Frequently Asked Questions

I do, but I not very often. Maybe a couple times a year I’ll open slots for a few.

My availability is determined by books and other projects I am working on and the deadlines associated with.

The BEST WAY to be notified on commissions is through my email list, or following me on my instagram.

For most of my professional work, I start off with pencils and paper, copic markers, gouache, and then finish in Procreate on a iPad Pro. If the piece requires something more, I move into Photoshop to finish.

-Pencils, I just use general mechanical pencils, usually lead size 0.5mm

-Markers: Copic

-Gouache brand I use Winsor & Newton and M.Graham.

-Ink: I kind of experiment with a lot of different types. I always go with one that is waterproof. That way it doesn’t run if I paint over.

-Paper: depending on what I’m doing I use cardstock or 140lb Arches Watercolor. Watercolor paper holds paint and ink washes better.

I take work on a case-by-case basis. Some things I consider when asked:

-Are you working with a publisher?

-Have you written and published before?

-Is my style a good fit for the story?

-What is the budget?

-What is the timeline for the book? (Do our schedules work together?)

Answers to these help me determine whether its a project I can take on.

Most of my work comes from people finding me on social media and connecting with people at conventions.

A piece of advice I would give is to contact people doing what you want to do, and get some feedback on your current work. Remember to take criticism well. You benefit from honesty, over a sugar coated compliment.

Then go to work on improving and working on the suggestions you receive.

Keep working and asking for input.

I studied at BYU-Idaho in their illustration program.

Occasionally I will open up time for people to sign up for portfolio reviews.

I’m also willing to talk with people at conventions. Stop by my booth and I can give you some feedback.

I don’t share contact information of people I work with.

HOWEVER, connecting with publishers is easier than it sounds. I met some of the companies I am currently working on at Comic Conventions.

There are a lot of events that companies will send editors to in order to engage with authors and their audiences.

If you’re an artist, come to conventions with a SHORT synopsis of your story, and some example pages of art. Art that shows your ability to tell a story (or whatever position you are wanting)

If you’re an author, be prepared to share a SHORT pitch, with example work. Keep it short: 15-20 seconds, Is what I’ve been told.

They also are told not to take any work from you, so also ask for contact information if they seem interested.

Draw. Or write, if that’s what you’re going for. Either way, the best advice I got was to just take a project and finish it.

Someone who has worked hard and taken a project from concept to finished product has a lot more leverage than someone with only ideas.

Make something that shows you can do it.