Welcome to the Online Art Portfolio of Shannon Parish, Cartoonist, Illustrator, Graphic Recorder

Contract for specific illustrations or original cartoons

Often a customer has a specific need or character in mind.  Choosing existing clipart or cartoons sometimes doesn't  work for a new project, and so they call me to consult with them regarding creating a new piece of artwork or cartoon.  If you don't mind the image being resold, then you save money.  If you want artwork that will be original to your product and own all rights, then your investment will be higher.  Copyright and licensing is negotiable when you have a win/win outcome in mind.

Call me at 1 (720) 295-7409   Contact Form

Come up with Ideas

Consider your target market and your message.  Age, income and message content determine not only whether or not you will use artwork - but what kind of artwork, where and many. go here for ideas ... or call me for a creative consultation. 

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Understand Pricing

Artwork, whether it is an illustration or a cartoon is priced per usage, not per item like something you would buy off the store shelf. go here for more information ...

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Understand Licensing

Per usage, work for hire or royalty free? If it's per usage, then you are licensing it for a specific purpose. Understand your terms and what type of licensing is involved. 

Visit the following websites for additional information:

Graphic Artists Guild
90 John Street, Suite 403, New York, NY 10038-3202, 212-791-3400

National Cartoonists Society: c/o Bruce Beattie, President
344 Brown Pelican Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32119-1398 (904) 767-0657

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
22736 Vanowen St., Suite 106, West Hills, CA 91307 (818) 888-8760

American Institute of Graphic Arts
164 Fifth Ave., NY NY 10010 (212) 807-1990

Sample licensing information

Getty Images has a fine selection of photographs, illustrations and film.  After searching the Internet for concise wording describing licensing and limitations, I've found their description to be the best.  You may visit their licensing page by going to: http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/home/license.aspx  You will also gain a much greater understanding of the value placed on original and stock art.

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Plan Your Time Line

Drawing, painting and creating artwork takes time. First there is the conception, then there are sketches and editing. Once editing is final and you are happy with the initial sketches, then your artwork can be inked and colored. How much time it will take depends on your project, the amount of detail that will be required in your artwork and how many edits are needed. 

You can save time by cutting out details.  Obviously each detail creates a different piece of artwork - but you can even start with the pencil sketch.  Some clients fall in love with the initial sketch and want to stop there.  Some prefer line drawings only, some want shadows added.  Then of course, there are the colored pieces - and beyond that are adding shadows, patterns and additional details.  The amount of time needed for your project depends on your needs.

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Plan Your Budget

If you are writing a children's book, understand that the artwork that is included in your book MAKES your book a hit. Plan according to your commitment to your project.  If you don't care about sales and profit, then it won't matter as much when you spend a little less on your project.  But if you are committed to your project and care about sales, then planning ahead is vital.

The value of an audience 'getting it' when you show a cartoon or illustration during your motivational speech gives you a greater value to your client.  Cartoons in workbooks, illustrations in manuals and presentation cartoons engage more of your audience in your message.  There's always a higher return when you are willing to invest ahead of time in your project - and in your clients understanding of your message.

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Negotiate

Contracts can be negotiated.  Win/win outcomes always provide the happiest results.

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Fundraising with Art Prints

Contact me about your fundraising project.  Whether its my pen-and-ink-stippling-prints or a custom cartoon, people love to support special projects while receiving something back in return.  It gives them a good excuse to make that final decision to invest or support your endeavor.

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