Elizabeth Whelan answers your questions about the
illustration and portrait process, pricing, terms, and more!

ELIZABETH'S WAVE LOGO

She never knew her wave symbol would become so popular! Read
more about the design and it's influences in her blog entry here.

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THE DESIGN PROCESS

How Elizabeth creates her designs from concept to creation:
see a t-shirt design take shape by clicking here!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is Elizabeth Whelan?
What types of artwork can Elizabeth Whelan provide?
Can I hire Elizabeth Whelan to illustrate my book?
What is the work process for illustration and for portraits?
How is pricing determined for illustration and for portraits?
What payment terms are available?
Copyright information.

Who is Elizabeth Whelan?

Elizabeth Whelan is an artist with many years of experience in commercial illustration and design. She has expanded upon natural abilities by working as an illustrator and graphic designer in different aspects of the commercial art world, and also by painting fine art portraits in oils.

She is working from an island off the coast of Massachusetts, however despite the remote location business continues as usual; the internet has made doing business across the globe as easy as it would be on the mainland. Elizabeth can be reached at her studio by calling 508-560-0083 or by email (see link at the top of the page).

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What types of artwork can Elizabeth Whelan provide?

Elizabeth Whelan can provide many traditional and digital art services.

She is often sought out for the distinctive illustration styles she offers that enhance many types of projects from book, newspaper and magazine editorial work to packaging design, advertising, promotional materials and logos.

Traditional illustration is done in gouache, lino and wood block printing, oils and pen & ink. Digital illustration and design is done using the latest version of the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as Painter and is available in a final digital format compatible with the needs of your printer.

Portraits are created using the finest oil paints on portrait quality linen canvas.

Original artwork for commission or purchase is created using watercolor/colored pencil, gouache, oils, wood and lino block printing, and pen & ink.

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Can I hire Elizabeth Whelan to illustrate my book?

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!

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FOR ILLUSTRATION:

Elizabeth Whelan and the client determine the nature of the project including approval stages and final submission format, the due date, and the terms and conditions. A contract or letter of agreement is sent by Elizabeth to the client outlining these details, with a price estimate and other information pertinent to the project. For new clients or large projects a deposit is required before work begins.

Rough sketches or concepts are provided initially to solidify the direction of the project. Email provides an efficient method of communication as the project transitions to a finished piece.

Upon final approval of the piece, the files are sent to the client via email, CD or are made available on her FTP site. If the piece includes spot colors, Pantone Matching system color information is included as are any specific notes for the printer.

Elizabeth Whelan can continue to communicate with your printers and assist in the final product proofing if that is so desired.

FOR PORTRAITURE:

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 charcoal. 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.

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FOR ILLUSTRATION:

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.

FOR PORTRAITS:

Pricing is determined by the pose, size of canvas, and complexity of the scene. Please call or email Elizabeth to discuss details.

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

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What terms are available?

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 disk with the completed art is given 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.

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All work created by Elizabeth R. Whelan, including the website design and graphics, 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/

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PREVIOUS STUDIOS

Elizabeth is now working from her home studio in the Elizabeth Islands (yes, that's a real place!), but she has found that people are often curious to see her previous work areas!

Her most recent studio on Martha's Vineyard was located in Vineyard Haven at Five Corners, across from the Black Dog Tavern. Watch Elizabeth's Open For Business ad on PlumTV and her interview on 'This Week on the Vineyard' (May take a little while to load - requires high speed connection.)

Before moving to Martha's Vineyard, Elizabeth had a studio located at the old flour Mill in St. Michaels, Maryland. Take a tour of the Mill and the studio by clicking here.