Feel free to modify and use this contract template when working with independent publishers (writers hiring illustrators, for example). This fairly covers both parties’ interests. I’ve updated as of 06-28-27 to include “No Generative AI” verbiage. Note, I am not a lawyer, so seek legal counseling and advice as needed.

illustration-commission-agreement-sampleDownload

Generative AI Clause Language: Illustrator agrees not to use any AI-generation in the art-making process. This includes sketches, image editing, or creation of artwork for the book cover or interior artwork. Illustrator attests that all artwork is of their own making and human-created. Writer agrees not to use artwork for AI machine learning or to modify the artwork in any way, including with generative AI tools, without prior express written permission from the artist. Additionally, both writer and illustrator will not knowingly expose the writing or artwork to generative AI machine learning, including chatbot applications such as ChatGPT.

Illustrators, if illustrating human, non-AI writing is important to you, you can add that language.