More than Life-Size!

One of our 3D characters for an on-going project was molded into an 8-foot sculpture!

Children's Book Art

Here's one of thirteen images we did for an educational children's book. These little guys were having fun bouncing around on the moon. Initially, the kids were to be all holding hands but we had to split-up the group due to the gutter. We decided to show the rough (very rough) sketch we did and some of the spacesuit concept work. Click the image to see it larger. We'll be placing more images on the website.

Logo Selected for LogoLounge Book

Recently, I received notification that one of my logo designs was selected to be printed in the LogoLounge "Master Library" book series. Completely honored. Here's the mark I did for a series of palm games called "Aardvark Foundations".

Weekly Creative Biz Note #7

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Side of Children's Books

First of all, we're not claiming to be the guru of children's books--and we never will. We've worked on a few books with publishers and feel we have more to learn. We experience something new every time!

Let's start with the GOOD. Children's books are fun to work on. They're creative and the reward of seeing your art in the bookstore can be exciting! During the process you meet your quick deadline for the sketches and it takes the client 3-6 weeks to give you an approval. For educational books, it seems to us that the sketches hardly ever get changed (which is good). So, sometimes we go ahead and start backgrounds and a few of the illustrations to get ahead of our deadline.

Another Project to Munch On!

Recently, I've been busy working on cartoon images for Highlights PuzzleMania Magazine. Here's a small sample.

Weekly Creative Biz Note #6

Be Rid of Non-Paying Clients

I've read too many posts on artist forums concerning the evil client that would not pay-up. It's happened to most of us at least once. Grrrr! Some of those forum stories deal with an artist working on a project for a "friend". First off, don't work for friends or family. If you feel the need, then treat them as a normal client. And if they can't pay your usual fee then barter your skills for theirs.

Before you start a project provide a written statement or estimate--explaining how you work and acting as a letter of agreement.The larger the job--the more detailed it should be. If a client doesn't already have an agreement to sign, then we have them sign the bottom of our estimate. If they won't sign it--take caution!

The costs should be clear and if it changes during the project let the client know ASAP. It happens...that's why it's called an "estimate"--LOL! But be very upfront. Break down your fee into portions or milestone payments. If it's a large cost then third or quarter payments can be good...if it's a small project, then I usually receive half the money upfront and invoice the other half after they receive the files. This can be explained on your estimate. The invoice should be paid by the client within 30 days. Invoice ASAP.

If you've invoiced multiple times and you're not getting anywhere, then make a few phone calls. If that doesn't work, then small claims court may be the next step. It involves filling out forms and a small filing fee. But without a signed agreement your odds are slim. Email documents may help. As I've stated before... cut your losses, move on and take with you the wisdom of never making the same mistake in the future.

The moral to the story...get a portion of the project costs before you begin anything, push for a signature and build a good relationship with the client.

Next Friday--Weekly Creative Biz Note #7---The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Side of Children's Books
(Feel free to comment or click a reaction box)