Experience has shown that each assignment includes many unique factors. 

A review of the potential project between the client and Elizabeth Whelan is the only way to obtain a satisfactory estimate of time and price.

This can easily be done over the phone or via email. A cost estimate and proposal will be submitted upon request.

Factors to consider are:

Concepts and roughs, color comps, production and mechanical needs, final art format, materials and print costs, delivery of art, pre press approvals, date required, rights to be purchased, use of artwork, royalty agreements.

Please provide as many details of the job as you can for the most accurate estimate.

NOTE: deadline needs are factored into pricing. Favorable pricing is given to those projects that can be worked into the existing schedule, whereas immediate deadlines will incur higher charges.

Although she greatly appreciates your interest, at this time Elizabeth Whelan works exclusively with publishers who hire her to illustrate specific manuscripts they are interested in printing.

However, there's an article on Hiring an illustrator for a children's book in the Resources section of this site. This may provide you with some useful information as you look for illustrators for your story!

The portrait process typically begins with a phone call, during which fees, size, subject matter and schedule are discussed. Elizabeth then makes arrangements to meet with the subject in person, followed by a photo session and often some quick sketching in oil or conte crayon. This meeting usually takes a few hours, and is important to the success of the final painting.

When Elizabeth is back in her studio, she selects a number of the photographs that she believes will combine to create the best composition, and has the client approve the general direction. A rough oil sketch may be produced at this time if there is complexity to the portrait, otherwise Elizabeth proceeds with the portrait, sending a digital image to the client when the portrait is 75% complete.

Changes and adjustments are made at this time, and the portrait is taken to completion. If necessary, a final sitting is arranged. Upon viewing of the final painting client satisfaction is paramount.

Pricing is determined by the pose, size of canvas, and complexity of the scene. Visit the Portraits page on this site for more specifics, and call or email Elizabeth to discuss your details for a firm quote.

Travel, framing and shipping costs are in addition to the portrait price.

Terms for payment include a deposit paid in advance with the remainder due upon final receipt of services. This means C.O.D., with payment being due at the time the completed art is sent to the client or when finished artwork has been delivered.

Larger commissions may be billed in phases. Regular clients may establish separate billing agreements.

Original artwork already created and available for purchase requires payment in advance of shipping.

All assignments and financial agreements will be confirmed in writing. Payment for all services is due upon receipt of the artwork in final format (on CD, via email or FTP, receipt of the painting, etc.) in all cases unless other arrangements have been made.

A finance charge will be incurred for all invoices not paid by the due date as stated in the invoice. Please be sure to ask for details about payment arrangements if necessary.

All work created by Elizabeth R. Whelan, including the website content/art, is original and protected under current copyright law (with the exception of the items used by permission, in which case the correct copyright line has been indicated). The wave logo is both trademarked and service marked. Unauthorized use for business or commercial purposes constitutes copyright infringement and is liable to prosecution.

All work presented for client approval and the rights to use of that art belong to the artist until paid for by the client per agreement. At no time is this artwork available for use by any other party unless agreed to by Elizabeth R. Whelan expressly and in writing.

For more information on copyright and ethical issues, please visit the US Copyright Office:

http://www.copyright.gov/