Clinch

Free template · 16 questions

Illustrator client questionnaire

Illustration commissions go sideways on usage rights and style. This questionnaire nails both, plus sizes and deadlines.

When to send it: Before the quote, because usage drives the price.

The commission

  1. 1.What is the illustration for (book cover, editorial, packaging, mural, personal gift)?
  2. 2.How many pieces, and what sizes or formats?
  3. 3.Subject matter: describe the scene, characters or concept.
  4. 4.Pieces from my portfolio closest to what you have in mind.

Usage

  1. 5.Where and how will it be used: print run, territories, online, merchandise?
  2. 6.For how long do you need the rights?
  3. 7.Do you need exclusive rights or a full buyout?
  4. 8.Can I show the work in my portfolio, and when?

Process

  1. 9.Deadline for sketches and for final artwork.
  2. 10.File format and colour mode (RGB, CMYK, layered files)?
  3. 11.Who approves sketches?

Budget, timing and decisions

  1. 12.What budget range have you set aside for this?
  2. 13.Is there a hard deadline, and what happens if it moves?
  3. 14.Who else needs to approve the work or the contract?
  4. 15.How would you prefer we communicate (email, calls, messaging), and how often?
  5. 16.How did you hear about me?

Send it, and get the answers back

Stop copying answers out of email threads. With Clinch the questionnaire goes out with your proposal or contract, your client fills it in from their phone, and the deposit is paid when they sign.

Send this questionnaire free

Questions about client questionnaires

When should a illustrator send a client questionnaire?

Before the quote, because usage drives the price.

Can I edit these questions?

Yes. Copy them, remove what does not apply and add your own. Shorter questionnaires get answered faster: keep only the questions whose answers change your price, your plan or your contract.

Should the questionnaire come before or after the contract?

Questions that affect price and scope belong before the proposal; the detailed ones (names, timelines, access) work best right after signing, when the client is committed and expects them.

How do I send it with Clinch?

Create a free Clinch account, paste the questions, and send them with your proposal or contract. Your client answers from their phone without an account, and the answers are saved on the client's record.