What is a commissioned artwork and why would I want one?
A commissioned artwork is one where you, as the client, direct the artistic vision. Unlike an art print or an already existing original artwork, a commission allows you to personalize the artwork to your specific wants and needs. You collaborate with the artist in the creation of the piece by providing your preferences on aspects like the subject matter, color scheme, and/or style. The result is a one of a kind artwork which you can be proud to say that you had a hand in making. While something off the shelf may be perfect at times, nothing beats working with an artist to create something unique, personal, and meaningful for you.
What kinds of commission work do I provide?
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Medical Art & Scientific Illustration: Working together with an artist, especially one with a background in scientific and medical illustration, is the best way to make sure you are getting exactly what you need from science visuals. As an artist with a background in medical art, and experience in science communications & education, I am equipped to help you communicate your complex scientific topics to a wide range of audiences, from healthcare students & professionals, to the average patient.
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Anatomy Art & Cosmic Imagery: Looking for something more expressive? Maybe with some floral elements and galaxies of stars? I also specialize in artwork juxtaposing anatomy with cosmic imagery and botanical motifs. These make great gifts for anatomy lovers and witchy people alike. I've gotten some requests to depict a specific medical condition via this subject matter as a form of expressive visualization, and those always have a powerful impact for the client. Whatever you have in mind, I am more than happy to discuss how to make your ideas come to life.
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You can see anatomy art examples here, and some non-anatomy illustrations here.
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Character Design: A passion of mine since I was a child, my character design style is variable, and I love depicting complicated fantasy characters. You've got a cool character idea? Let me at it! Got a D&D or other fantasy character concept? Does it involve fire or some kind of natural element? Please, let me draw it.
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You can see character design examples here.
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Graphic Design: Logos and other branding graphics are my specialty here, and I am also experienced with designs for printed materials.
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You can see graphic design examples here.
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So, what's the process for commissioning custom work?
How do you go about commissioning art? It’s much easier than you may think. All you need is an idea. It can be extremely broad or as specific as you like. My job as the artist is to guide you through the process (and, of course, make the art) in a simple but comprehensive journey, much like how the scientific method guides scientific discovery. Our collaboration will happen in 5 steps:
STEP 1: Initial Consultation
Usually taking place over the phone, by email, or via zoom/skype, the initial consultation provides me with what I need to get an idea of what you're looking for, which then allows me to provide you with a price estimate for the project. This is where we discuss what you would want in the image: are you looking for a detailed medical illustration of cardiac pathology for a research grant or an image to get a better glimpse at your own chronic illness to reference when friends and family ask about it? Are you looking for branding graphics for your small business? Or perhaps you just want your favorite original character brought to life?
This consultation is also when we would discuss a time frame and deadlines, what style and media you’d like, as well as the size and color palette to compliment the space it’s going into, or the emotion you want it to express.
STEP 2: Concept Sketches
Sometimes, you just have to see an example to really know what someone is thinking.
I provide some initial sketches and color tests before starting the final image to ensure that we are both on the same page and there are no surprises when the piece is finished.
STEP 3: Making the Art!
Throughout the creative process, I provide images and updates to the client, as it’s often possible to change the image as I go, particularly in the beginning stages. Digital media is particularly forgiving in making changes along the way, although the traditional media I use is a little less flexible, so it’s important that any changes be requested early on for traditional media commissions. For digital artwork, we can agree on specific deadlines for the alteration rounds that are included.
STEP 4: Final Touches & Delivery
Once the artwork is finished, we can make any final adjustments to meet the clients’ need. At this stage, it is usually slight tweaks as the previous steps should allow for effective collaboration. This usually takes place over email or video call, so we can discuss specific changes while both viewing the artwork.
Once the artwork is finalized, I will deliver it to the client depending on the media type. For digital pieces, I will email a high quality JPEG & PNG file for printing and web purposes. For traditional media pieces, I will seal the artwork with a fixative, package it, ship it, and provide display tips and aftercare details, if applicable.
The traditional pieces come with at least one extra surprise bonus!
STEP 5: Follow-Up
I like to follow-up with my clients after three months or so, just to check that they are happy with the artwork and get their feedback. This also allows me to refine the journey for other clients and make sure that I am always offering a high-quality experience.
How long does it take?
Each piece of artwork is personalized and individually created, so there is no specific time frame. In the initial consultation we can agree on deadlines for each step in the process. Typically though, a digital artwork will take less time than a traditional media piece.
