THANK YOU for expressing interest in producing creative work for Peregrine. We are seeking people who are talented, dependable, and willing to work with goal of producing the best products possible. We are always interested in looking over samples and submissions. These guidelines will help you understand what type of assignments are available, our rates, and our terms.
The appearance of our products are very important to us. We have distinct graphic and illustration style needs for each product we produce -- your style may be just what we are looking for. Good visual design and illustration accomplishes two key tasks: a) it conveys an emotional impression to the viewer appropriate to the subject matter, and b) it helps the viewer to access the information more easily. We believe that this goal can best be accomplished when the illustration style used for a product is consistient and supports the overall vision and emotion conveyed by the text. Style consistency, deadlines, and varied expertise, may require that one artist be contracted to produce rough sketches which another artist will clean-up, enhance and/or finish for publication.
Peregrine is interested in good work and fresh ideas. The products we produce are team efforts; it takes many people to take a project from concept to the finished book. We have need for a variety of imagery, including concept sketches, grayscale spot illustrations, color cover art, product logos, and layout designs. As an artist you may work with the creative director, game designer(s), researcher(s), and writer(s) on a given project. Look over our published books or any material you have acquired from us. This will give you an idea of the style and quality that we are seeking. The primary goal of the illustrations in any of our books is to spark the reader's imagination and inspire them to want to participate in and/or develop their own adventures based on the settings described in our products.

How Peregrine Prefers to Work With a New Artist
We are only interested in seeing samples from artists who posess solid drawing (i.e., anatomy and drafting) skills. Please send us some sample copies (photocopies -- never originals) of work which you feel reflects your talent, and the type of subject matter and/or style(s) you are most comfortable producing. If you work in multiple styles, submit samples showing the range of your abilities. Include some rough sketches and finished works if possible (and indicate them as such). Provide some personal information so we can get a sense of who you are and where you are coming from. Also, please inform us what compensation you would like to receive (or have received) for specific pieces of any finished work submitted.
If we like your work, and we can afford you, we will contact you when an appropriate assignment comes along.
Should we not have an assignment appropriate for you in the near future, we encourage you to keep us updated on your work by periodically forwarding samples to us (do not send originals!) of your work. It is our policy not to return samples -- we keep everything on file for reference.

Types of Illustration & Compensation Rates In designing our compensation rates we wanted to balance two things: to provide compensation to artists for each image submitted and accepted by (thus no spec work), while limiting our outlay for images that we will not be able to use. One or several artists may take an image from Rough Concept Sketch to Clean Sketch to Finished Image -- those who perform each step earn the payment for that step. All artwork is produced on a work-for-hire basis unless alternative arrangements are specifically negotiated with Peregrine and recorded in a written contract. No compensation will be paid for artwork submitted until the artist has signed a work-for-hire or other contractual agreement. All artists who contribute images to a specific project will be acknowledged in the credits. All images should have a minimum of 1" white space around the artwork for handling purposes. Regardless of the actual image size, spot illustrations are preferred on 8.5" x 11" size heavy paper or illustration board. Existing & Pre-Published Images Peregrine is willing to consider the purchase of quality images of any suitable subject matter and media in an effort to build up a file of clip-art for use in future publications and products. This includes the purchase of second (or third, etc.) publication rights to existing images which are not being used by a direct competitor in a publication or prouduct currently in print or available at the retail or wholesale level in the marketplace (including digital or online formats). Obviously, the right to publish the image must be yours to sell (we will ask you to sign a document stating so). We invite you to send us samples of available images along with desired fees for publication (please also include a history of publication for each image). Terms and compensation rates may change at any time at the discretion of Peregrine.

Artist submits a rough image of a specific object, person, place, plant, or creature which can be later cleaned-up and enhanced by either themselves or more experienced artists. No deadline -- artist submits material as they create it.
A quick sketch that should take about 5 to 15 minutes to complete. It may be produced with loose, free-flowing construction lines, however, the subject should be easy to distinguish from the mass of linework. If the image presents a gag, make sure the drawing is clear enough to get the joke across (or indicate details with comments off to the side with arrows pointing to the part of the image being discussed).
For a figure, facial details and expression are most important. There should be a clear indication of the basic form and pose, with clothes and possessions roughly drafted in. Anatomy need not be perfect. Background details may or may not be indicated.
For an object or a scene, the primary thing is that we can comprehend what we are looking at, and the most significant thing in the image -- this area of importance should be given the most detail.
PAYMENT: $1.00 (one dollar) for each image requested and accepted.

