How I work
Thank you for your interest in my work. You might find the following information helpful in order to get the best out of a commission.
My process:
The process is usually broken down into the following stages:
Initial enquiry from client outlining brief project details, deadline and budget (if known)
Confirmation of my availability and estimate/quotation
Acceptance of commission and terms agreed (a 25% deposit is taken before starting the work)
Rough visuals for approval of content and composition
Any feedback or amendments (I usually include up to two rounds of revisions)
On approval of roughs, final work is completed.
Final proofs provided for approval (I can include minor tweaks – eg. such as slight colour adaptations).
Upon client sign off and final payment, final artwork files are provided to specifications
Help for writing a brief:
Below are things I need to know in order to work on your project. It’s helpful to know your project specifications (and your budget, if known) before discussing anything in detail. If you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch with any questions.
Number of illustrations/designs
Dimensions: The size and orientation of the illustrations or designs. In the case of publishing, the page area is useful to know, such as if an illustration is to be full page, half page or ‘spot’ illustration.
File specifications: What final file type do you require (eg. jpeg)? Most of work is created as raster so if you need vector artwork this needs to be clear at the start of a job
Deadline: A realistic date for completion. This helps to establish when each stage will need to be completed by.
Context: Referencing the client (eg. A company website link is helpful for background) and listing how the work will be used will help to outline the purpose and audience so the work created is relevant.
Style examples: Referencing artwork examples to show what sort of result you are hoping to achieve is helpful (linking a couple of my own projects is great). Some clients are very open and others are very specific..
Type of use: Specifying the type of use and number of uses enables me to cost it accordingly, such as:
Private use: Original paintings/prints/murals where no commercial use or reproduction is required.
Commercial use: Any use that promotes or aids a brand or event, such as use on literature, signage, packaging, websites, merchandise and so on. Each job is quoted based on the specific type of commercial use and how widely designs are viewed or reproduced.Commercial use duration: The longer the term in use the higher the fee. Jobs usually include one of the following durations: Six months, one year, three years, five years or use in perpetuity (longterm).
Need more information about commercial use?
The Association of Illustrators provides helpful information on licensing, in particular, their download on how licensing works. I’ve also written more information about licensing here.
“Can I just say how great it has been working with you the past few months? You have been brilliant and I will be recommending you all over the place! You have been so easy to communicate with and so helpful.”
Budget
If you are working to a specific budget, being upfront about this will save a lot of time and help me to tailor the deliverables accordingly where possible. If you’re unsure of your budget, please provide criteria to quote from – being really clear with project details will make the project quicker and easier and ensure that expectations are met.
Any questions?
Alternatively, you may find it easier to fill out this enquiry form.