Frequently Asked Questions | Pricing + Policies
Can I get an art donation for my upcoming event?
I am committed to supporting my community and especially love contributing to efforts supporting environmentalism and education. The most common methods of support include donating artwork to fundraising events and leading art workshops for non-profits. Very limited custom illustration or logo work is possible with enough advance notice.
Please note that I field a lot of requests for donations, free workshops, and custom illustrations. As much as I’d love to say yes to everything, I’m only human and I still need to run my studio in a way that pays the bills. Getting your requests in as early as you can increases the probability that I’ll be able to fulfill your request, however, if I’m already overcommitted please try again in the next year.
Can you do a pet portraits?
It’s such an honor to be asked to paint portraits of your beloved animal family members, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my past work on so many furry friend paintings. As the scope of my work is constantly growing and changing, I’ve been transitioning away from pet portraiture. Fortunately, there’s a lot of really incredibly talented local artists here in Santa Cruz that I can recommend— please check out Suzy Rad Arts if you’re looking for a portrait!
Will you design my wedding invitations?
Firstly, congratulations! I sure do love weddings. Designing wedding invites can be a pretty time-intensive and expensive project. At this point, I’m only able to accept a limited number of very straightforward and simple invite projects, starting at $1500.
As an alternative: consider commissioning a small custom illustration that could be incorporated into wedding graphics at your own discretion. (See Custom Illustration inquiries for pricing)
Can you do a custom illustration for me?
The short answer: yes, but… how long can you wait? My project list is comically long (think: one of those CVS receipts that just keep going). My availability fluctuates seasonally (February through July is generally more available). Projects with a solid deadline preferred. Pricing ranges based on size, style, and time frame, but as a general frame of reference:
small (6x9” or smaller): $120-$250
medium (8x10” to 11x14”): $250-$400
large (larger than 11x14”): $500+
I have an idea for a business, will you design my logo?
No. BUT! I will tell you that I had to force my fingers to type those two letters. I hate saying no to fun stuff— it was a real wrestling match.
I love turning ideas into visual representations, but the level of commitment from initial concept to finished logo takes a lot of time, and currently I don’t have the bandwidth to explore new logo projects.
What I can do that may help:
- If your vision for a logo includes an illustration/stand-alone image, you can commission just the artwork from me. (See above, re: custom illustrations) You’ll need to work with another graphic designer or use your own know-how to incorporate it into its final destination(s).
-If there’s an existing artwork of mine that you’d like to use as part of your logo or as part of your supporting business materials, we can talk about licensing it.
- If you want help dreaming up some sort of visual concept for a logo, I would be happy to sit down and do a session of visual brainstorming and design advice. Whatever we come up with, you’ll still need to work with a graphic artist/designer or execute the idea on your own.
A logo/design brainstorm meeting runs $90 (1.5 hours).
How much is a mural?
I have limited windows for mural installation throughout the year. I’m open to doing both indoor and outdoor spaces, although as a single operator, I prefer smaller-scale projects. My mural rates vary based on size, intricacy of design, and difficulty to install. To get a general idea of price, I use a base rate of $35-40/square foot with a $1,000 minimum.
Also worth noting: When working large-scale, my style best comes across in single, isolated images— more than hyperrealistic scenes/landscapes.
Can you design a tattoo for me?
My friends, I’m always honored to be asked to design something that would permanently be on your body— and at the same time, I’m always hesitant to say yes. Tattooing is an art form unto itself, and as I haven’t had the pleasure of learning how to wield a tattoo machine or needle (yet?!), I don’t feel confident in how anything I design on paper may translate onto a human body with totally different tools and techniques.
That being said:
If there’s an existing piece of my art that you connect with and want to get tattooed, I ask the following:
- Find a tattoo artist who you’re confident in and who is excited/comfortable working in the style of the art you’ve chosen.
- Let me know/ask me permission to use my art. It’s common practice for artists to sell “tattoo tickets” to be compensated for their art use as tattoos— at this point, I'm not asking for compensation but I would like to know who is permanently wearing my art!
Thank you especially to Kristen Ashley for offering me advice about the art of tattooing. Definitely check out her work and consider commissioning a tattoo direct from her!