Illustration & Graphic Design Services

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I am mostly hired to create dynamic illustration for small businesses, but I also am known for helping clean up and organize marketing materials.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Look for a consistent portfolio to ensure that the person has solid skills (and a style in line with what you're looking for). It is also helpful to see some of their sketches from previous jobs to confirm their talent and
get a glimpse into their work process.

If someone's prices seem really cheap, chances are high that they're using clip art or templates or cutting other corners that will result in less-than-custom work.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. It's totally okay to not like something at the sketch stage. Sometimes ideas sound good but don't flesh out on paper. A designer or illustrator is not a mind-reader, so any feedback you can provide--even critical--helps him create a final result you'll be happy with!

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My work is clean and finely detailed. I can successfully execute a variety of subject matter and adjust my style to satisfy audiences of any age range (pre-Kindergarten through adult humor, even technical illustration).

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love that this profession can cover so many subjects. I can glance at my computer and drafting table and see cute bunnies next to creepy sci-fi monstrosities.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Two questions I almost always get are:

- How much does it cost?
- Will I get to see it before it is finished?

The more information you can give me about your project, the more accurately I can quote it. Estimates (estimated total, with final cost possibly less or more) and quotes (final, solid price guaranteed to be invoiced) are based on time and materials. The more info you provide upfront, the easier it is to quantify the value of my work: “I need a two-sided four-color business card with text only” is a lot more specific (and quotable) than “It’s just a business card."

As for the second question, yes! Any professional should be able to show you some visual support of their work, whatever stage the project is in. It is helpful to both vendor and client to see where things are headed to get the best possible outcome for your needs.

For other general questions, please see my FAQs: http://www.danielgrantillustration.com/los-angeles-illustrator/index.php?/-faq/

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. The computer does not do all of the work. It is a tool. So many amateurs have pirated software, unlicensed images, and other unethical components to their work--some knowingly, some not. I have schooling, professional experience, and a solid work ethic (which means I do not steal copyrighted materials like so many hobbyists and amateurs do, potentially creating liability issues for their customers).

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I always had the eye and patience for illustration and design. Even though I was into singing, acting, and playing an instrument, I knew that art and design was something I'd not only enjoying doing forever, but also a viable career skill that would only get better with time.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I created all of the full-page illustrations for a 33-page picture book (ABC Scream, It's Halloween) in under two months. That is fast for sketches, a round of revisions, finished art, scanning, digital cleanup, and production.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. My wife is in a closely related field, so we are always sharing developments and hints, trends we've noticed, and what we’re working on--all of which helps us keep our work fresh, professional, and accurate.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Technology is finally on the verge of successfully mixing computer input with hand-created effects. (A particular example is the use of a Cintiq tablet monitor with Photoshop and Painter.) In addition, the affordability and accessibility of printing on the web make today an excellent time to self-publish original books and other materials.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. What started out as a simple spot illustration for a theater company's poster turned into a large-scale project comprised of posters, postcards, ads, program, website graphics, and more. I provide ongoing support by regularly creating suites of materials for the company’s productions.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. Flat-rate pricing is for a three-step production process. For X, you get a sketch/rough drawing, one round of revision, the final art/design.

Most projects require more development and additional rounds of revision, which is why I charge an hourly rate. A flat-rate proposal can be made, based on the estimated number of hours.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Spend more money on quality equipment and tools, rather than on schooling. Excellent books are better than most teachers (in this field of study)—and they sit on your shelf and wait for you to need them again.

Equally important: Never do speculative (free) work. If you have skills and respect yourself, you should be fairly compensated for your time, effort, and creativity.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. I am a skilled, professional illustrator and designer—and easy to work with.