About Hireillo
Hireillo (hy-uhr-il-oh) is an independent service for professional illustrators and other creatives. We were founded as Hire an Illustrator (HAI) in 2005 by former freelance illustrator Darren Di Lieto on the back of the success of the Little Chimp Society (2004-2021).
Hireillo members work across the full breadth of the illustration industry, including advertising, publishing and editorial. With wide-ranging skills, covering everything from animation to painting billboard-sized murals. Hireillo helps clients find creatives and connect creatives with clients. We consider all membership applications; looking for skill and experience – or the potential to succeed in the creative industry. The most important aspect of a successful application is our belief that an illustrator’s work is commercially viable.
Our small team currently consists of just Darren and Morgan Di Lieto. We love illustration, and that’s the driving force behind what we do. Besides promoting our members and helping connect them with clients and art directors, we advise them on their portfolios, pricing and contracts. Putting our money where our mouth is, in addition to the service we run, in 2019/22, we commissioned members of Hireillo for more than £11,200 of custom design and artwork for either the projects we were running or for personal use. We do this because we believe in the value of illustration and what our members have to offer.
“It’s a passion; we can’t imagine doing anything else. We will never sell out or work with companies we don’t trust. We’re independent and do what is right for our members, and that’s how we like it. No pressure, no ulterior motive, and the freedom to do what is best for freelancers and the illustration industry we represent.”
We are not a corporate powerhouse or the smallest fish in the sea. We’re a couple of over-experienced art nerds who support a community of professionals who we believe deserve respect for the skills and services they provide with all our hearts.
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Hireillo has run several exhibitions over the years with its members. These range from the popular Mail Me Art project (over 4,000 pieces of mail art and counting) to 2019’s Amazing Adventures exhibition in London, which was composed of art inspired by the works of Jules Verne. These acclaimed projects have brought together the community and created ideal opportunities for networking and making new friends. Along with exhibitions, Hireillo has conducted several illustrators’ surveys since 2011 and has recently published the State of Illustration as a downloadable PDF. With over 1,500 illustrators participating in 2020, the report is the go-to source for data such as average incomes, demographics, and the illustration industry’s general state. Another interesting factoid is that up until May of 2021, Hireillo was called “Hire an Illustrator”, but as we matured, we realised we needed a less generic name, so we rebranded and go by “Hireillo” now. You’ll sometimes hear our members refer to us as HAI, as old habits die hard, especially for those who have been with us since the beginning.
Testimonials
If you are looking for an illustrator to help you with a project, I’d highly recommend you connect with Hireillo! They helped me think through the process and what I wanted, which made working with artist Elly Walton a breeze!
Hireillo are a knowledgable, approachable and dedicated set of minds who will go above and beyond to offer advice and assistant to a broad range of artists. With regular opportunity for social media promotion, exhibition opportunities, and quick response time, Hireillo are a great way to gain some exposure and be part of an inclusive and diverse artistic network.
— Imogen Fancourt, Freelance Illustrator
Hireillo has brought me a broader client spectrum than I could have ever reached alone. As a consequence of my engaging with a more varied market and altering my approach accordingly, I’d say my work has improved. Thanks Hireillo!
Hireillo is a great place to have a portfolio. It’s good value for money and seems to be evolving quickly with lots of new features. It provides a place to release news and gain exposure and is the sole reason I landed one of my biggest jobs to date. As well as all that Darren and Jane are seemingly always available to ask questions and offer support. I’d be lost without it.
Hireillo has been an incredible boon to my business and put my work in front of clients who may not have found it otherwise. Since joining I’ve seen a definitive increase in work and income.
Hireillo has allowed me to reach clients and markets that I would otherwise not have access to. Since joining I have expanded my client base and gotten projects ranging from print publications to projects in gaming, film, and even jewelry design. I enjoy being a part of the Hireillo community, and appreciate the hard work that goes into running the site – I look forward to many more years with Hireillo!
A client found me through my Hireillo portfolio for some illustrations for corporate videos. I am very pleased that they found me as the job was great fun and the client has hired me again for additional projects. All thanks to having a profile on Hireillo!
Hireillo has been an invaluable tool for my business. Having a portfolio of my work at this site has helped me reach a wider audience and has already more than paid for itself with the new commissions I’ve received. Thank you Hireillo for an awesome site and all the expanded services. The mail packs and printing service are a great example of forward thinking and one of the reasons Hireillo stands out from others.
Hireillo is an invaluable part of my illustration marketing. Having my portfolio listed with the other high quality work found on the site is a perfect calling card for clients. I love Hireillo!
Hireillo is vital for my illustration business. I’ve had lots of work and enquiries through Hireillo including a serial book publishing deal. Hireillo is easy to update and a fantastic marketing tool. I would highly recommend it for any freelance illustrators.