WHILE THE CONCEPTUAL NEEDS of each client and each project can differ greatly, the process of commissioning illustrations remains fundamentally the same.


The initial information required is the scope of the project. Typically, a project's scope involves:

  1. ‣The subject matter or idea that needs to be conveyed

  2. ‣The size of the printed or finished artwork

  3. ‣Whether the art will be full color, black & white or any  variation

  4. ‣The project’s schedule or timeline

  5. ‣The rights licensed

AFTER A DIRECTION based on a rough concept has been approved I move on to the finished sketch stage


To create a finished sketch I will gather models, props, costumes or any other photo reference the project requires.


The finished sketch stage is drawn to scale and shows exactly what the finished art will look like including composition, pose, facial expression and costume. Finished type will also be placed in the finished sketch if my studio is handling the design. In other situations the finished sketch can be handed off to a designer for type placement.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

UPON THE CLIENT’S APPROVAL of the finished sketch I move on to painting the finished art. Once the final illustration is completed it is carefully packaged (either physically or digitally) and shipped to the client.

Finished Sketch

Finished Art

ONCE THESE DETAILS have been discussed I then move on to the rough concept stage. These drawings are done to scale and explore various way to approach the project. I typically offer my clients three options at this stage, although some projects may require more or less options.


Feedback from the client is encouraged at this stage and alterations are easily accommodated.