Q.How do I commission a cartoon?
Q.How much will it cost?
Q.How long will the project take?
Q.What happens if i want a ‘Cartoon-Cature’?
Q.How do I pay you?
Q.Who owns Copyright?
Q.I've used the Cartoon as agreed, but now want adapt it and/or use it again. What should I do?
Q. How do I commission a cartoon?
A. It’s all very straightforward. I won’t be surprised if you already have a good idea of what you want, nor will I be phased should you come to me with a blank canvas. However, it will be to your benefit to talk openly about what you are thinking - and why.
This exchange of ideas can be as simple as a conversation on the phone, online or in person, but the more information you can give me, the better the result you’re likely to get. I’ll also need to know where you plan to publish the work and its physical dimensions in order to give you an accurate quote at the start.
Having agreed the brief I will proceed to explore various design options as initial concepts. You'll be involved in helping to choose which one goes forward for more development.
I use a great piece of software called skitch which enables me to take a quick screenshot and upload it to a private URL. This is great for us to be able to send it back and forth to refine your artwork until it is finished.
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Q. How much will it cost?
A. Aaah well then… *strokes chin*, the quick and simple answer would be; “it depends on what you want, and what you are going to use it for.”
I know that really wasn’t the answer you were looking for but prices will always depend on the size and complexity of the commission, number of illustrations required, where they will be published and for how long they are going to be used. Sound complicated? Well not really. Read on…
For smaller companies or individuals that do not need extensive development work or corporate scale art work, but still need files for print (such as sole traders, amateur sports clubs etc.): logos can range from £60 up to around £250 depending on complexity.
Small cartoon graphics for web only (72ppi RGB GIF/JPEG) could be anything from £30 to £100… or up to £1000’s for say, an entire printed publication.
The pricing for the same piece of artwork could vary depending on its intended purpose, therefore, you can see it is not possible to give an exact price menu without discussing your brief first.
I always quote an estimated price before work begins so you know exactly what you are getting, and how much it will cost!
By primarily using vector-based software to achieve a highly polished finish for all commissioned artwork, there will be no additional charges for trivial alterations or for coloured artwork, (as oppose to black and white) as it is all created in the same way.
The beauty of my technique also allows me to re-visit your archived commissions and make small alterations quickly and easily. I could also enlarge a piece of artwork that was originally intended for a small web logo to the size of the side of a building if required… so no job is too big or small!
If you decide you would like to re-use, or adapt a piece of artwork that you have previously commissioned then this may incur additional fees… this is where the more complicated bit of talking copyright, extended licences and intellectual property comes in…
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Q. How long will the project take?
A. Again, this depends on the individual project.
I can create illustrations for most deadlines, but of course with larger projects, more time is required to deliver a finished piece.
I always do my best to give a clear idea of how long a project will take before any work begins and I am practiced at working to tight deadlines. However, if an overnight/rush service is required an additional fee will be added.
Finished artwork can be supplied in a number of high-resolution digital formats, including both vector and bitmap solutions, or provided or as hard, printed copy.
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Q. What happens if i want a ‘Cartoon-Cature’?
All my caricature illustrations are created by first sketching the person/people to be drawn from a couple of recent and close up, (Preferably smiley!) photographs sent either by post or as e-mailed JPEG’s. (The more photo’s from different angles the better - but don’t worry they will all be returned to you if sent by post!). Remember I can only draw from what is in the photograph.
The more information you can give me about any specific details you want the better. Attention to detail always enhances design.
I will send you a sketched proof for approval and as soon as you’re happy, I will transform it into a computer generated image and add the colour. Prices start from £60.
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Q. How do I pay you?
A. I can accept a payment in whichever way is the most suitable for you, well… pretty much! Bank transfers, cheques and cash are all fine and I will on occasion even accept payment via Pay Pal for a small additional fee. (Which covers Pay Pal’s commission charges).
For new clients & larger commissions I also prefer 50% of the agreed fee to be paid upfront upon acceptal of the project, (Signing of agreement), and the remaining balance to be paid upon completion.
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Copyright, Licenses, Intellectual Property Rights … and all that jazz.
Q. Who owns Copyright?
A. In short, copyright belongs to, and is retained by me (the artist), unless specifically assigned to another person or body, in writing.
The drawing itself can be sold, or given away, but generally speaking the artist always retains copyright where each design is ‘licensed’ for the commission purpose.
In accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988:
‘Copyright is a right granted to creators under law. Copyright in all artistic works is established from the moment of creation - the only qualification required is that the work must be original. The copyright owner has the exclusive right to authorise the reproduction (or copy) of a work in any medium by any other party. This includes storing a work in electronic form. Any reproduction can only take place with the artist's consent. Permission is usually granted in return for a fee, which enables the artist to derive some income from the use of his or her work by others. Permission to copy must always be sought from the artist.’
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Q. I've used the Cartoon as agreed, but now want adapt it and/or use it again. What should I do?
A. Giving permission to individuals or companies to reproduce an illustration is known commonly known as granting a license.
Cost and usage terms will usually confirmed in writing at the time of agreement.
If you would like to re-use a piece of artwork then simply let me know what extra purpose you want to use it for - such as additional publicity material, reprinting of a booklet, or marketing material for another country etc. and in most cases this will just simply require and extended license which will simply be a percentage of the initial fee.
Unlimited licences will be considered whereby my signing over IP rights, but this is dependent on the individual commission.
Useful links:
Business Link
The AOI
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