How much does it cost?
The price will depend on the subject matter, time spent on the project, it’s size and the medium used. I will calculate this based on the initial consultation and provide a fixed cost to you before we begin. The only time an additional cost may be added is for additional alterations for digital pieces outside of the included 3 alteration rounds, which is outlined below. The prices that I charge are roughly as follows (all estimates in USD):
Medical Art, Scientific Illustration, Anatomy Artwork, & Cosmic Imagery:
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Digital media artwork A: $150 - $300
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and up to 3 rounds of alterations.
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Each additional round of alterations would be an extra $50.
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Digital media artwork B: $300 - $600
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and up to 3 rounds of alterations
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Includes a physical high quality print of the work at 8.5 x 11inches (letter size).
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Each additional round of alterations would be an extra $50
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Traditional artwork-mixed media or watercolor 9 x12 inches: $300 - $400
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The artwork is on paper and sealed with a fixative to protect it from smudging and long-term damage.
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Includes a surprise extra!
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Traditional artwork-mixed media or watercolor 11x17 inches: $400 - $550
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The artwork is on paper and sealed with a fixative to protect it from smudging and long-term damage.
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Includes a surprise extra!
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Traditional artwork-mixed media or watercolor 16 x 20 inches: $550 - $700
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The artwork is on paper and sealed with a fixative to protect it from smudging and long-term damage.
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Includes a surprise extra!
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Traditional artwork-mixed media or watercolor 18 x 24 inches: $700 - $900
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The artwork is on paper and sealed with a fixative to protect it from smudging and long-term damage.
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Includes a surprise extra!
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Traditional artwork-mixed media or watercolor 22 x 30 inches: $1,000 - $1,250
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The artwork is on paper and sealed with a fixative to protect it from smudging and long-term damage.
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Includes 2 surprise extras!
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Traditional artwork-mixed media or watercolor 32 x 40 inches: $1,300 - $1,500
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The artwork is on paper and sealed with a fixative to protect it from smudging and long-term damage.
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Includes 2 surprise extras!
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Character Design & Character Drawing:
Working with clients to bring their characters to life has always been a secret passion of mine. All of my character drawings are completed as full - color digital illustrations. Prices for this depend on the number of characters, complexity of the character, and if a background or additional details are needed (like pets or a vehicle, for example). Below are some price estimations, but prices may vary for your specific project, depending on the complexity.
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Character Portrait/Bust: $30 - $40 per character
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One character shown from the shoulders-up, fully colored.
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and 1 round of revisions
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Each additional round of alterations would be an additional cost, depending on the complexity of the edit.
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Waist-up: $40 - $50 per character
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One character shown from the waist-up, fully colored. Character would be cut off at the hips.
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and 1 round of revisions
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Each additional round of alterations would be an additional cost, depending on the complexity of the edit.
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Full Body: $50 - $60 per character
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One full-body character, fully colored.
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and 1 round of revisions
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Each additional round of alterations would be an additional cost, depending on the complexity of the edit.
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Additional Assets: $10 - $30 per addition
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Includes adding a background, any pets/familiars, mounts, or other complicated additional items.
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Logos, Graphics, & Branding:
Working on branding materials for small businesses is always an exciting challenge. I try to keep the logo process to no more than 2 weeks, but it really depends on the amount of revisions the client requires. Pricing for logos depends on the complexity, and is roughly as follows:
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Simple Logo: $100 - $200
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Simple logos are either just initials or very simplified imagery, and have a simple 1 - 2 color palette.
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and up to 3 rounds of alterations.
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Each additional round of alterations would be an extra $50.
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Moderately Complex Logo: $200 - $300
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Moderately complex logos can include text and imagery, are usually still fairly minimal in complexity, and can include up to 3 colors.
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and up to 3 rounds of alterations.
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Each additional round of alterations would be an extra $50.
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Complex Logo: $300 - $400
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Complex logos incorporate text and imagery, can be quite intricate, and can have more color variety
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and up to 3 rounds of alterations.
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Each additional round of alterations would be an extra $50.
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Logo & Graphics Package: $500 - $1000
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This includes a logo, watermark, and go-to wallpaper graphic for cohesive branding across platforms. The complexity will determine the base price.
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Includes high quality digital files for print and web usage (PNG & JPEG), and up to 3 rounds of alterations.
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Each additional round of alterations would be an extra $50.
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