AI is a powerful machine, yet it lacks intuition. Without a complete synopsis, there is no way to define the work's DNA. A "rabbit in the forest" could be a dark suspense tale or a vibrant fable; the briefing defines this atmosphere. Furthermore, I debunk the myth that "size doesn't matter." A single page requires one focus, while a double-page spread must survive the center gutter and guide the reader's eye fluidly. This is a much more complex composition that cannot be solved by simply "stretching" the image. 

Another crucial point was the distinction between internal art and the cover. Internal illustrations serve the narrative, but the cover serves the market. It is the billboard that must sell the book in milliseconds.

Still in the technical field, questions about format, whether print or digital, are vital. Explaining the difference between RGB and CMYK (300 DPI) might sound like Greek to the client, but it is what guarantees quality. Generating a low-resolution image for the web and trying to print it later results in a pixelated disaster. The AI must be taught to create in the correct format from the first minute to avoid total loss of quality.

The famous "surprise me" is the biggest trap in design. Without defining a style, be it cartoon, realistic, or watercolor, and a color palette, we are working with luck. The briefing acts as a vaccine against rework. Knowing the budget and the deadline also allows me to be a consultant. If the budget is tight for ten realistic illustrations, I can suggest a high-quality cartoon style or focus on fewer but more impactful images. 

One of the most sensitive points ignored by the client was the future use of the characters. It is one thing to illustrate a book; it is another to want to turn those characters into toys, mugs, or an animated series (merchandising). Usage licensing protects both the illustrator and the author, ensuring that if the book becomes a massive success, compensation is fair for the one who created that visual identity. 

In the AI era, my work has evolved into that of an art director and technology curator. The briefing answers are the data that guide the high-performance paid tools we use. Without this script, AI is just a machine without direction.

This client’s silence was a loss for his own project. Clarity at the beginning saves time and money and ensures the faithful materialization of a vision, transforming an abstract idea into a high-quality concrete product.