Custom Toonz’ F.A.Q 


Q.How do I commission a cartoon?
Q.How much will it cost?
Q.How long will the project take?
Q.What happens if i want a ‘Cartoon-Cature’?
Q.How do I pay you?
Q.Who owns Copyright?
Q.I've used the Cartoon as agreed, but now want adapt it and/or use it again.

Q.I’ve just started a band/book/business and know it’s going to a big deal. Can you provide some illustrations/sketches and take a share of the profits? There will be lots of future work in the pipeline too which can only be good for your reputation over the years!

Q.I am looking for an illustrator to revamp our business. I’m not sure what I want, but since you’re the expert, I’ll leave it to you to propose. Could you show me some mockups of what you have in mind and if I like your work, I will hire you for the job?

Q.Are there any Terms and Conditions?


Q. How do I commission a cartoon?


A. It’s all very straightforward. I won’t be surprised if you already have a good idea of what you want, nor will I be phased should you come to me with a blank canvas. However, it will be to your benefit to talk openly about what you are thinking - and why.

This exchange of ideas can be as simple as a conversation on the phone, online or in person, but the more information you can give me, the better the result you’re likely to get. I’ll also need to know where you plan to publish the work and its physical dimensions in order to give you an accurate quote at the start.

Having agreed the brief I will proceed to explore various design options as initial concepts. You'll be involved in helping to choose which one goes forward for more development.

I use a great piece of software called skitch which enables me to take a quick screenshot and upload it to a private URL. This is great for us to be able to send it back and forth to refine your artwork until it is finished.

Finished artwork can be supplied in a number of high-resolution digital formats, including both vector and bitmap solutions, or provided or as hard, printed copy. If you only want a digital version, you can pretty much have your artwork the moment it is finished as I will provide you with a password to download it instantly! Cool eh?
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Q. How much will it cost?
 
A. Aaah well then… *strokes chin*, the quick and simple answer would be; “it depends on what you want, and what you are going to use it for.”

I know that really wasn’t the answer you were looking for but prices will always depend on the size and complexity of the commission, number of illustrations required, where they will be published (Is it for personal, or business use?) and also for how long they are going to be used. Sound complicated? Well not really. Read on…

For smaller companies or individuals that do not need extensive development work or corporate scale art work, but still need files for print (such as sole traders, amateur sports clubs etc.): logos can range from £120 up to around £500 depending on complexity.

Small, personal commissions could be anything from £30 for a simple sketch, up to £1000’s for say, an entire polished printed publication or a mural.

The pricing for the same piece of artwork could vary depending on its intended purpose, therefore, you can see it is not possible to give an exact price menu without discussing your brief first.

I always quote an estimated price before work begins so you know exactly what you are getting, and how much it will cost!

By primarily using vector-based software to achieve a highly polished finish for all commissioned artwork, there will be no additional charges for trivial alterations or for coloured artwork, (as oppose to black and white) as it is all created in the same way. (Regardless of physical size).

The beauty of my technique also allows me to re-visit your archived commissions and make small alterations quickly and easily. I could also enlarge a piece of artwork that was originally intended for a small web logo to the size of the side of a building if required… so no job is too big or small!

If you decide you would like to re-use, or adapt a piece of artwork that you have previously commissioned then this may incur additional fees… this is where the more complicated bit of talking copyright, extended licences and intellectual property comes in…
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Q. How long will the project take?
 
A. Again, this depends on the individual project.

I always do my best to give a clear idea of how long a project will take before any work begins.

Please bear in mind that currently, my competitive prices are based upon my working your freelance cartoon job around an In-House Graphic Design job with a local company. I can usually accommodate most deadlines, but I’ll always initially ask you for your preferred date of completion. This will initially determine if I can actually take on the job for you. Don’t be afraid to try me though... If I can’t take your job on, it’s often that I know someone who can!
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Q. What happens if i want a ‘Cartoon-Cature’?

All my caricature illustrations are created by first sketching the person/people to be drawn from a couple of recent and close up, (Preferably smiley!) photographs sent either by post or as e-mailed JPEG’s. (The more photo’s from different angles the better - but don’t worry they will all be returned to you if sent by post!). Remember I can only draw from what is in the photograph.

The more information you can give me about any specific details you want the better. Attention to detail always enhances design.

I will send you a sketched proof for approval and as soon as you’re happy, I will transform it into a computer generated image and add the colour.

