Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, 17th Edition: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines

by The Graphic Artists Guild, Debbie Millman (Foreword by)

Overview

The industry bible for graphic arts professionals, with pricing guidelines and information on business, ethical, and legal issues—in a new, updated edition with essential information on AI, NFTs, social media, and more.

For over 50 years, the Graphic Artists Guild Handbook has been an indispensable resource for graphic arts, communication design, and illustration professionals. As the graphic art marketplace continues to evolve with the changing digital and print media landscape, the need for up-to-date information on business, ethical, technical, and legal issues is greater than ever.

The content of the 17th Edition has been updated and expanded to create a resource that is relevant to how graphic artists work today:

• New content addressing generative AI and ways to protect your work.
• How to develop a business plan.
• A new section on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and how artists are using them to maximize their income.
• The addition of the following sub-disciplines: public art, mural art, and social media design & marketing.
• Realistic pricing guidelines to help the self-employed create a sustainable livelihood and plan for times of economic uncertainty.
• Current U.S. salary information and freelance rates by discipline.
• Up-to-date copyright registration information, including an explanation of the Copyright Claims Board and how to use it.
• Model contracts and forms to adapt to your specific needs.
• Eight new interviews with diverse and self-employed graphic artists.
• A QR code to access future updates that will be available on the Graphic Artists Guild website.

This new robust edition also includes a dedication to industry legend Cheryl D. Miller and a foreword by industry luminary Debbie Millman, best known as the host of the podcast Design Matters, along with a wealth of contributing writers who offer tips on and insight into today’s most pressing topics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780262551830
Publisher:	MIT Press
Publication date:	11/04/2025
Pages:	504
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 10.60(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

The Graphic Artists Guild is a membership organization of creative professionals working in the graphic arts fields.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Running a Successful Graphic Arts Business
CHAPTER 1: Essential Business Practices
The Nature of the Business, Pricing Your Services, Negotiating & Evaluating the Terms of an Offer...
CHAPTER 2: Professional Relationships
Illustrator Professional Relationships, Graphic Designer Professional Relationships...
CHAPTER 3: Professional Issues
Employment Issues, Self-Employment Issues, Entrepreneurial Issues...
CHAPTER 4: Maximizing Income
Self-Promotion & Marketing, Creating Multiple Revenue Streams, Sell Reuse Rights, License Your Art, Market Your Art...

Salaries, Pricing Guidelines, & Trade Practices
CHAPTER 5: Graphic Design
State of the Industry, Impact of Generative AI on the Profession, Graphic Design Salaries, Freelance Graphic Design, Corporate Graphic Design...
CHAPTER 6: Web/Interactive Design
The Digital Marketplace, Impact of Generative AI on the Profession, Salaries, Designing for Interactive Media...
CHAPTER 7: Illustration
Impact of Generative AI on the Profession, Trends in Illustration, Illustration Salaries...
CHAPTER 8: Cartooning & Comics
Magazine Cartooning, EDITORIAL CARTOONING, Comics Journalism, Comics for Business, Syndication...
CHAPTER 9: Animation & Motion
Impact of Generative AI on the Profession, Animation, Video Game Art, Motion Graphics Design, Motion Illustration...
CHAPTER 10: Surface Pattern Design
Types of Designers Defined, The Role of Surface Pattern Designers, Trends & Color Forecasting, The Design Process...

Protecting Your Business & Intellectual Property
CHAPTER 11: Legal Rights & Issues
The Graphic Artists Guild, United States Copyright Law, Copyright Limitations, Work Made for Hire, State Laws Extending Copyright Protection...
CHAPTER 12: Standard Contracts & Business Tools
The Importance of Contracts, Seven Basic Types of Contracts, What a Contract Should Include, Using Contracts, Negotiation...

Successfully Applying Practices
ADAM KRUVAND Creating a Niche by Pushing the Limits of Technology
TERRENCE MOLINE Challenging African American Designers
TAMISHA ANTHONY Sharing the Joy of Creativity & Black History
TABBY AUSLANDER Deaf Blue Cats Web & Art Services: Breaking the Sound Barrier
DEROY PERAZA & JULIA ZELTZER Refugees Using Design to Build a More Equitable Society
ELIZABETH SILVER A Business Patterned for Success
BECCA CLASON Bringing Letters to Life with Stop-Motion Magic
SUE JENKINS Holding Herself in Readiness & Saying Yes

Resources & References
Recommended Books, Relevant Publications, Industry Directories, Promotion & Marketing Resources, Employment & Freelance Opportunities, Organizations, Conferences, Trade Shows, & Merchandise Markets, Online Classes & Courses, Informative Websites & Blogs
APPENDIX: Contracts & Forms, Generative-AI Clause, Cease and Desist Letter, Artist–Agent Agreement, Artwork Inventory Form, All-Purpose Purchase Order, Nondisclosure Agreement for Submitting Ideas, Work Change Order Form, Licensing Agreement (Short Form), Licensing Agreement (Long Form), Graphic Designer’s Estimate & Confirmation Form, Noncompetition Clause, Graphic Designer’s Invoice, Service Retainer Agreement, Digital Media Invoice, Website Design & Maintenance Order Form, Magazine Purchase Order for Commissioned Illustration, Illustrator’s Estimate & Confirmation Form, All-Purpose Illustrator’s Letter of Agreement, Illustrator’s Release Form for Models, Illustrator’s Invoice, Surface Pattern Designer–Agent Agreement, Surface Pattern Designer’s Estimate & Confirmation Form, Surface Pattern Designer’s Holding Form, Surface Pattern Designer’s Invoice