Type 2: Assigned Clean Sketch -- Improved Form & Added Detail
Peregrine specifically asks the artist to revise their own or another's Rough Concept Sketch or produce from scratch a 'Clean Sketch'. The artist and Peregrine will agree to a specific deadline when the work is assigned.
A detailed Clean Sketch of this type should take about 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Some construction lines may still be visible as a light underdrawing, but the important areas of the image should be defined by darker, tighter linework. Complex details can be noted off to the side.
For a figure, the face, form, and pose, should be clearly defined. Anatomy should be adequate (though it may be convincingly exaggerated to achieve a comic or heroic effect as appropriate). Clothes and possessions should be drafted in. Background may or may not be drawn.
For an object or a scene, the basic elements should be visible via the tighter, darker lingwork over the rough underdrawing.
Perspective should be adequate (though it may be convincingly exaggerated for comic effect). Some details should be drawn in or indicated -- complex details can be noted off to the side. This type of sketch should be easy for someone to develop into a final illustration for publication.
PAYMENT: $5.00 (five dollars) for each image requested and accepted.

Type 3: Assigned Finished (Spot) Image -- Suitable for Publication
Peregrine specifically asks the artist to revise their own or another's work, thus creating a Finished Image (grayscale or B&W as applicable to the product) ready for publication. Subject matter will typically focus on a single person (or tight group), plant, creature, place, or thing, with details appropriate for the published size. The Finished Image should be a tighter, more complete version of the Clean Sketch, with accurate anatomy and perspective (though it may be convincingly exaggerated for comic or heroiceffect). The artist and Peregrine will agree to a specific deadline when the work is assigned.
A.Published Size: 1/4 to 1/3 of a page (8.5" x 11"); assumes Limited Detail.
PAYMENT: $10.00 (ten dollars) for each image requested and accepted*.

B.Published Size: 1/2 to 3/4 of a page (8.5" x 11"); assumes Moderate Detail.
PAYMENT: $25.00 (twenty-five dollars) for each image requested and accepted*.

C.Published Size: full-page (8.5" x 11" plus 1/2" bleed allowance); assumes Significant Detail.
PAYMENT: $50.00 (fifty dollars) for each image requested and accepted*.

D.Published Size: double-page spread (11" x 17" plus 1/2" bleed allowance); assumes Extensive Detail.
PAYMENT: $100.00 (one-hundred dollars) for each image requested and accepted*.

*BONUS PAYMENT: The payment rates may be increased by Peregrine for talented artists who establish a track record of quality work with us. Peregrine may also increase the payment for a specific image if it is determined that it is excessively complex based on a prior submitted Clean Sketch or if the Finished Image exceeds our expectations.
NOTE: This is document is only to serve as a guide. It does not constitute a contract or an agreement of any kind. Terms and compensation rates are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Peregrine.

If you think we would be interested in seeing it, send us a photocopy (never submit an original as a sample). The more we see of your work, the better the understanding we'll have of your talent. Please indicate whether a piece has been published (and by whom, when, and where) or not. Samples will be placed on file and not returned.
Also, please provide some personal information about your relevant experience, and the styles you are capable of working in, which you prefer, and what subject(s) you feel most confident rendering.

If we like what you've sent us, when we have an assignment which suits your style, we'll contact you. Our CD will discuss an assignment with you, including the terms for the purchasing of your artwork. The CD will fill you in on what kind of images are needed, in what style, and level of detail. Typically you will be asked to begin by producing some rough Concept Sketches. These may later be developed by you or another artist into Finished Images.
It is important that you only accept an assignment that you are confident you have the time and the ability to deliver what you've agree to. We would much prefer working with someone who is honest about their limitations than someone who lets us down -- especially without warning!

Before we accept any artwork from you, we'll ask you to sign an Artist Work-For-Hire Agreement. Ask us for it. When you receive this document, read and sign it, then return it to us. (Keep a photocopy of the signed document for your own records.)
Rights We Purchase: Unless otherwise specified in writing, all material produced for Peregrine is considered 'work-for-hire' (i.e., Peregrine buys all rights, including copyright and ownership of the original art). Unless otherwise negotiated, this includes the right to alter the image as we see fit, use part of it, combine it with any other image, or file it for later use.

Murphy's World (and Other Humorous Genre Supplements)
The type of illustrations we are looking to use for our products should be produced in a whimsical style of exaggerated realism. Regardless of the subject, something about the image should be humorous or at least weird -- in a light-hearted way. Though the perspective and structure of the image should be plausible, it may be exaggerated for humorous effect. Buildings need not stand erect; they may twist and stab up at the sky, or huddle close to the ground in irregular clumps.
Figures, if possible, should be engaged in some amusing activity (i.e., a personal minor difficulty or major disaster). Though the anatomical structure should appear plausible and real, feel free to exaggerate the form into a characture to enhance the comic element.
For Murphy's World and other books in this setting, the soft grayscale tones of pencil, marker, watercolor, and gouache are employed, as opposed to the hard line of pen and ink.
The illustration styles for other product lines of a more serious nature are still under development -- please inquire.

