Creative proposal
Illustration proposal template
A complete proposal you can send after filling in the brackets. Copy the text or download the PDF, then make it yours.
Make it yours before sending
- Replace every [bracket] with the client's real details. Search for "[" to catch them all.
- Set real prices in the investment tiers, and cut to one option if tiers do not fit the job.
- Rewrite "Understanding your goals" in the client's own words from your call. It is the section they read closest.
- Delete anything that does not apply. A shorter, true proposal beats a longer, generic one.
Illustration proposal
Illustration proposal template
1. Overview
Prepared for [Client Company] by [Your Name], [Date].
Thank you for considering me to illustrate for [Client Company]. This proposal sets out what I will create, how we move from sketches to final art, and how licensing works, so you get artwork that fits the brief and rights that fit how you plan to use it.
2. Understanding your goals
[Client Company] needs [number] illustration(s) for [use: an article, packaging, a website, a campaign] in a style that is [describe: playful, technical, painterly, consistent with existing brand art].
The artwork needs to reproduce well at [sizes and formats] and be delivered by [date].
3. Proposed approach
- Phase 1, Brief and references. We agree the subject, mood, palette, and sizes, with reference images so we share the same picture before I draw a line.
- Phase 2, Sketches. I present [2] rough concept sketches. Rough is deliberate: we are choosing composition and idea here, cheaply, before any finishing work.
- Phase 3, Refinement. I take the chosen sketch to finished line and color, with [2] rounds of revisions along the way.
- Phase 4, Final art. I deliver final files at the agreed sizes and formats, with the license documented in writing.
4. Scope and deliverables
- [Number] final illustration(s) at the agreed dimensions
- Files in [PNG, SVG, TIFF] suitable for [print / web]
- [Optional] layered source files ([PSD / AI]) if included in the tier
- A written license covering the uses in this proposal
- A color and style note so future pieces stay consistent
5. What is not included
- Animation of the artwork (available as a separate quote)
- Logo design (illustration and identity design are different jobs)
- Unlimited concepts: extra concept sketches are billed at [Amount] each
6. Timeline
7. Investment
Single piece
[$X]
One finished illustration.
- 1 illustration
- 2 concept sketches
- 2 refinement rounds
- Standard license
Series
[$X]
A matching set.
- [4] illustrations in one style
- Shared concept phase
- 2 rounds per piece
- Standard license
Brand kit
[$X]
A reusable system.
- [6] illustrations
- Spot icons in the same style
- Style guide sheet
- Extended license
Prices are placeholders. Set your own before sending.
8. Why work with me
- Decisions happen at the sketch stage, where changes are cheap, not on finished art
- Licensing in plain English, so you know exactly what you bought
- A consistent style system, so piece five looks like it belongs with piece one
9. Terms
This proposal is valid for [30] days. A deposit of [amount or %] is due to begin, with the balance due [on delivery / per the schedule]. Work outside the scope above is quoted separately before it starts.
You receive a license for the uses listed; a full buyout is available at [price]. If the project is canceled after sketch approval, a kill fee of [50%] applies. Unused concepts remain mine. The artwork may not be used to train AI models without written permission.
10. Next steps
To move forward, approve this proposal in writing and I will send the agreement and the deposit invoice. We can begin as soon as the deposit is received.
Accepted by: ______________________________ Date: ____________
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