We all remember those first times. Entering into spaces and rooms you have never been to. Eagerly winding your way to the person you are dying to see. Your heart pounding nervously. The awkward moments as you search for just the right words to clinch your chance at a longer term relationship. Riding over all of this is their first impression, not only of you but of your work. There is never an undo when you deliver your first commission to a new client – you better make it count.
Impressing first time clients was a goal dating from the very beginnings of my art career. I pull out all the stops to provide exceptional work, from preliminary sketches to color studies to final oils in order to make sure that a first impression with a client was a positive and unforgettable one. Once given the chance to work for someone, I want to turn them into a repeat customer. Thus the extra labor put forth in the initial commission may be seen as a way of securing a group or steady stream of commissions in the future. This is good business sense, any business person will tell you it is less costly to manage current customers than to go out and seek new ones.
It has been a while since my first dates, but I wanted to share my first assignments for those ‘new’ art directors and clients.
Regardless of what I was paid, I put as much time and labor into each of these projects as possible. I still practice this principle today.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court Tor Books 1993 |
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court was my first job with Tor Books, as well as my first commercial book cover assignment. I have created ( in a ballpark guess) over 60 covers with Tor Books since then. I still work with them to this day.
Construct of Time – Shadow’s Fall Penguin Books 1993 |
Construct of Time still resides in my portfolio as a showstopper. I worked with Penguin books for over 7 years and dozens of covers before a disagreement about cover changes ended our relationship.
Otherness Bantam Books 1994 |
Another great client with whom I created some wonderful covers for. Bantam was a regular client for years, with over a dozen covers credited with them.
Ravengers Warner Books 1994 |
One of my favorites from the early career years. Placed in Cyberpunk New York (not really Times Square since we are on 5th Ave), but captures the flavor of the city that I love!
Wire Continuum Playboy Enterprises 1997 |
Amber Prison Wizards of the Coast 1996 |
Great post, Donato! I've been fortunate enough to be doing album covers for various bands, and I adopted the same attitude. Actively attempt to do work that's good enough or whatever that they want to use me again. Happy to say I've had some success with it. 3 covers for one, two for another, and yet another that's wanting to use me in the future after their first cover by me.
It's very pleasing to me to establish those kinds of relationships with clients. And the visibility doesn't hurt, either.
Great advice again, Donato! As I am actually starting to work (2 commissions this week!), I will most definitely keep this in mind!