PublishingRoom Services Store FAQs - Custom Black and White Illustrations (Level 1, 2 and 3) Home / FAQs Center / Services Store / Custom Black and White Illustrations  

What are the steps involved in the process of creating Custom Illustrations?

Once you purchase the Custom Illustrations, you will be contacted by our illustration coordinator to schedule a design call that will take place within 1-2 weeks. During the call, you can communicate your ideas for the illustrations. The illustrations can be done using a variety of medium, including watercolor, pastel, ink, graphite, photography and digital rendering, as well as a wide range of subject mater, from people to landscapes, technical drawings and maps.

Concept sketches will be created and emailed to you within 30 days. You can then either approve the sketches or request modifications before moving on to the final artwork. Once you receive and approve the final versions of the illustrations, you will receive the final artwork within 30 days, and then you will receive a copy of the art to be used in the final interior layout of the book. The number and complexity of the illustrations will affect the overall time it takes to complete the illustrations.

Will I be able to speak to the illustrator?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to speak with your illustrator to communicate your ideas. The illustrator can give you general advice or guidance if needed, but they will not have entire design ideas prepared.

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How should I prepare before I speak to the illustrator about my illustrations?

To prepare, think about what you would like your illustrations to look like and where they will be needed in your manuscript. Spend some time in a local bookstore or library if you need some inspiration. Gather your ideas, sketches and notes to reference during the call. It might be helpful to have a computer with Internet access nearby incase you need to reference something quickly. During the call, don't forget to relax and have fun! Your illustrator is there to offer you friendly support and assistance.

What kinds of styles do your artists use and what subjects can they illustrate?

The illustrations can be done using a variety of mediums, including watercolor, pastel, ink, graphite, photography and digital rendering. They can create a wide range of subject mater, from people to landscapes, technical drawings and maps. The basic style also depends on the level of detail (level 1, 2, or 3).

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I don't have any idea what I want my illustrations to look like. Can the illustrator just make something up?

While our illustrators do enjoy some creative freedom, the best results are produced when you provide your input. You know best what your personal tastes are, as well as details about your book and the characters in the story; therefore, you will be more likely to see results you are happy with if you can give the illustrator some direction.

Does the Custom Interior Illustrations service include the finished design and layout of the interior of my book?

No, the actual layout of the book is not included in this service. The Custom Illustrations are images for you to use in your book; however, in our DIY-publishing format, it is up to you to complete the layout of your manuscript by including the images. If you are interested, we do offer a Custom Typesetting Interior service which includes the full-layout and design of the interior of your book.

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Will I receive the original artwork?

You will receive the finished, full-size digital file of the illustrations, but not the physical original pieces of art (for example, if they are paintings, you will not receive the actual paintings).

Who owns the copyright to the artwork?

You own the copyright to your artwork and can do with it what you choose. The formatted copy of the galley with the artwork included, however, is copyright protected by PublishingRoom. You can use your manuscript and artwork freely in a different formatted file, but you cannot use the formatted file we create for use in publishing with PublishingRoom.

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Is there a minimum or maximum number of illustrations that I have to purchase?

No, there is no minimum or maximum number of illustrations you are required to purchase.

Can I purchase combination of the different levels of complexity?

Yes, you can purchase any combination of black and white level 1, 2, or 3 illustrations you wish. You are free to mix and match.

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