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Q. How do I pay you?
 
A. I can accept a payment by bank transfer, or cheque. On occasion even accept payment via Pay Pal for a small additional fee. (Which covers Pay Pal’s commission charges).
 
IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, I’ve been badly stung in the past by dishonest clients taking advantage of my trusting nature. Therefore I have had to make it strict policy for new clients & larger commissions to pay 50% of the agreed fee upon acceptal of the project. This will secure your time booking and take you through the concept stage. (Please keep in mind that bank transfers can take a few days, as can signing agreements (which can be done digitally to save further time delays).

Once you are happy with the concept work, the remaining invoice should be paid before I spend time polishing and completing your commission. If, as a first time client, you feel unhappy with my interpretation of your brief at any time, we can work out a refund determined by the stage we are at.


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I’ve just started a band/book/business and know it’s going to a big deal. Can you provide some illustrations/sketches and take a share of the profits? There will be lots of future work in the pipeline too which can only be good for your reputation over the years!

A. No, sorry.

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Q. I am looking for an illustrator to revamp our business. I’m not sure what I want, but since you’re the expert, I’ll leave it to you to propose. Could you show me some mockups of what you have in mind and if I like your work, I will hire you for the job.

A. I understand you want to find the right illustrator for your project, however AIGA, one of the largest and oldest professional associations for design, strongly discourages the practice of requesting that design work be produced and submitted on a speculative basis in order to be considered for acceptance on a project.

It has been known that some clients believe ‘drawing pictures’ for a living has little value and have subsequently no respect for the expertise and time spent in learning the profession. If you like my work, then please respect the exchange it deserves. Many clients who request spec work only do so to then give that artwork to someone else who will “finish it for free” leaving the original artist with no compensation for their time and efforts. Respected designers and artists will always unite in belief that requesting work for free demonstrates a lack of respect for the designer and the design process.
More information on Spec Work can be found at http://www.no-spec.com/. 

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Copyright, Licenses, Intellectual Property Rights … and all that jazz.

Q. Who owns Copyright?

A. In short, copyright belongs to, and is retained by me (the artist), unless specifically assigned to another person or body, in writing.

The drawing itself can be sold, or given away, but generally speaking the artist always retains copyright where each design is ‘licensed’ for the commission purpose.

In accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988:

‘Copyright is a right granted to creators under law. Copyright in all artistic works is established from the moment of creation - the only qualification required is that the work must be original.  The copyright owner has the exclusive right to authorise the reproduction (or copy) of a work in any medium by any other party.  This includes storing a work in electronic form.  Any reproduction can only take place with the artist's consent.  Permission is usually granted in return for a fee, which enables the artist to derive some income from the use of his or her work by others.  Permission to copy must always be sought from the artist.’
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Q. I've used the Cartoon as agreed, but now want adapt it and/or use it again. What should I do?

A. Giving permission to individuals or companies to reproduce an illustration is known commonly known as granting a license.

Cost and usage terms will usually confirmed in writing at the time of agreement.

If you would like to re-use a piece of artwork then simply let me know what extra purpose you want to use it for - such as additional publicity material, reprinting of a booklet, or marketing material for another country etc. and in most cases this will just simply require and extended license which will simply be a percentage of the initial fee.

Unlimited licences will be considered whereby my signing over IP rights, but this is dependent on the individual commission.

Useful links:

Business Link
The AOI

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Terms & Conditions

All content on this website is copyrighted material, and may not be reproduced or imitated in whole or in part. Unless otherwise stated, I will keep the right to display the outcome of any design order. If you need a Non-Disclosure Agreement signed by myself this must be discussed before our quote is given as it could change the price of the service.

Refund Policy. If any work fails to meet your approval, please contact me within 48 hours to formally request a refund. This will be determined by the stage we are at. As a condition of receiving the refund, you must destroy/delete any previously designed images provided by And’ertoonz, including any parts you have approved. After that I will retain all rights of the designs, including the right to re-sell.

And'ertoonz also reserves the right to refuse any order at any step of the commission, and can refund you at any stage and keep all rights of the designs.

Andhertoonz’ reserves the right to modify these terms, conditions, and notices at any time, and such modifications shall be effective immediately upon posting of such changes. You are therefore responsible for regularly reviewing these Conditions of Use and additional terms or notices posted on this website. Your continued access of this website shall be deemed your conclusive acceptance of the modified agreement.
Revision: April 2010