More often than not…

customers will come to me with their stories, ideas or plans for business developments that mean so much to them. Having been in all these positions myself, I completely understand and appreciate this. Whether your story, ideas or business needs have a personal connection or it’s something off the back of a dream, to me, every aspect of your needs are important. It would be very easy for me to just draw anything and hand it over, but I like to work with each and every customer closely, throughout the whole process (which ever one that may be) to make sure you are part of every developmental milestone. So, if your story or ideas are based on yourself, a pet or a family member, just send me a photo and I can interpret this into your designs.

I believe that keeping things personalised, original and simple is the ultimate key to a successful working relationship.

I have set out my standard processes below. (Please keep in mind that as I like to personalise my working relationship with every customer, some of these processes may be slightly altered to better meet your needs.)

My Process

1. Conversation

   First, with any project you are contacting me about, whether it’s illustrating for your book, a logo design, character design/s, branding or a special gift, it all starts off with a conversation about your ideas. Any form of creating and designing is a fun adventure and equally it is important that I have a good understanding about your needs, desired results, focus and intent. Whilst this can be done via emails, I would much prefer a conversation in person, over the phone or via Skype to get a better feel of the project.

2. Deposit

   Once the initial conversation about your project has taken place, I will send you a contract detailing all aspects of the project. One week prior to the start date, a 50% deposit will also be required at this stage, preferably via BACS (bank transfer). Once payment has been received, I will begin working on your project on the date agreed.

3. Getting started

   Before I begin putting pen to paper (so to speak), I will need to be provided with ALL the details regarding your project. For all book types this will include: A copy of your proof-read typed story or manuscript (I can recommend a proof-reader if you haven’t been able to achieve this) and a descriptive paragraph for the back cover if you have also included the ‘book cover’ package. Please also inform me of any ideas of how you want your book to look, how you want your characters to look (if you have any), what art style you prefer and any other ideas you feel are important. I will also need to know at this point if you have any illustrative restraints, or anything that you definitely don’t want. For special gifts, logo design, branding, and character design this will include: The return of a completed, specific questionnaire that I would have emailed you following our conversation, detailing / confirming all your requirements.

4. Storyboard or sketch building

   This is the point of no return! For all book types I will be sharing a storyboard and rough sketches of the book layout, colours, styles, character designs (if requested) and any other important pieces of the project. We can discuss your suggestions and feedback as it is really important that everything is correct at this stage. I will not be able to make any illustration changes free of charge after this point as it would require a complete re-paint. There is no such thing as being “too honest.” The more open and honest you are with me, the more successful your project will be because you’ll be happier with the end results. It is really important that you make clear any changes you would like to make before we move on to the next stage. For special gifts, logos, branding, character design and any other creative projects I am working on with you, the same rules as above apply. The only difference being is that I will be sharing sketches and detailed explanations of your project rather than a storyboard.

5. Development of illustrations, artwork and designs

   This stage is normally the part that takes the longest! This is when I begin to really bring your project to life, using a mix of colour, a dash of creativity and a whole heap of imagination. At the beginning of this stage I will advise you of an approximate time scale of when you can expect your project to be almost complete. The time scale for this stage can range between 1 – 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of your requirements.

6. Building and refining

   For all book types, this stage involves sending you watermarked artwork of all images designed for your project, for your approval. This is also referred to as the revision stage. This process can take several weeks, depending on the extent of your required changes. For special gifts, logos, branding and character design, this stage is where we really refine the detail of your project. I will be asking questions at this stage such as; what medium would you like your artwork to be printed on? Would you like me to recommend a reliable printer? Would you prefer to be sent the files in your choice of format and size by email only?

7. Payment, final files and artwork 

   Once I have completed your project in full, and before the release of any work, the remaining 50% payment will be due. Payment would be expected to be paid in full before any work is released. Upon receipt of that payment I will send you the complete, finished proof/s of all artwork completed for your project, using your preferred format; PNG, JPEG, etc. by email. If requested for your artwork to be printed on to an item, framed, or hand crafted on to canvas, your project will be posted to you directly, and an email with be sent to you with an estimated delivery time. Also, following payment, the copyright of all the artwork belongs to you! As an added bonus for customers working with me on books, once you have paid me for my work, I do not charge you any ongoing commissions on book sales.

8. Final Edits (for authors only)

   For all book types. If you have chosen to work with Book Brilliance Publishers (the company that I am affiliated with) to publish your book, I will pass you over to them to start putting everything together, to create the finsihed product. However, I will still be on hand, should you require my assistance for any further illustrative advice or guidence. 

If you are happy to go ahead, please see below a typical variation of time scales: 

• Books: 1 – 2 months* 
• Logo design only: Up to 1 month*
• Character design: Up to 1 month*
• Special gifts: Up to 1 month*
• Branding: 1 – 3 months*
• The printing process and delivery can take extra time depending on the printer or publisher you use.

* Please bare in mind, some projects can exceed these time scales, depending on the complexity of your requirements.

Pricing

Have you ever heard that saying, ‘if you have to ask how much it cost, you can’t afford it!’

Well, thankfully I don’t work like that. I believe full transparency is key to building good, trusting and lasting relationships with customers. Pricing is outlined in the grapth provided, so you can trust that there will never be any hidden costs that trip you up down the line.

Please be aware that prices can be subject to change depending on the complexity of the project. However, there will be no hidden or added costs/ charges once a contract has been signed by the client and T.Clark.