How to write a creative brief for an artist.

What is a creative brief?

How to write a creative brief? Well first you must know what a creative brief is! A creative brief for an artist is a document or communication that outlines the objectives and expectations for a creative project. It is a clear way for the customer and the artist to understand one another. Whilst a freelance artist brief doesn’t have to be a formal document, it is important to give answers or information relevant to the project to the artist. By providing a clear and comprehensive communication, the artist is able to create an artwork that fulfills the customers requirements. A brief also reduces risk of the final product not being accurate.

Why do you need a brief?

A creative brief helps establish clarity and direction, giving the artist a clear and concise description of the project’s goals and requirements. Having a detailed brief will prevent miscommunication and down the line prevent repeating, fixing or changing large components of the project.

On a larger team, a freelance artist creative brief keeps all members aligned and focused on the end goal. It makes collaboration simpler and can provide meaning to the design and purpose behind certain choices.

How to prepare a creative brief for your artist:

When considered how to write a creative brief we encourage customers and clients to take time to put together a detailed design brief for artists. The more information, the better, even if you entrust your artist to take creative liberties. When starting communication with an artist or artists, consider the following:

• Budget and timeframe

When do you need this project completed? Is your artist available now or in 3 months? What is your budget and is it flexible or set in stone?

• Size, category and material preference

Are you after a mural, a canvas, an illustration? What materials are you interested in your artist using? Do they use those materials? Are you open to something different? How big is the space/wall (is there a maximum size of canvas or a minimum amount of the wall that needs to be covered)?

• Reference images

We strongly encourage including reference images in your artist creative brief. Whether it’s other artwork similar to your concept or for aesthetic purposes an image tells all. You can source reference images from Pinterest or Google.

Alternatively, use images directly from your chosen artist’s profile. Show them what you like about their style and what elements you’d like to include in your design.

• Site visits for workshops and murals

If you’re commissioning an artist for a mural or a workshop you’ll potentially have to work site visits into your budget. Some questions to consider when writing your brief include: Where is the wall or venue located? Is there paid parking? Will you organise scissor lifts, materials or permits if they are needed? 

For murals specifically, the customer should consider if the painting location is difficult to reach or uncomfortable to paint on (down alleyways, on ceilings or high up)? If the mural is located indoors, can the artist use spray paint? Will furniture need to be moved, covered or protected? Do you need insurance coverage from Book An Artist? 

Learn more about commissioning artwork and how to write a creative brief through Book An Artist via our blog: How to commission art!