Do you sell prints?
Yes, if you have an image you would like to have as a print, you can order it through Red Bubble on the shop page. If you have a piece in mind that you would like to have in a poster, print or canvas print that is not on Red Bubble, just contact me and I can arrange it for you.
Do you sell originals?
Yes, if you see an illustration or painting you would like to purchase just get in touch and I will let you know if the original is available.
Should I get an original framed?
It is advisable to get an original piece of work framed - either professionally at a framing shop which will use high quality glass and craftsmanship, or by window mounting the piece and using a clip frame. Mounted originals are best kept away from damp conditions or strong light.
How do I commission an illustration?
All you have to do is email me with your enquiry and an idea of what you would like to commission.
What is the process?
Once I have had your email enquiry I'll get in touch and give you an estimate of the time scale and a price. If you are happy to proceed I'll email you an 'agreement of job/quote' form to finalise details. After this I create thumbnail drawings based on your idea for you to review - (unless you have provided me with your own thumbnails). Once you are happy with a thumbnail, let me know and I will create a line drawn pencil rough. A lot of research goes on at this stage to ensure the elements of the final illustration will be correct and in the right position. I will then scan the rough and email it through to you for you to check everything, so if the position of anything needs altering you can let me know. Once you are happy I will proceed to create your illustration in the media you have selected (e.g. detailed tonal pencil drawing, pen drawing, watercolour etc). Once the illustration is complete I will scan it on high resolution and email it to you with an invoice for the amount stated on the 'agreement of job/quote' form.
How much will it cost?
The price varies according to the amount of work involved in the piece - please see my prices page for an estimate. Every commission involves a lot of research to ensure the final illustration will be of a high standard. I also make models, visit locations, ask relatives to pose for me and so forth to gain as much visual information as possible to create an accurate and pleasing illustration for my clients. Each illustration is completely original and unique, one of it's kind.
How long will the commission take?
The time taken for the commission will depend upon the complexity involved and how busy I am with other illustration work. Less complex pieces can take as little as one working week, whilst more complex illustrations can take up to four working weeks or longer when I am very busy.
Do you need a deposit?
At this present time I am not asking for deposits, I ask for payment on completion and delivery of the illustration.
Can you send me the original?
I can send you the original illustration for you to keep for a small extra fee.
How late can I change the composition within the illustration?
This is best sorted out at thumbnails and pencil rough stage because once I am working on the final illustration it is very hard to change your illustration without ruining it, so lots of communication in the early stages is vital to ensure you get a super illustration.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes, we can arrange payment in installments.
Can I have the copyright?
I'm afraid the copyright belongs to the original artist or illustrator, however whilst commissioning the work, let me know what you want to use the piece for and I will write a full detailed list of uses you can use the illustration for on the agreement of job form and on your invoice, so everything is sorted out.
I have a subject I would like painted but it is not in your portfolio, how can I be sure you can paint it?
The best thing to do is to get in touch as I have a much larger portfolio than I have popped onto my website. I may already have created an illustration featuring your subect or something very similar for you to have a look at.
Can you paint a group portrait from different photographs?
Usually I can, but it requires a lot of skill because sometimes one photograph will show the light coming from say the left side whilst another photograph will show the light coming from the right side, so I will need to balance this out. I will also need other photographs of the subject if you have them because some photographs do not show colours accurately, so the more photographs you can provide the better the final illustration will be.
Can I commission a tatoo design?
Yes, I'm happy creating tatoo designs for you. The prices are the same as for any illustration commission because the same amount of work will go into the piece.
I have a picture of a relative who has passed away, can you paint this?
Yes, I probably can, it's best to contact me and we can discuss it - you may have an image in mind - this is fine, however if you have any other images this can be very helpful because some photographs do not show colours accurately, so the more photographs you can provide the better the final illustration will be.
Do you paint pets?
Yes, I have painted pets before, just get in touch.
Will images of the final illustration go onto your blog or website?
Yes, they usually do, but only once the commission is complete and the job is finished. For example, in the case of an illustration for a publication I will only put images of the commission online once the publication has been released to the public. Should you wish the commission to not appear on my blog or website just let me know.
Any images of commissions I put on my blog or website are small, low resolution images and are watermarked.
Can I cancel?
Yes at the thumbnail stage, however, if it is late in the commission (for example once the final piece is being created for you), a lot of work will have gone into the commission for you, so you'll be liable to pay half the price due to work already undertaken, so it's best to sort things out early - with illustration you are paying the illustrator for their time and skills as well as the finished piece of work.
Do you do speculative work?
I'm afraid I don't do speculative work
Would you create a piece for for me for free?
I'm sorry I can't do this due to the time and expenses involved in creating professional illustrations.
What are your qualifications?
I hold a BA in Scientific and Natural History Illustration, an MA in Children's Book Illustration and a PGCE.
I have a question not listed what do I do?
Just click here to email me and I'll get in touch.