Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in my services? Below are some popular questions I get asked on a regular basis. If your questions are still not answered here feel free to drop me a line. We’ll talk.

What goes into the design process?

The design process can be quite simple, yet complicated at the same time. The basic structure is broken up into these steps:

  1. Assess the client’s needs—interviews, questions, discussions.
  2. Create a project timetable—expectations of when certain items are due.
  3. Mind explosion/exploration—the step where I throw all ideas onto the table—everything from the obvious solutions, to the deeper concepts. Coffee is usually quite heavily involved. The client rarely sees this part of the process.
  4. Initial concept development—I create one or two comps (or directions). I submit these to the client for discussion. Client will choose one.
  5. Comp revisions—I make my revisions based on client feedback.
  6. Submission of second-round comp
  7. Final delivery

Each client project is different, but that’s the general development process. Individual projects may (and will) vary.

What’s the standard turn-around time?

The standard turn-around time varies from project to project. With projects requiring heavy concept development (i.e… logos, branding, mascots, etc…) the typical turn-around time can range from days to weeks (or more). The one thing I need to stress heavily is effective design takes time—usually days, not hours.

How much do you charge?

This is a hard question to answer without knowing the full scope of your project. I’d be happy to discuss your project in detail and provide you with a full quote. Send me an email at Josh@ClelandIllustration.com or fill out my contact form. Let’s talk.

I have the full Microsoft Publishing suite and Photoshop. I’ll just design my own stuff.

Good luck! Having the tools does not make a good designer. I won’t get into the argument about Microsoft products not being industry-grade, because that is not the point I am trying to make, here. Becoming an effective graphic designer takes practice and knowledge in layout, aesthetics, marketing, color theory, and more. A well-designed logo is priceless when marketing your business. If you only spend $100 on a logo, it will show in your returns.

Illustrator/designer extraordinaire, Von Glitschka, has an excellent blog post discussing this topic in detail. I highly recommend the read.

I have a really cool idea for a children’s book but don’t have much money to hire an illustrator. Will you do the illustrations for royalties when it starts selling?

Most big-name book publishers find their own illustrators to match the stories. They are experts at this sort of thing. If you were to submit a story already illustrated, chances are the publisher will look at you as an ;amateur ;and toss you aside (even if the story is fabulous). ;Even if they did accept your story, more than likely they would want to hire their own illustrator, throwing away all you illustrator’s hard work. This means you throwing away thousands of dollars (assuming you paid your illustrator industry-standard rates).

This is only the tip of the iceburg. I could go on and on. Instead I’ll direct you to a blog post by David Billings that discusses this topic in much greater detail and clarity.

That said, if you are considering self-publishing and would still like to hire me I would be happy to discuss your book project further. I’ll give you a quote based on our discussion. Just drop me an email at Josh@ClelandIllustration.com. Keep in mind that hiring a professional illustrator (one who actually knows what they’re doing) to illustrate an entire book is a BIG deal, and your investment will likely be in the thousands.

I’m thinking about hiring you, but could I see some comps first?

I have provided a wide variety of work samples in my portfolio. You should be able to get a good sense of my capabilities there.

What’s your favorite kind of pizza?

What does pizza have anything to do with graphic design/illustration?

Are you single?

Nope. Sorry ladies. I’m happily married. (Okay, so no one really asks me that, but I bet they’re thinking it.)