Step 1: Reach Out

The first step in working together is reaching out via email. Here’s how to ensure a smooth start:

What to Include in Your Email:

1. Your Name and Contact Information:

   • Share your full name and the best way to reach you (email, phone, etc.).

2. Brief Description of Your Project or Service Request:

   • For illustration services: Include what type of illustration you need (e.g., mural, portrait, graffiti, lettering).

   • For administrative services: State whether you're seeking consulting, mentoring, teaching, or workshop creation.

3. Available Times for a Consultation:

   • List at least three dates/times that work for you to meet.

4. Timeline Expectations:

   • Be specific about when you need the project completed (e.g., “by March 15th” or “within 6 weeks”).

5. Personal or Business Use:

   • Let me know if this project is for personal enjoyment or commercial/business purposes.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have reference materials or visual inspiration, feel free to attach them to your email. These could be photos, sketches, or even a Pinterest board!

Step 2: Consultation

Once I’ve received your email, I’ll respond within 48 hours to confirm receipt and schedule a 30-60 minute consultation. This meeting is essential for us to align our visions and plan the project.

What Happens During the Consultation:

1. Discussing Your Vision:

   • We’ll dive into the heart of your project. I’ll ask questions about your goals, the message or emotion you want the piece to convey, and any specific ideas you have.

2. Reviewing Reference Materials:

   • If you’ve shared reference images or inspirations, we’ll go through them together to ensure I understand your style preferences.

3. Finalizing Details:

   • We’ll clarify the project timeline, materials needed, color palette, dimensions, and overall scope of work.

   • For administrative services, we’ll outline the deliverables and discuss your specific needs.

4. Budget Confirmation:

   • I’ll provide a breakdown of costs, including the total project fee and deposit amount.

💡 Pro Tip: This is your chance to ask any questions or share concerns. Collaboration is key!

Step 3: Deposit

After the consultation, I’ll send you an invoice for the 33.4% deposit, which is required to:

• Lock in your spot in my schedule.

• Cover initial design work (e.g., sketches, drafts, or preparing materials).

• Protect both parties by ensuring mutual commitment to the project.

Payment Details:

• Payment methods will be shared in the invoice (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, etc.).

• Once the deposit is received, I’ll begin the preliminary work on your project.

💡 Why Is a Deposit Necessary?

• The deposit ensures that your project gets the time and attention it deserves. It also compensates me for the preparation and design phase, which is critical to the success of the final piece.

Step 4: Contract Signing

Before any major work begins, we’ll sign a straightforward contract to ensure transparency and protect both parties.

What’s Included in the Contract:

1. Project Scope:

   • A detailed description of what you’ll receive (e.g., dimensions, materials, number of revisions allowed, etc.).

2. Deadlines and Deliverables:

   • Clear timelines for when drafts and the final product will be completed.

3. Payment Terms:

   • Deposit amount, remaining balance due dates, and accepted payment methods.

4. Cancellation and Refund Policy:

   • Terms in case you or I need to cancel the project.

💡 Pro Tip: Read the contract carefully before signing, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any section.

What Happens Next?

Once the contract is signed and the deposit is received, I’ll get to work on your project!

• Illustration Services: I’ll begin sketching and provide updates at agreed milestones for your feedback.

• Administrative Services: I’ll draft plans, documents, or frameworks as discussed during the consultation.

Together, we’ll create something amazing that you’ll love for years to come. Ready to get started? Let’s turn your ideas into reality! Email me at [your email] to begin your journey.

What Does “Scope” Mean in the Commissioning Process?

In the context of commissioning a project, scope refers to the full outline of work required to complete the project, including all its elements, boundaries, and deliverables. It defines the "what," "how," and "when" of the project to ensure clear understanding between you (the client) and me (the artist or service provider). Here's a breakdown of what scope entails:

Scope in the Commissioning Process

1. Project Goals and Vision

   • The scope specifies what the project aims to achieve. For example, if you’re commissioning a mural, the goal might be to create an engaging visual centerpiece that reflects your brand or personal style.

2. Specific Deliverables

   • Deliverables are the tangible or visible outcomes of the project.

     • For an illustrative mural, this might include a wall-sized painted artwork with specific themes or colors.

     • For mentoring or workshops, this could include lesson plans, materials, or skill-building exercises.

   • The scope ensures clarity on exactly what will be delivered at the project’s completion.

3. Boundaries and Limitations

   • Scope also defines what is NOT included in the project. For instance, if you commission an illustrative portrait, the scope might specify that it does not include additional background elements unless agreed upon during the consultation.

4. Timeline and Deadlines

   • The scope outlines when key milestones will be completed, such as:

     • Draft sketches

     • Midpoint reviews

     • Final delivery

   • This ensures the project stays on track and aligns with the client’s expectations.

5. Revisions

   • The scope includes details on the number of revisions allowed. For example:

     • “This commission includes up to 2 rounds of revisions on the initial sketch.”

   • This prevents scope creep (the addition of tasks or changes not agreed upon) and ensures mutual respect for time and resources.

Why is Scope Important?

1. Clarity

   • It eliminates ambiguity, so both parties are on the same page regarding what the project will and won’t include.

2. Protects Against Scope Creep

   • Without a clear scope, clients may unintentionally request additional work outside of the original agreement, which could delay the project or result in extra costs.

3. Efficient Use of Resources

   • A well-defined scope ensures that time, materials, and effort are directed toward achieving the agreed-upon outcome.

4. Establishes Accountability

   • Both the client and the artist/service provider have clear guidelines to refer to throughout the project.

5. Simplifies Contract Negotiations

   • A clear scope makes it easier to draft a contract that outlines deliverables, timelines, and costs, reducing the potential for disputes.

Scope and Deliverables in Action

Here’s how scope applies to specific services I offer:

• Murals:

  • Scope might include wall dimensions, themes, style (realistic or abstract), and installation time.

  • Deliverables: Completed wall mural with agreed-upon color scheme and finishing details.

• Illustrative Portraits:

  • Scope could outline the portrait size, medium (digital or traditional), number of subjects, and inclusion of any background details.

  • Deliverables: High-resolution digital file or framed physical artwork, depending on the agreement.

• Workshops:

  • Scope might specify the number of participants, duration, materials provided, and workshop objectives.

  • Deliverables: Lesson plans, handouts, and a completed creative project for each participant.

Oh! Yes, consultations are free. A free consultation allows potential clients to explore our services without financial commitment, reducing any anxiety or hesitation and building trust. Clients can determine if the artistic style, skills, or approach of the studio align with their vision and needs. Even if your project isn’t fully fleshed out and thought through, we encourage potential clients to reach out and see if our vision for the project and future projects align. Ask questions, gain clarity on how commissions work, and better understand timelines and deliverables for your projects. By scheduling a consultation you can get a roadmap of what to expect, including pricing, materials, and collaboration opportunities. You may receive preliminary ideas, suggestions, or advice that help you refine your project goals, even before committing to the service.