FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Art Process
1. Pencil Sketch (on paper). I explore composition and pose in my sketchbook.
2. Import to Procreate. I refine lines and lock in the design.
3. Flat Color. Establish palettes and clear shapes that read at a glance.
4. Shading & Lighting. Add volume, depth, and attention-guiding contrast.
5. Textures & Patterns. Gentle grain, fabric textures, and pattern details to add interest.
6. Final Polish. Global color tuning, contrast adjustments, and any titles or type if it’s a cover.
7. Export & Delivery. Print-ready and web-ready files as needed (e.g., high-res PNG/TIFF, CMYK/RGB).
Collaboration Process
(For Authors & Publishers)
I’m a friendly and organized collaborator focused on clear communication
and reliable delivery. Here’s my process:
1. Inquiry & Fit
You'll share a short project summary, age range, page count, timeline, and any style notes. If it’s a picture book, 2–3 sentences about the story are perfect.
We’ll confirm scope and timing.
2. Scope, Quote, & Timeline
I’ll provide a tailored estimate covering deliverables (e.g., number of illustrations, character designs, etc.), schedule, and revision rounds. You’ll also see file formats
and hand-off details.
3. Agreement & Deposit
We sign a simple, professional contract before work begins. A deposit/retainer secures the calendar (50% upfront / 25% midway / 25% on final). We can work out adjustments for what fits your project best.
4. Pre-Production
We align on visual direction: key references, character notes, palette preferences, and any layout considerations. If needed, I’ll create a few character explorations first.
5. Character Design (Foundational Style Development)
After gathering any necessary character design details, I’ll develop the main character designs. This includes:
• A character turnaround sheet (front, side, and back views)
• A character expression sheet (key emotional expressions)
• Notes on proportions, clothing, and distinguishing features
Included revisions: Up to 2 standard revision rounds to finalize and approve characters.
*Additional revisions are welcome and billed hourly.
Once approved, character designs are locked and used consistently
throughout the project.
6. Storyboarding
I'll draft a rough sketched storyboard concept based on the established details to get an idea for visual flow and storytelling.
Included revision: 1 standard round at this stage for focused feedback and adjustments.
*Additional revisions are billed hourly.
7. Sketching Phase
I'll deliver initial sketches. Sketches are sent in batches of four (pages) to confirm they align with your vision.
Included revision: 1 standard round at the sketching stage for focused feedback and adjustments.
*Additional revisions are billed hourly.
8. Lining (Clean Line Art)
Once sketches are approved, I refine them into clean, final line art. Linework is delivered in batches of four pages to confirm accuracy, clarity, and consistency before rendering.
Included revision: 1 standard round at the lining stage for focused feedback and adjustments.
*Additional revisions are billed hourly.
9. Coloring, Shading & final details (Midway)
At this stage, I apply base color, shading, lighting, texture, and final details to fully render the illustrations. To confirm final visual direction, only the first two fully rendered illustrations (pages) are sent for review at this stage. Once these are approved, I complete the remaining illustrations to match the approved style.
Included revision: 1 standard round for the first two illustrations (pages) for focused feedback and adjustments.
*Additional revisions beyond this are billed hourly.
10. Final Delivery
You'll receive organized, high-resolution files in agreed formats (print-ready and web-ready). I’ll provide a simple usage summary so you know exactly what’s covered.
11. Rights & Licensing
Artwork is created digitally in Procreate. Standard exclusive commercial license covers agreed-upon uses (e.g., book interior, cover, marketing). Full copyright transfer and expanded merchandising rights are available upon request and quoted separately.
12. Communication & Feedback
I keep you updated at each milestone and gather feedback with clear prompts, so decisions are easy and the schedule stays on track.
13. Professional Basics
Contract: Signed before work begins.
Payments: Via Paypal; invoices provided.
Revisions: Standard revision rounds are included at key stages (Character Design, Storyboarding, Sketching, Lining, & Coloring, Shading & Final Details); extras are at
an hourly rate.
Schedule & Holds: Dates are secured after the deposit.
Kill Fee: If a project is canceled after the start, a standard kill fee applies based on work completed.
Credit: Please credit “Illustration by Sage Thurston.”
Ready to collaborate?