HISTORY
As a creative outlet, I’ve been drawing caricature illustrations for people for the last few years. What was once a pen to paper art medium is now offered as a digital product.
When I started drawing back in 2014, I was a working mom of one kiddo with a full time nanny. Lots of opportunity to spread out the art and shipping supplies and orchestrate a full studio setup!
I tried the digital medium in 2017 when it started to become popular but I just couldn’t bring myself to figure out the program and the transition to a fake pencil was frustrating so I put it down and went back to the paper and pen.
In 2018 with a toddler and a pre-kindergartner at my heels, I felt a call to spend more time with the kids. However, with a 5 and 2 year old, the art supplies proved to be an immediate trigger of stress as markers and pens would disappear at any moment and as with any toddler who wants to “help,” stray pencil and pen marks would show up on canvas of my works-in-progress. After a valiant effort to continue for my clients, I eventually packed up the art studio and into the attic it went.
December 2018, I finished all our Christmas shopping and wrapping really early! With a couple weeks of unplanned free time, I decided to try my hand at digital drawing again. By the grace of God, it clicked and the program was practically second nature.
PRODUCT
Today, I create digital illustrations that works for managing family life and client work. My schedule is still at the mercy of our family schedule and the ability for my kids to play nicely with one another.
I use a pixel-based program for drawing. The final product is typically created on an 11×14 inch digital canvas which means it will print clearly up to and including 11×14 inches. Some clients have printed it as large as a mural size (although I’m unsure of the printing quality). If you have a specific size you need, let me know in your inquiry and I’ll let you know if I can accommodate your request.
I can deliver the illustration in a few different formats: JPG, PNG (with a transparent background), or PDF. Keep in mind, this is a pixel-based image and not a vector so enlarging it past it’s actual size (11×14) could result in a loss of quality or pixelation of the illustration.
TURNAROUND
To avoid letting anyone down in the case that my turnaround time is a little longer than expected, I don’t take deposits. I want people to be free to find alternative solutions if I’m running behind. For this reason, I only take payment when I begin to actively work on the client’s project.
Depending on the details of the project, it can take anywhere from 4 days to 4 weeks to complete your art. In rare instances, it could take longer, but I do my absolute best to keep clients informed if I’m running behind.
WAITING LIST
Since I don’t take deposits, I try to keep a running “waiting list.” This is essentially a list of people who, after I’ve given them a specific quote, have given me the green light to proceed.
I work my way down the list in the order the requests are received. Sometimes people change their minds by the time I get to their name so I plow through the list a little quicker than normal.
Once in a while, I get a project that is really intricate and it takes a little longer creating a bottleneck in the queue.
I do try to work on 2-3 illustrations at a time so I can toggle between clients as I’m awaiting their approval for proofing.
PRICING
For current pricing, shoot me a message over on Instagram at @motleyillustrates and I’ll be happy to send you all the details.
PROCESS
In short, the process looks a lot like this: 1) payment, 2) submitting your reference photos, 3) brainstorming to finalize the overall plan, 4) proofing (delivered in a series of 3 proofing opportunities along the way), and 5) delivery of the final illustration.
FAQ
Do I draw straight from a photo?
No, 98% of the illustrations I create are a product of our imaginations so I’m definitely not limited to direct replication of a photograph.
Can I pick the outfits I wear?
Yes, I can dress the subjects in any outfit! Sending over screenshots of google stock images, Pinterest ideas, or clothes from your own closet is helpful for me.
Can you help color coordinate the illustration?
Yes, I’ll send you a link to a Pinterest board where you can choose from a ton of curated color palettes so you know the colors you choose will look good together.
Can I make changes to the illustration after you’re done drawing?
Sometimes, it depends on what kinds of changes. Color changes, yes. Position changes, typically not. Adding people, pets, or backgrounds is usually possible.
Where should I print my illustration?
I recommend online companies such as mpix.com. There are hundreds of companies to choose from!
Where do I order cards with my illustration on them?
Online printers such as Shutterfly, Minted, Tiny Prints, etc will allow you to upload your illustration and give you a visual proof where you can test out all their templates to see how your art will look!
How do I order?
Hit me up on Instagram and don’t be shy! Follow up with me as necessary; sometimes messages get overlooked so I apologize for delays and sincerely appreciate your patience as I navigate the balance between being a good mom and a good small business owner.
How do I pay?
I accept payment via Venmo or PayPal.
