Question about album art

[sharpp]

I have been asked to do some art for my friend's band.

Now he has several ideas himself, and i get the feeling he wants to incorporate the work I do into his own ideas (from the sounds of things a hybrid of his photography and my artwork). I wouldn't have a problem with this except his ideas are generally not that great, and I'm guessing would detract form my work, to the point where i'm not sure I would want my name associated with it.

However, obviously I want to get paid... is this what is known as selling out. I really didn't expect to do that so early in my career :blush:

I'd love creative control of the whole project, with him having final refusal, but I know with his ego that just won't happen.

So I'm after some advice: do I go with my principles or the money?

[dumpling]

Personally, I'd go for the money. Screw the pride, it's just a commission job. You're job, really, is to tailor the design towards the clients needs, whatever they may be. But with that said, if the final result really is going to look sucky because of the hybrid idea, when people look at it you will be associated with producing that quality of work, which could possibly effect future commissions. So I guess it's up to you.

[waranghira]

But with that said, if the final result really is going to look sucky because of the hybrid idea, when people look at it you will be associated with producing that quality of work, which could possibly effect future commissions. So I guess it's up to you.

but would it even be noticed?

[Ian Mack]

You want creative control yet what's asking for is artwork that he can use in his photography. In a sense, he is being an art director; commissioning you for a specific piece of art. I think you're wrong in assuming that you have been asked to art for his band, more like for him so he can do something for the band.

Your name doesn't have to be on it. You don't have to be associated with it. However, you can also be up front and tell him that you don't think his ideas are very strong. if you do this, make sure you have some great ideas to bring to the table.

[J Wilson]

An illustrator's job is to take the assignment, and then find a way to make it satisfying for yourself and put your own take on things within those bounderies. I actually find the limitations often open you up to creativity that you wouldn't have explored otherwise, and so working for a client often yields pretty cool results.

So my advice is take his idea, and then figure out how to make it work in a way that you feel good about. Sometimes that just can't happen, but most of the time you should be able to come up with something you are happy with.