I'm exploring graphic and illustrator design services (https://vermontbookpublishers.com/book-illustration) for an upcoming project and would really value honest opinions from this community. What factors matter most when choosing the right service? How do you compare quality, pricing, and creative style? What red flags should I watch out for, and how do you decide if an illustrator truly matches your project needs? Looking for serious, practical, and experience-based suggestions.