Concerning our First Cloud, I do NOT believe that Educational Publishers are trying to 'take advantage' of hungry artists. They too have felt the depressed effects of the past. There have been fewer adoptions and disappointing state spending generally. Publishers have to produce programs to compete, but they can only charge 'so much' for their product, so they have to keep costs down dramatically. Remember however that your talent and time are worth a certain amount and try to keep that amount as high as possible.

     Something I've experienced more recently is the practice of paying for one size image, but printing it in a larger size product. Since we tend to price our artwork on usage, this really isn't ethical. I do rather feel however that allowances can be made within reason. I do, for instance, ask for more money for a 'spot' that has faces that are too small to paint because the artist has to 'do it up' to get the expressions right. So we are asking to price by size of execution rather than print size. Just be aware and clear as to what you are being paid for.

     The delay of payment problem is just so unfair. They demand that you make your deadlines, and hold your money. Much Ed work today is assigned through design studios, and they are paid by the larger publishing house. Some large houses are notorious for late payments to the studios, and they can't pay you till they have money! 30-45 days is normal, but it's getting so 60+ isn't that unusual. Ask going into the job what they expect for payment timing so you don't get caught, and voice your concern over this practice.

     The Second Cloud is the accelerated and confusing work schedule that seems to be the norm these days. Quick sketch time, unsure 'turn-arounds' causing variable finish dates, and then a rush to finish. I advise you to get a rough idea in writing of the dates, and accept based on that rough schedule that you CAN make. If they delay with the 'turn', and you are in the midst of another 'on time' client's finishes, you need to advise them up front that you will honor the first client, while you try to accommodate them as well. They should appreciate that, and know you'll do it for them too! (Does still mean staying up all night though.) You can lose a career by missing deadlines...even when it's THEIR fault. And ALWAYS check on missed sketch turns...don't ever assume! Communicate!

     The Third Cloud in our blue sky is rather age old: the Rights issues. We want to continue encouraging companies to use the 'School Rights Only Contracts (SRO) instead of the 'Work for Hire' (WFH) ones. SRO gives them all they need, and you feel better about having some rights in YOUR own original work. In practice I doubt it changes actual art usage at all, but it's the principle. And you should request your original art returned to you even with the WFH contracts. Most companies will, though there is one (or two) big ones who will not...but TRY. If they won't give the art back the job should pay very well. It's their right NOT to return it with WFH, but the ethical practice is to do so.

     We are all happy to see We are all happy to see BRIGHTER DAYS return to the children's publishing market and to the US economy in general. Enjoy the hopeful atmosphere, but keep your business head and don't get 'sunburned.' Future quantity and quality depend on your attention to detail today. Shine on! return to the children's publishing market and to the US economy in general. Enjoy the hopeful atmosphere, but keep your business head and don't get 'sunburned.' Future quantity and quality depend on your attention to detail today. Shine on!