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Ironically, during one of the century’s greatest economic booms, the illustration industry is in terrible shape. Commissions are fewer; deadlines are shorter; fees are lower. Creativity is valued less; competition is up from stock, royalty free or photographic images. Large media giants continue to be swallowed by even larger ones while illustrators are told its illegal to compare their pricing. Intellectual property, the coin of the new millennium, is becoming so valuable that more and more clients insist on work for hire or all rights contracts.
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Download the Campaign's PDF!
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The ability to think visually is what distinguishes creative professionals from the client’s secretary "desktop publisher." But as more clients pick their own stock or clip art, the unfortunate perception of the creative individual as a cut-and-paste "pair of hands" is reinforced. This devaluation of the creative process erodes the status of all creatives and diminishes the unique pleasure of seeing one’s ideas executed. The prevailing fear is that little can be done to confront these threats. Many artists are finding more easy and fun ways to support their families. They have not recognized the power of unity, organization and cooperation.
Perhaps it is the solitary nature of the business or an obstinate resistance to structure, but the "industry" has not responded effectively. The fact remains we are all in this together, regardless of specialty, artistic style or client list. No one, even the most gifted, can avoid the consequences of refusing to act in solidarity.
To bring illustrators together to fight back as a unified force, the Guild has created the "Campaign for Illustration," an action plan consisting of three major thrusts designed to reverse these menacing trends: education, action and community.
As a beachhead, the Campaign for Illustration is the first wave of an industry-wide effort to recover lost ground. Through the combined efforts of its participants, the Campaign for Illustration will preserve the economic well being of illustrators and make them closer, stronger and more cohesive. The Campaign will also help more artists keep, control and defend their rights.
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In a effort to understand the trends of the current market for Illustration, we have recently launched a first of its kind survey.
Check out the Survey!
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