I was recently approached by an independent author that I have worked with before. They requested that I do the illustrations for a sequel, using the first book’s illustrations as a guide. They asked that I do the illustrations in the same style as the previous book so that they would match.
The ethical dilemma: would I be “stealing” the style of the original illustrator? Would the work truly be my own, or just a shadow of the original illustrator?
Part of the trade: Don’t illustrators pull from other illustrators works as inspiration all the time?

I generally weigh out commissions based on whether or not I would be proud enough to promote the finished work. However, I’m comparatively new to the illustration world and can’t really be picky about what work comes along.
I’m interested in hearing some different perspectives/experiences. Thank you for reading my post!

I was recently approached by an independent author that I have worked with before. They requested that I do the illustrations for a sequel, using the first book’s illustrations as a guide. They asked that I do the illustrations in the same style as the previous book so that they would match.
The ethical dilemma: would I be “stealing” the style of the original illustrator? Would the work truly be my own, or just a shadow of the original illustrator?
Part of the trade: Don’t illustrators pull from other illustrators works as inspiration all the time?

I generally weigh out commissions based on whether or not I would be proud enough to promote the finished work. However, I’m comparatively new to the illustration world and can’t really be picky about what work comes along.
I’m interested in hearing some different perspectives/experiences. Thank you for reading my post!