Infrequently Asked Questions
How do you produce your work?
Depending on the type of artwork I'm producing, this usually varies, but here is a very basic overview of the steps taken to produce a coloured illustration.
The first step is to draw really rough sketches. These are on cheap paper, very scribbly, and can usually only be deciphered by me! Once I've nutted out the final composition, I'll render a more polished sketch onto proper art board.
Then it's my favourite part - the inking. Using a good old fashioned brush dipped in india ink, I go over the sketch, finshing with the black and white artwork. If I'm not scanning it, I'll clean up any marks or wayward lines with opaque white ink.
Usually I will then scan the art into the computer, and clean up the linework in Photoshop. If it's needs colour, I do this here as well.
If you'd like more infomation, I outlined the process in this article to view (PDF, 656kb) in Digital Media World magazine, or check out my illustration process overview.
What materials do you use?
I use Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencils (2B) and Rotring Rapid Eraser B20 for sketching. My paper depends on whether it's for illustration or animation (ie. opaque or semi-transparent). My general nice paper is Windsor & Newton Smooth Surface Cartridge Pad (Heavy Weight). It's almost card, so it can take lots or rubbing out of lines without degenerating. For animation, I'll use a good bleedproof like Letraset or Canson.
For the inking I use Roymac 3550 Golden Sable brushes (mostly sizes 0 and 1, but sometimes 2) almost exclusively. Windsor & Newton Black India ink is my ink of choice, as others seem a bit watery. I've heard that they use a drying agent of some sort, so you must make sure to keep your brush wet. I rinse it after every minute or so, otherwise the brush gets clogged.
For lettering and general non-brushed lines I use the good old Artline 210 Medium (0.6) and a Copic Marker. I also use an Artline Drawing System (0.3) for detailing and touch-ups
Hardware-wise, I'm currently using a Microtek 9800XL A3 scanner, and a Wacom Intuous 3 drawing tablet.
How much do you charge for your services?
Every project is different, so it is impossible to set out standardised pricing.
Generally, the complexity of the piece, plus the file format will affect the pricing. For instance, in most cases vector art is more labour intensive to produce than raster art. This is because I work on paper first, and have to convert the raster image to the vector form. This usually involves going over most lines by hand again, thus taking a lot more time.
If you are interested in hiring me, please get in touch to discuss your project individually.
I would like you to produce some graphic work for me. What do you need me to supply you with before you start work on the project?
You will need to supply me with a creative brief, no matter how large or small the project. If you are unsure of what this is, or how to do it, please read my tips on writing a design brief.
Our company is looking for an animator/artist/coffee boy... will you come work in our office for a period of time?
Sorry, I cannot. Due to my regular magazine illustration commitments, and other ongoing work, it is impossible for me to devote that much time to one client.
Can I visit your studio?
In the interest of public health and safety, it is not advisable. Plus, you would have to get past my vicious attack dog.
My uncle/aunt/mother/father/boss/etc is having a birthday, and I'd like to get a cartoon drawn of them. Is that something you do?
While I'm not strictly a caricaturist, I will assess individual projects. If I feel I can capture their likeness, I will accept the job. Please bear in mind that my price will be higher than the guys that do it on the street. If you are on a small budget, I suggest you search them out!
I’m a cartoonist groupie and am attracted to you through your artwork. Are you single?
Yeah, right. And no.
Is it mandatory to have joke questions in FAQ’s these days?
Yes, but not in 'IAQ's.
