Illustrators react as the AOI pulls pricing advice for members – and the AOI responds

Recent news of the Association of Illustrators dropping its price assistance service has caused debate in the illustration world – we speak to the Association and highlight the decision’s impact on artists.

The Association of Illustrators (AOI) has long been a champion of illustrators navigating the murky terrains of freelance work and ensuring a decent wage from commission work, but there was surprise with last week’s revelation that the trade association has pulled its pricing survey and bespoke pricing guide from all membership options.

The news came out when screenshots of the emailed announcement sent to members were shared on Twitter, revealing the pricing assistance that proved so invaluable to members had been pulled due to “legal advice” recommending such support be changed in how it’s offered to illustrators.

The decision proved controversial, with many artists like Rebecca Strickson and Sonny Ross pointing out this service was the main reason why many joined the AOI in the first place.

On the other hand, many on social similarly highlighted that despite the bad news, the AOI still supports illustrators in so many other areas, with fashion illustrator Miss Magpie rallying to the Association’s cause.

“I’d 100% say stick with them until more news in Feb,” she tweeted. “They have supported illustrators for years, I think now it’s our turn to support them back if possible. It’s clearly not their choice.” This was a sentiment shared by intricate people-and-landscape mapper Rod Hunt.

Support lent to the AOI was also shared among fellow illustrators, especially to assist new blood getting into the industry who may not have a clear idea on how much they deserve to be paid for their work. As cartoonist Stephen Collins wrote, “other illustrators’ experience is only a direct message away” on Twitter, whilst Miss Magpie tweeted a recent podcast sharing her advice on fair pay in the industry.

Reaching out to AOI for a response, we spoke via email to CEO Ren Renwick, who told us the organisation was working through its next steps.

“We keenly appreciate the impact for illustrators,” Ren tells us.  “Supporting individuals’ careers – especially those starting out – as well as the industry itself is at the heart of our thinking. 

“Certainly we will need to work together as an industry and we are humbled by the support that members are offering us around this.

“Meanwhile the help desk is still open (so) please do get in touch; we are helping members with queries on contracts, licensing, client negotiation, self-promotion and more.  Feedback is positive and while in some areas the support is different, its value continues to be appreciated.”

Read next: How to Succeed as a Freelance Illustrator feat. the AOI’s Derek Brazell and Rod Hunt

https://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/news/illustration/illustrators-react-as-aoi-pulls-pricing-advice-for-members-aoi-responds/