In this first stage, we discuss your project in more detail so I can understand it better.

You might already have a very clear idea of what you need, or you may simply know that you want to communicate something visually and would like support in shaping the direction. Both approaches are absolutely welcome.

To move forward during this first contact, it will be helpful to have an idea of:

• What you need and how many pieces (an infographic, a series of illustrations, visuals for a scientific publication, communication materials for your organization, etc.)
• Who it is for (your audience)
• Where it will be used (web, publication, exhibition, etc.)
• Whether you have style references (these can be examples of my work or other images that help explain what you are looking for)
• Whether you will provide visual references (for example, for specific species, processes, or objects)
• Approximate size or format
• Your timeline

💡 You don’t need to have everything fully defined from the beginning, I can help you shape it.

Based on this information, I will send you a proposal within the next few days, including a cost estimate based on your requirements, along with the timeline, number of iterations, usage rights, and terms and conditions.

We can review and adjust the proposal if needed. Once approved, we move forward with the project.

Once the proposal is approved, we begin the working process.

Before starting the draft, it is helpful to finalize key details so the process can move smoothly. This includes:

• Confirming if there are specific species, processes, or elements to be represented
• Sharing visual references when needed
• Providing the text, if applicable (ideally final or close to final, so later changes don’t significantly affect the illustration)
• Indicating any color preferences or design guidelines, if applicable

At this stage, I also carry out research to ensure accuracy and coherence with the content.

This phase includes:

• A first version in black and white
• Two rounds of revisions, where broader changes can be made

Feedback can be shared in writing or through meetings, depending on what works best for the project.

To keep the process clear and efficient, it is very helpful to have one main contact person who gathers and consolidates feedback before sharing it. This allows for a smoother workflow.

Once the sketch is approved, I proceed to develop the final colored version, which you will have the opportunity to review to ensure everything is correct.

At this stage, one round of adjustments is included and is intended for minor refinements.

If more substantial changes are needed at this point, or additional iterations are requested, these can be arranged and may affect the cost and timeline.

The final illustration is delivered in the agreed formats.

An important aspect to be aware of when working with illustration is usage rights.

These define how, where, and for how long the image will be used, and they are one of the factors that influence the project cost.

In most projects, clients work with specific usage rights, which cover agreed uses such as a publication, website, or specific communication context.

There are two main types:

Specific usage rights

• You can use the illustration only for the agreed purposes (for example: a publication, website, or specific campaign)
• If you wish to use it for additional purposes in the future, we can extend the license
• I retain the ownership and copyright of the illustration
• I may reuse the image for my portfolio or communication purposes

Exclusive usage rights

• Full rights to the illustration are transferred to you
• You can use the illustration without restrictions within the agreed scope
• Attribution is not required
• The image is reserved for your use only

For this reason, it is important to clarify from the beginning:

• Where the image will be used
• What type of usage you need
• Whether you require specific or exclusive rights

You can read more about this here: Nutzungsrechte für Auftraggebende - Illustratoren Organisation