- Do you illustrate books for FREE and share future profits?
Nobody likes talking about money, especially right off the bat, but this is a question I'm asked a LOT! The simple answer to this is NO! Whilst I would love to offer my services up for free, the simple reality is...... I can't. Like most of us, I have a family to support and bills to pay, and just because I draw pictures doesn't mean it's an easy or fast process. In fact, illustrating what seems like a simple book can take many months to complete, and illustrators (just like any other working person) should be compensated fairly for their efforts.
- Will you illustrate any book?
No. I don't take on projects purely for financial reasons - I will need to love your book as much as you do! For that reason, please look at my style and see if your story fits within the same kind of theme. As you'll know, I specialise in seasonal themes and offer a child-friendly whimsical style, so if you have a similar story, then maybe I'm the illustrator for you! But if your book is about cars, technology or football, then maybe someone else would be a better choice for you and your project.
- How do I submit my story for illustration?
Once you've browsed my website, and if you think our styles would blend well, simply send me a message via the contact page. Please include a little about your book, and anything that may be of vital importance, such as deadlines, budget, etc. I will aim to respond as soon as possible, and will ask you for a copy of your manuscript. If I feel I can bring your story to life, then I will be happy to discuss the project in more depth with you.
- What materials do you use, or are your images digital?
Everything I create is done by hand - I do not use, or enjoy digital illustration. The vast majority of my work is done using traditional methods, and my medium of choice is watercolour or watercolor (for our American friends). I will occasionally use other mediums if the job requires them. My hand-painted originals are then scanned onto a computer/Mac and processed to make them 'book ready'. All of this work is completed in my studio using professional quality art materials and very high-end scanning and editing equipment. This means that you, or your publisher won't need to invest thousands of pounds/dollars having the illustrations professionally scanned or edited before they can be used for publication in books or on homeware/giftware products. The only exception to digital work are minor touch-ups or blending images together for the purposes of publication when two or more hand-illustrated images need to be combined at a later stage.
- Do you supply the 'original' paper illustrations at the end?
No. Illustrators always keep the originals. I will supply you with high- resolution, fully-edited and book-ready files for you to use on license. I'm happy to supply premium art prints (copies) for you at an additional fee. Please let me know if you'd like these in advance.
- Does a book need to be edited before it's illustrated?
Having your book professionally edited before illustrating is essential if you want the process to run smoothly. Illustrating a book before editing can turn into an expensive process. Put simply, should the edit 'change' any part of the book it can have a dramatic knock-on effect with each illustration. An example from a job I once worked on - Father Christmas was left a plate of mince pies and his favourite tipple. But the editor demanded this was replaced with a glass of milk and biscuits! This detail was in the background of many paintings which all needed to be illustrated a second time which essentially doubled the cost of the job.
- Will you layout / build my book for me?
No. This is not standard practice for the illustrator. both editing and typesetting is usually done by someone who specialises in their respective field.
- Do you offer FREE advice for authors?
If you have a simple question, I will be more than happy to answer it for you. But without wishing to sound mean, this so often leads to two questions, and two then lead to three, and I can spend hours writing lengthy emails (as I have done many times). For this reason, if you need a dedicated support package where you can ask me multiple in-depth questions on illustrating, self-publishing and related questions, I now offer a service that you can buy from my shop which will help support you in your self-publishing journey.
- How much do you charge to illustrate a book?
This will vary according to your project and your deadline. Its often best to provide me with your budget as I'm often able to suggest money saving ideas. If I'm unable to meet your budget there is no harm done! As a guide, consider that the average children's picture book takes 3-6 months of work. This includes character design, rough illustrations, final renderings and editing to make each file 'book ready'. I will also require a good period of notice for any new projects.
- Do you accept commissions?
Yes! If you'd like a one-off original illustration by me, then I'd be happy to provide you with a quote for the project.
- Do you attend events and book signings?
Yes. I occasionally attends events, such as Hallowe'en fairs, or book shops for signings.
- What do you enjoy drawing the most?
Pumpkins, mice, mushrooms, toads and autumn leaves.
- Where do you get your inspiration from?
Lots of places. Many times it will be something that I see in nature, but most of the time it is from being a dad and seeing my daughter find magic in the smallest things. I incorporate this magic into many of my personal illustrations, and it gives me ideas for my future books.
- Do you collect artwork?
Yes, I do! I'm quite selective, and mainly collect illustrations that have been published in books, or are from well-known and established illustrators. I own illustrations by Raymond Briggs, including The Snowman, Margaret Tempest, Anita Jeram, and many others. I also have work's from the design process of old books from the early 1900's and many other publishing related materials. I appreciate it's unwise to advertise what I own in case of potential theft - but they're all safely stored in specialist units away from me, and preying eyes - I keep copies for my own enjoyment.