Provided below are some of the subject types illustrated in our books. Questions are provided for each topic which may be considered when creating an illustration. It is not expected that an illustration provide answers to all the questions asked -- they are merely intended to provide a guide for your mind while considering a subject. Your completed image serves two functions: it entertains, and provides information of the the physical and behavorial nature of the subject depicted. Examples of these items may be found in the books Murphy's World or Bob, Lord of Evil.

ARTIFACTS & TREASURES Name: What is the object called? Does it have more than one name? Description: Shape, color, size, material? Properties: What's special about it? What does it do? How does it work? Is it desirable or something one would rather part with? History: Where did it come from? Was it created, and if so, how long ago? Who were its past owners? How was it used? Does it have a dark secret? Situation: Where is it now? Who owns it? Is it guarded? Is it for sale? Is it lost? Staging: How can it be used by the GM? How will it affect the Characters? Is it something to be found along the way, or the subject of a quest? CREATURES Name: Does it have more than one name? Does the name(s) have meaning? Description: Shape, color, size, covering, smell? Properties: What's special about it? Where does it live? What does it eat? Wild or domesticated? Herd-like or solitary? Intelligent? Edible? Poisonous? History: Where did it come from? Did it evolve? Was it created? Does it have a dark secret? Situation: Where is it now? Who owns it, if anyone? Is it lost, hungry, tired, upset? Staging: How can it be used by the GM? How will it affect the Characters? Is it something to be found along the way, or the subject of a quest? Will it be friendly or hostile? PLANT LIFE Name: What is the plant called? Does it have more than one name? Description: Shape, color, size, smell? Properties: What's special about it? Where does it live? What does it feed on? Wild or domesticated? Any special traits or behavior (e.g. intelligent, mobile, edible, poisonous)? History: Where did it come from? Did it evolve? Was it created? Does it have a dark secret? Situation: Where is it commonly found? Staging: How can it be used by the GM? How will it affect the Characters? Is it something to be found along the way, or the subject of a quest? Will it be friendly or hostile? Note: the line between plant and creature can sometimes be blurry. That's fine, but you will have to arbitrarily put your creation in one category or another.

LOCATIONS Name: What is the name of this place? Does it have more than one name? Description: Geographic location? Natural, artificial? Properties: What's special about it? Why do people go there, or avoid it? Is it associated with tourism, a supernatural phenomenon, historical event, political, economic, ritual or culture purposes? History: Who found it, or founded it? When? Is it inhabited? Is it a nice place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there, or is it a nice place to live, but you wouldn't want to visit there? Does it have a dark secret? Situation: Who owns it, if anyone? Has it been the subject of recent upheaval; geological, political, medical, intellectual, religious or otherwise? Staging: How can it be used by the GM? How will it affect the Characters? Is it something to be found along the way, or the subject of a quest? Is it be friendly or hostile? PEOPLE / GAMEMASTER CHARACTERS (GMC) Name: What is this person's name? Description: Shape, color, size, clothing, belongings, male, female, race? Properties: What's special about this person? Where does this person live? What does this person do for a living? How intelligent, strong, charismatic, trust worthy, dexterous, friendly, etc. is this person? What motivates this person? Sane or insane? Social, political, economic, emotional status? Religious leanings? Traits? Buttons: i.e. what turns this person on / off? Age? Health? History: Where did this person come from? Previous jobs? education? Family? Crimes? Personal wins, losses? Does he/she have a dark secret? Situation: Where is this person now? Is it lost? Is it hungry, tired, upset? Alone or surrounded by others? Staging: How can this person be used in game terms? How will this person interact with the Characters? Is this someone to be found along the way, or the subject of a quest? Will this person be friendly or hostile?

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WRITERS, ARTISTS, GAMEMASTERS & PLAYTESTERS WANTED!

We are always interested in talking to freelance writers & artists. We are looking for people who are capable and interested in the subject matter that they are working on. We are willing to talk to unpublished individuals if they are competent. Our Writers Guidelines and Artists Guidelines will explain the basics -- email us for more information. We are also seeking people interested in Gamemastering and playtesting our products in development. Email us and let us know if you're interested!

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This page was last updated April 24, 2003. Content copyright ©1995 to 2003 Kevin Davies.