FAQs
Graphic Design FAQs
FAQ: Why should I pay a professional designer to design my logo?
I’m going to use the metaphor of a book to talk about your business. Think about it: your logo is the cover of your business. It’s the first thing people see and remember you by. And people do judge a book by its cover; you only get one chance to make that first impression. Do you want to entrust that first impression to a soulless machine or a five-legged monkey with crayons?
Illustration FAQs
FAQ: Will you illustrate my children’s book?
I would love to, but you probably don’t want me to. Let me explain. If you are planning on sending your manuscript out to major publishers, they don’t want you to have an illustrator – that’s part of their expertise, matching up manuscripts with illustrators. So, if you are planning on getting published the traditional route, don’t worry about finding an illustrator. Write the best story you can, and the rest will be taken care of by professionals in the industry that do this every day.
FAQ: But what if I want to self-publish my children’s book?
If you are self-publishing, then, yes, I will gladly illustrate your book. Before I can give you a quote, I need to know a few things:
1. How many pages do you plan on the book having?
2. Do you have the page breaks worked out with where you would like the illustrations? If so, are you flexible to any changes?
3. Do you want me to do just the illustrations, or do the design and layout, too? (I prefer that if don’t already have someone else lined up)
4. Is there any particular piece(s) of art on my website that you like the style of for your book?
5. Do you have a deadline in mind? Is this a hard deadline (and if so, what is driving it), or is it flexible?
6. Do you have a publisher lined up?
7. Have you ever worked with an illustrator before?
8. What (if any) books have you gotten published already?
9. Are you a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)?
FAQ: I have some ideas and sketches for my look. Will you work with these?
I see this process as a collaborative process. I will gladly look at your inspirations and ideas during the reseach stage. During the creative stage, I ask you to let me work my magic and do my own thing. Clients often report that my designs and illustrations capture things about their businesses that they could never have imagine!
FAQ: How long will the whole process take?
Illustrating a typical 32-page picture book takes me approxmately 6 months. And that’s if everything goes smoothly.
FAQ: Do you have any advice for anyone interested in writing and/or illustrating children’s books?
Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. I think SCBWI is the best organization for anyone interested in children’s publishing. If you’re serious about publishing your work, join – the fee is worth it.
General FAQs
FAQ: Who is this redheaded stepchild I have been hearing so much about?
That cheeky girl you see at the top of this page is my alter ego. The redheaded stepchild voices my quirky, artistic, oddball side – that side we all have. She unapologetically embraces all those qualities that make creatives extra fantastic. Oh, and she reigns over my blog!
FAQ: Can I have the recipe for your delish chocolate chip cheesecake?
Errrr. Yes, but then I would have to kill you.