theaoi.com
pro-action.org.uk
derekbrazell.com

illosaurus on campaigning
An interview with Derek Brazell at the AOI

The AOI is Europe's leading membership organisation for illustrators. Derek Brazell heads up the membership and campaigns desk.

illosaurus: The AOI campaigns on behalf of illustrators' rights. What are your main priorities at the moment?

Derek Brazell: The strongest challenge is resisting the increasingly detrimental agreements being foisted upon illustrators. We're tackling unethical contracts and bad contract practice (such as retrospective contracts being issued) through the Pro Action group in conjunction with the Society of Artists' Agents.

What steps is Pro-Action taking?

To start with we're sending out letters to some of the worst offenders asking them to respond to our criticism of their contracts. It's an uphill battle, as contracts are definitely getting worse but that's why we had to start dealing with individual companies. It'll be interesting to see their responses - we'll be posting the info on the Pro Action website.

Why do you think contracts are becoming less favourable?

Contracts are worse because clients want to maximise their profits and so want to tie up any potential income in the images they commission. Is this project going to be the next Harry Potter or Bang on the Door merchandising sensation? Probably not, but they don't want miss out on the huge profits if it is, and they're certainly not keen on sharing them with the illustrator.

Are poor contracts solely down to commissioners?

More confidence on behalf of the illustrators will help. Some illustrators seem curiously resistant to the idea that they're running a business and think that artistry is not compatible with business sense. It's nonsense, of course, but this attitude does make some illustrators culpable in the dominance of the commissioner. It's not so easy if you're working on your own, but fight your corner!

What would be your advice for an illustrator faced with an unreasonable contract?

Negotiate. Always try even if you don't get what you were asking for. You may still improve what you've been offered. Don't just accept what's put in front of you.

What's the best way for an individual illustrator to contribute to the campaign?

Join the AOI, as the more members we have the more clout we'll have within the industry. Make yourself familiar with the licences and contracts you're presented with. It looks impenetrable on occasions, but if illustrators don't try and deal with this side of their business then they become more of a pushover. The AOI publication Rights covers most of what you need to know regarding illustration and the law.

Finally, has being so involved in campaigning for illustrators' rights affected your own career as an illustrator?

I'm exposed to a lot of the negative side of being an illustrator as I'm advising AOI members on the things that have gone wrong and it does get me down at times. It has made me tougher at negotiating with clients which is a positive thing, and I'm lucky enough to have had a fairly long illustration career before working at the AOI, so I knew quite a lot already. I do enjoy helping others in my profession resist some of the dreadful stuff thrown at them by commissioners but it probably takes too much time away from my illustration!