My Experience With Fiver
As a new writer with a limited budget and self-publishing a picture book on a platform like Amazon, finding an artist may initially seem daunting. However, you have a wealth of options at your disposal. You can confidently navigate this process by investing significant time and effort into researching and finding an artist who aligns with your vision.
You can search through many artists and illustrators, with pricing listed on Fiver. Firstly, always ask questions about pricing through the chat and ensure you know what you are paying for and what you are receiving before signing up. Secondly, you will have the artist create a sample page (you will pay for this). Before paying for the entire project, a sample page is typically one from your picture book. This sample page will help you determine if you like their art style for your book, if you feel you can work with them comfortably, and how well they communicate. However, remember, this is a business deal and a transaction. You need to stick to your opinions if you want something specific. If you do not like something about the drawing, please be honest about it. You are paying for this product, and you should not worry about upsetting the artist if you want to change the color of something.
This may be the most challenging part for self-publishers, especially if you are a people pleaser. However, it is crucial to remember that you are the final decision-maker. If you do not like something, you need to speak up. This is not the time to be a people pleaser; it is time to focus on what you want for your product. You do not need to be rude to the artist, but you do need to provide constructive feedback and describe in detail what needs to be changed. This assertiveness will ensure that your vision is realized in the final product.
Do not rush the process. You will probably not find your artist in the first few tries. Do not let this discourage you! Moreover, most importantly, do not settle! I know you want the product to be completed and progress through the process, but if you settle for something you do not love, you will spend more money to fix it later. In your budget, allocate funds for multiple first-try sample pages from different artists. Between three and five artists, at approximately $ 30-$ 50 each for illustration samples. These pages are crucial; they will serve as your starting point with this artist. Sometimes, you get a sample page back and realize this artist is not what you want. You may have to move on, even if the artist tries to sell you on their style. Remember, it is your product at the end of the day, and you are entitled not to want to hire them. Do not give up, and do not settle because you feel bad. Budget yourself for multiple first-try sample pages from different artists, and be prepared for the process to take time and effort.
Beware, artists who continually increase their pricing with each new illustration. Yes, this can happen, so I advise most individuals to hire artists who offer complete projects, rather than working page by page. The artist could argue that pages are becoming more detailed and therefore require more money, page by page, and it is hard to argue against them. This will hinder you financially and mentally as you will feel too far into the process to backtrack. Do not feel that way. We are cautious of those who consistently raise prices; you may need to find a new artist or have a conversation with them about budget, along the lines of "This is my budget; what can it get me?" Some artists will enjoy a lump sum for the book, while others want it paid page by page. Remember, any money you spend is a step towards your goal. So, if you are halfway through and need to switch artists, you are allowed to do so.
Before starting the collaboration, it is essential to establish clear expectations with the artist. Understand what you are paying for: how many edits, how many characters, how much background, etc. Each artist has their pricing structure, so it is important to ask clarifying questions to avoid any misunderstandings.
When it comes to budgeting, it is important not to rush. Take your time and only spend what you can afford. There is no need to rush to meet any deadlines. If you can only afford to pay for one page per month, that is perfectly fine. Overspending will only lead to stress and potentially poor decisions.
Fiver is a great platform to find an illustrator for your book. However, it is important to take your time, not rush, and budget correctly. If you do not, you might end up with a product that you do not truly love. So, be patient and make informed decisions.
