients. As part of your copyright agreement, you agree to seek written permission from us before entering your art in a competition or releasing it in a portfolio. Do let us know if you are intending to enter Learning Media commissioned art in competitions or in your portfolio. It is necessary that any release of the art happens after publication date. Check publication dates and timelines with Learning Media.
Q: Can I put enter my art into competitions or show in exhibitions?
A: Competitions and exhibitions are positive events for illustrators and designers, and we want to support them. However, there may be obligations to our clients that we need to honour before we can approve or release copies for public viewing. You can enter the art into competitions after publication date, but as the copyright in the art belongs to us or the client, you need to check with the designer who commissioned you before you enter the piece.
Q: How do I credit Learning Media art in competitions or portfolios?
A: Use the following example for work created for the Ministry of Education for guidance: “Copyright © [year published] Ministry of Education and published by Learning Media Ltd. All rights reserved. This illustration first appeared in the [name of publication, citation].”